2008 WAC Football Predictions & Team Previews


August 26, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

The WAC produced another BCS bowl bid last season as the Hawaii Warriors went undefeated in the regular season led by Colt Brennan at quarterback.  But an embarrassing 10-41 loss to Georgia in the Sugar Bowl will make it tough for a team from the WAC to be selected to represent the conference again in a 2008 BCS bowl game.  This is still one of the most talented conferences in the country and Boise State, along with Hawaii, have put the WAC on the map.  Is it Fresno State’s turn to win the conference?  Find out below as the Info Plays team gives their 2008 WAC football predictions ranked No. 1 through 9.

1.)  Fresno State

A plethora of starters are returning on both sides of the ball for Pat Hill’s crew.  Fresno State always seems to find a way to lose league games and it really shouldn’t this season.  Hill will break through to overcome the Bulldogs’ nemesis in Boise State and win this coveted WAC title in 2008.

2.)  Boise State

The Broncos get to play the top league contenders at home this season.  It’s hard to say if the new recruits fit comfortably into Boise State’s plans, though.  No matter how you shake it, the Broncos are always there in the end and will challenge Fresno State.

3.)  Nevada

QB Colin Kaepernick and RB Luke Lippincott can handle the pistol offense.  But a shutout loss at the New Mexico Bowl last year created some doubts about the Wolf Pack.  Nevada can handle the league’s best on any given weekend, but most certainly not all of them.

4.)  Hawaii

The Hawaii defense will actually be the star of the show this season with Brennan gone.  Far too many key offensive players, and June Jones, have left the island.  If the Warriors find a way to score points in bunches, they could contend again with the defense leading the way.

5.)  New Mexico State

Quarterback Chase Bolbrook is the one to watch this year in a pass-happy league.  The Aggies will struggle if their defense can’t stay in step with their offense.  Coach Hal Mumme might have the league’s best offense, but his defense still needs a lot of work.

6.)  San Jose State

Dick Tomey welcomes back several starters capable of being difference-makes on this squad.  With a new quarterback, it might take time for the Spartans to find themselves offensively.  San Jose State could finish higher if they can find a way to win the close games.

7.)  Louisiana Tech

A transformation on defense is a positive thing for an improving La Tech program.  The Bulldogs are still several players away from making it to the top tier in the WAC.  Given a little more time, it’s possible Tech will rub shoulder pads with the league’s big boys in a year or two.

8.)  Idaho

The Vandals have a handful of players who can compete with anyone in the league.  But the team has gone through so many coaches, four in five years to be exact, and continuity is still missing.  Idaho is steill a few good recruiting classes away from being a serious contender.

9.)  Utah State

Utah State returns 16 starters, including 10 on a steadily improving defense.  The struggling Aggies have to play seven teams that took part in bowl games last season, hurting their chances of reaching a handful of wins in 2008.  Coach Brent Guy has done his best, but he can’t put together a winning program at Utah State quickly.

Get more WAC team previews from the Official Site of the Western Athletic Conference here.

Related Articles You May Be Interested In:

Filed Under College Football