Nevada Football 2014 – Better, Worse or about the Same?

OFFENSE

It could be slightly better, but depth is a critical issue and they return the majority of the same offensive linemen who struggled last season. Plus, arguably it’s top two offensive players, left tackle Joel Bitonio and wide receiver Brandon Wimberly, have moved on. In fact, three of the top five receivers from 2014 are gone (Aaron Bradley chose to transfer rather than face a possible suspension and Nigel Westbrooks was dismissed).

Three-year starting quarterback Cody Fajardo is back for his senior year and has the make-up to be an All-MWC player. Nevada must be better running the ball. The top two RBs, Kendall Brock and Don Jackson, are back, but the bigger issue was with the offensive line. Four starters return there, and coach Brian Polian was pleased with the progress of right tackle Kyle Roberts, who was inconsistent last season. There are a few players here who should push for playing time, which can help the unit develop.

Bottom line, if Polian got the same production out of his passing game and maybe a half a yard per carry more out of his running game he’d take that.

Nevada QB Cody Fajardo

DEFENSE

It should be noticeably better. The defense showed glimpses of great improvement in the second half of the season, and it returns 10 players with starting experience, nine of whom were regular starters. There is some youth in the defensive backfield, which could be a concern, but it looks to be a talented group that even has some experience.

It starts up front with the return of Des Brick Hekking, Ian Seau and Lenny Jones. Jones could start for a number of MWC teams but likely will back up the other two (and see plenty of snaps). DT Jordan Hanson has added about 25 pounds, and Rykeem Yates, a part-time starter a year ago, has big-impact potential. Bryan Lane Jr., who has played LB and S, is permanently at LB now and should help that unit, which made great strides late last season.

CB Charles Garrett, a senior and three-year starter, anchors the secondary and could be the Wolf Pack’s top NFL draft hopeful in 2015. The key here is Scott Boone, who is Nevada’s third defensive coordinator in three years. He’s not changing the basic scheme (2-deep zone, Tampa 2 principles), but will likely blitz more, which is a welcomed change.

Nevada 2014 – Better, worse or about the same as last year?

They should be better mostly because of the potential of the defense, but also because the top teams in the MWC’s West Division (Fresno State, San Diego State and San Jose State) all lost key personnel, and because the non-conference schedule, while still challenging (Washington State at home, Arizona and BYU on the road) is a bit less daunting (UCLA, Florida State and BYU) than it was a year ago.

The two big factors that will determine the team’s success are, one, it must stay healthy on offense; and, two, it must improve at run blocking. The Wolf Pack was 4-8 last season and probably should have been 6-6. I would expect them to go 7-5 this season.

Dan Hinxman of the Reno Gazette-Journal provided the information for our Nevada Football 2014 Spring Wrap Up.  For more Nevada  football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Dan on Twitter @DanHinxmanRGJ.