WAC Preview

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For 2001 All-WAC Fantasy Team:  GO

For more on these teams, see the 2000 Fantasy Info below.

For WAC schedule in 2000: GO   |   For 2000 All-WAC Fantasy Team:  GO

Team Breakdowns:

Fresno State | Hawaii | Nevada | Rice | San Jose State |  SMU  |  TCU | Tulsa  | UTEP  

WAC in 2000

It will be the Tomlinson show for the WAC this season.  With plenty of connections to last season.  Call it Chad Pennington and the MAC, 2000 version.  A lesser known conference gets a lot of hype for one of its better offensive talents, with talk about the Heisman in the preseason.

Another comparison with last year is the structure issue.  The WAC went from 16 to 8 teams last season.  A real facelift.  Then, they add Nevada this season, to get to nine, just in time to lose TCU (and probably all the hype they'll build this year thanks to the Frogs and Tomlinson) to C-USA next year.  On the positive side, they do get Boise State and Louisiana Tech to join next year, as well.  

When all is said and done, they lose one of the more dynamic talents they have in TCU, but get three of the more interesting teams in their region.  It will be a wild conference in 2001, with plenty of teams that have scored wins against top teams in other conferences, adding to their respectability.

In the end, TCU will go unbeaten and leave the WAC on a high note.  A couple more WAC teams will be bowl bound, and with the Broncos and La Tech coming in next fall, this conference is on the right track to competing in the new decade of college football.

  Fresno State Bulldogs

The offense loses half of their starters, and when that happens things look a bit gloomy to start a season.  There are some bright spots for the Bulldogs, but a couple of glaring losses. Number one being the loss of solid QB Billy Volek.  He'll be hard to replace.  He kept the team in just about every game, making few mistakes and producing when needed.  Incoming QB Carr looks good thus far, good enough for the offense to plan a one-back set and more pass-oriented game plan.  WR Smith is a talent, and look for him to be Carr's main target, especially when he's in trouble.  The running game should be solid, thanks to a decent line that has a few monster sized pieces to focus the running game behind.  

Defensively, nine starters return.  The squad should be in good shape come this fall.  The LB corps is the strongest area, backfield the weakest coming into this season.  Projected All-WAC LB Tim Skipper leads the front seven.  Look for the 'D' to be improved, which means the Bulldogs should have a solid contender for the WAC title.

That schedule is going to be brutal.  It's hard to say how a pair of poundings to open the season (Ohio State and UCLA) will affect the team's confidence and ability to then win the games they can and should.  The visit by Cal will be telling; should they rebound from their 0-2 start and play well against the Bears, they'll be up for the trip to Rice to start the WAC season.  If not, they start 0-4, and the whole season will be an uphill climb.  Nevada won't be an easy game, but they get them at home.  They'll beat UTEP on the road, and then split the next two home games with Tulsa and Hawaii.  Can they pull off an upset on the road at TCU?  f so, they should close out with wins against SMU and San Jose State.  If not, they may split those.  It's another good, but not stellar season for Fresno State.  They have enough weapons to compete with everybody in the WAC, but not enough to beat everyone.  Look for a 3-4 or 4-3 start, and with a win against either Hawaii or TCU and a strong finish against SMU and San Jose the Bulldogs will be bowl eligible.  Of course, if they win at Rice, and beat Hawaii at home, the conference will be decided by that game at TCU.  Too many 'ifs' though, we think.  We're calling for a strong season with a good finish -- a second-place tie.

To see what we said about Fresno State in the spring, click here:  GO

Hawaii Warriors

What a year it was for Jones and the rainbows in '99.  They surprised everyone with their offensive talent and the defense's ability to keep most teams down enough to pull off wins. With the loss of so much of that talent it will be hard to repeat much of last year's success.  But don't count Jones out just yet. Remember -- 0-12 and laughing stock to 9-4 and WAC co-champ in one year.

They get the mental edge that having potential-BCS game contender Texas drop them from the schedule because of worries that Hawaii will do in 2000 what NC State did in 1999.  (Well, of course, that's the unofficial word on why the Longhorns opted out of their season opener in Hawaii; officially, it was greater travel costs due to gas price increase, or something like that.  Strange, though, that after Hawaii offered to arrange travel so that the costs were at last year's prices, Texas still wanted out of this game...)

The face of Hawaii's program is changing even more this year.  They dropped the "Rainbow" portion of their team name; they are now a client of super agent Leigh Steinberg, and will have all of the looks he tells them are important; they've added another former-NFL coach, this time at Defensive Coordinator.  (The team is starting to look like San Diego Chargers, Part II; are there any more former-NFL coaches looking for a nice locale for their next coaching gig?)  

Defensively, the new top dog will have his hands full after they lose about half of that unit.  LB and DB losses in particular will be a challenge.  On the other side of the ball, the offense needs to find a new signal caller and principal RB.  Can they replace the lost starters, in particular QB Robinson.  What kind of an offense will Jones put together this season.  If they can do this, the added experience and predominance of home games on the schedule should make them bowl eligible in 2000, and the program should continue to rise.

We see another good year for Hawaii, complete with bowl game, but not the WAC title.  Plenty of home games (8) means plenty of chances to beat teams you should and upset a couple.  Unfortunately, three of the four away games are against WAC teams that will contend for the title.  If they win a pair -- or more -- on the road and shake things up in the WAC title race.  Even if the Warriors split these away games, they'll likely end up with enough conference losses to get a runner-up position for the WAC.  On the positive side, playing teams like Wisconsin and Louisiana Tech late in the year will give the program a ton of media attention, just what the doctor ordered for an upward-moving program.

To see what we said about the Warriors in the spring, click here:  GO

Nevada Wolfpack 

It's a season of change for the Wolfpack.  The faces will be much different, with most of the stars leaving after the '99 season.  Then there's the biggest change of all for Nevada in 2000 -- entry into the WAC.  Or is that new head coach Chris Tormey?  It's all new for the 'Pack in 2000, and after a 3-8 season that's probably just fine for the fans.

New head coach Tormey has done wonders at nearby Idaho, taking the Vandals to the conference title and Bowl game victory.  Now the folks in Nevada are anxious to see him do wonders with their 'Pack. It wont be easy, since their new conference, the WAC, has more power teams than the Vandals' Big West did, and thus less chances for "W"s.  

The Wolfpack return about half of the starters from each of their '99 offense and defense.   They do lose their best player in WR Trevor Insley, but they get back their next best talent, QB David Neill.  They lose their great RB Chris Lemon, too.  RB Adrien Dugas has to step in for the departed Lemon, and replace his 100+ yards per game.  Someone has to replace Inlsey, all over the field.  

Tormey has the history of doing just what Nevada brought him in to do -- turn the program into a conference contender.  If the Wolfpack can pull a couple of upsets, it can set the tone for next season.  In their first year of WAC competition they'll have to beat Fresno and Hawaii on the road, but get Rice and TCU at home.  Not a bad schedule for the inaugural year.  Of course, there are those non-conference games against Oregon, Wyoming and Colorado State that should hurt the overall record.  It'll be a tough introduction for new coach Tormey, but we look for him to use this season as a foundation for a run at the WAC next year.  They'll be 0-2 after the Oregon/TCU beatings, and then get tested against Wyoming and Colorado State, and road trips to UNLV and Fresno.  They could easily lose all of these, but have the best chances with the Rebels and Cowboys.  Then they get to the portion of the schedule where wins are more likely.  Just in time, Tormey will say, since starting your new job with a 1-5 or 0-6 record has to make you a bit uncomfortable.  The 'Pack get SMU and UTEP, games they can win, then a nice trip to Hawaii (scenery-wise, not in terms of wins, since they should get beat there).  They close with Rice (a loss) and Tulsa (a win).  Look for 2-6 in the WAC, 4-7 overall.

To see what we said about Nevada in the spring, click here:  GO

Rice Owls

We admit they're one of our favorite teams to watch, preserving the wishbone and all the college football tradition that goes with that offense.  We get to see them match up against former wishbone wonders Oklahoma, in a game that will have many Sooner faithful pining for the old days.  (Unless QB Heupel throws four or five TDs, of course.) Their early schedule will be interesting because we get to see where Rice is and also check the progress of a couple of teams whose fortunes are reported to be going up -- like Houston and Oklahoma.  

It will have to be defense first for the 2000 Owls.  They get most of the unit returning for another season, losing only three players.  LB Dan Dawson is their strength and leader on the field.  They'll be one of the better squads in the conference, and should keep a few teams in single digits.  The offense will be good, but not great.  It's hard to lose seven guys from your starting unit and pick p where you left off.  

They lose QB Chad Richardson, a huge hole for a wishbone team.  The new signal caller -- likely Corey Evans, as the remaining QBs on the roster are freshmen -- will have to get the timing and touch of wishbone quarterbacking down, and early if Rice is going to move forward as projected.  They get their running game personnel back for another year, led by RB Jamie Tyler, and look to be solid on offense (if the QB position is resolved). Look for the QB to pitch out a lot, as the wishbone tends to distribute the ball and he'll likely need time to develop his own running style; everyone in the backfield needs to have solid seasons playing their role in order for the wishbone to work.

If the Defense can keep the team in games early, and allow the new QB time to get comfortable with the offense, Rice will do well this season.  

The schedule is favorable.  If they can put up W's at home and play TCU well on the road, they'll have a shot at the WAC.  We think it's fair to say that with a new QB the wishbone will hit a few bumps in the road.  We think they'll start 1-3 or 2-2, depending on that Houston game, before beating San Jose and splitting with Fresno and Hawaii.  Then, the loss to TCU before running the last three games.  Their WAC placement will depend on the outcome of their game with Fresno.

To see what we said about Rice in the spring, click here:  GO

San Jose State Spartans

There are bright spots for the Spartans, but overall it looks like a down year.  The WAC is famous for Cinderella seasons, though, and you can't count anyone out of this conference, but San Jose are outside shots at best.

They lose their starting QB (Kasteler) so this presents a need. Marcus Arroyo has the lead in the race for that job, but it's a tentative hold at best.  RB should be their strong point, but Whitaker has to get healthy and stay 100% this year.  Even with nagging injuries last season he was stellar, and having him at full strength all season is a must.  He would probably be the best RB in the conference, if it weren't for that Tomlinson kid...  The receiving crew is adequate, and should help the new QB gain confidence.  the OL is decent, led by monster sized Dominguez.

Defensively, the Spartans needed help all last season, and this continues.  They lose more than half of that unit, and will look to the JUCO ranks again for help.  Hopefully bringing in new blood will bring in new talent, and an improved defense.  Hard to say at this point, though.   

It looks like another rough year for San Jose.  It's hard to pick them anywhere but at the bottom of the conference at this point.  Perhaps questions on the defense have been answered, the QB situation gets settled favorably and Whitaker is back to his prime.  If so, fortunes for the Spartans will have improved enough to let them play for .500 in the WAC, or even better.

To see what we said about the Spartans  in the spring, click here:  GO

Southern Methodist Mustangs

With seventeen returning starters, and the momentum from a surprisingly good '99 season, things are optimistic at SMU.  If the Mustangs keep on the road they were on last year, they'll be a strong team this season.  They look like a possible upstart WAC winner, if it weren't for the fact that TCU, Rice, Hawaii and Fresno State are also in such good shape this season.  

QB Josh McCown has to continue his development, and reports are that he has done just that. If the Mustangs are going to contend for the WAC this year he will have to adjust to the new offense planned for this season as well.  SMU is going with the spread, a favorite among teams looking to do what the Sooners up north did last year with that attack.  The RB spot looks solid, led by Kris Briggs.  With the receivers talent is there and they just need to put it into action on the field come game time.  Cunningham looks like their star to be, after a good '99 season.  The line is a question mark, but no cause for alarm yet.

Defensively the Mustangs need some new blood in the backfield, replacements for some strong LBs (including All-WAC Simonton).  They need a leader as well, with the departure of Simonton.  Returning LB Vic Valoria looks to be the vocal leader and on field heart of the squad.

The schedule is tough.  They get TCU at home, but have to go to Hawaii, Rice and Fresno. The  nonconference games are hard to judge -- they get Kansas and Tulane at home, and travel to NC State and Houston.  Kansas should be greatly improved this year, Houston and Tulane could be and NC State should be.  Each of these games could go either way.  They have momentum on their side, and could surprise a few nonconference teams and one or two WAC foes.  It was a good '99 and the success seems to be infectious at Gerald Ford Stadium this spring.  If it continues into the fall it could translate into a couple of extra W's.

We see SMU stuck behind a pack of greatly improved WAC teams.  One or more of them are likely to not live up to potential, so SMU may have a way in to play for the conference title.  That's a big 'if' though, so we're calling for a good year, with possible bowl invitation; they'll need to pull off an upset or two, though.

To see what we said about the Mustangs in the spring, click here:  GO

Texas Christian Horned Frogs  

We know it's difficult to call for a team to go unbeaten through a whole season, before seeing them play a single game.  It's easier in the case of TCU, because we actually have seen them play already.  Well, all but four of them.  The Frogs return everyone on offense but one player, and all but three on the defense.  They did well last year, pulling a Hawaii-type Cinderella season a year before the (Rainbow) Warriors did, going from 1-10 to 8-4 and co-champs in two years.  They showed at the close of '99 that the team was strong, beating up on a good East Carolina team in the Mobile bowl.  And there's no reason to think they're going anywhere but up.  

They get perhaps the best offensive talent in the nation back, in RB Ladanian Tomlinson.  And that helps a bit.  Especially QB Casey Printers, who is the beneficiary of defensive schemes that focus on stopping the run. they lost WR Scarborough, who was a good one; he may be missed.  Someone will develop from the receiving crew, Franchione is hoping.  He plans to throw more, to not let teams focus solely on their star back.  We almost want to say, Why bother?  Tomlinson is for real.  He was on fire last season, and will be a marked man all year (thanks in part to all of the Heisman hype, too).  He will put the Frogs and the WAC into the spotlight all season -- now, if the attention can only be focused on the strength of the TCU team and Tomlinson's game, instead of negative comments about the quality of competition in the WAC...

They don't lose many starters on offense, but   QB Printers has to benefit from all of the attention that defenses will give to Tomlinson, and the team will depend on his arm and play making.  TCU could have a Heisman winner but a so-so season if he doesn't show up. 

The defense returns a good amount of talent, and thanks to dedication this offseason everyone comes back stronger and more focused.  They know Tomlinson and the offense will get all of the credit, and the defense will get all the negative press if teas are able to keep up with the points the Frogs score.  It's a lose-lose situation for the defense, except that they'll be there at the end with WAC championship bragging rights, and a nice trip in the postseason.  

The schedule is kind to a team that is shooting for national recognition by way of a Heisman and undefeated season.     The potential is there for an unbeaten season, thanks to a relatively soft non-conference schedule that they should run easily.  We see TCU taking the WAC in 2000.  They have the edge over other improving teams in the conference, getting three key games -- Rice, Hawaii, and Fresno State -- at home.  They may be looking to parlay their WAC title into a decent bowl invite. (See 'Marshall' and 'Tulane' from previous seasons.)  Now, if they can just avoid that start from last season (an awful 1-3).  They will, and we don't see them losing three games until some time next year.

To see what we said about TCU in the spring, click here:  GO

Texas-El Paso Miners  

Losing a QB is hard; losing a RB like Paul Smith the same year is even harder.  Maybe too much for the offense to overcome this season.  We'll have to see.  Perez is the man at QB now, and he's exited about the opportunity.  The coaches have to be a bit anxious to see if he can carry the load.  The return of WR Mays, and his counterpart Ray will help the QB develop.  These guys are open often, and just need someone to get the ball to them.  Perez will have to rely on the RB tandem of Sanchez/Austin/Reid to fill in for Smith's production.  The O-line returns most of their crew, so that will help.  

Defensively the Miners are strong in the backfield, led by safety Walker.  After that they are decent but not great.  The line replaces almost all of their talent, and the LBs get some talent back but lose a lot.  They'll have to develop some consistency and depth early, to challenge for a decent WAC record.

The schedule helps, some.  Three of the four WAC powers come to El Paso, with only TCU on the road.  It may be tough to go to Oklahoma then come home for the SMU game, with Texas A&M and Hawaii looming in the next two weeks.  If they stumble against SMU the Miners are looking at a 0-4 start with their two hardest conference games sitting at the close of the season.  Could be a rough ride in 2000.  

UTEP will battle for a .500 season.  Perhaps the toughest non-conference schedule in the WAC.  If they can split the first two conference games, they may be able to go into the Fresno State game at 3-1 in conference, and guarantee themselves a good showing in the WAC.  We think 2-6 in conference is more likely, with 2-9 overall.

To see what we said about UTEP in the spring, click here:  GO

Tulsa Golden Hurricane   

Expect these guys to get compared to their basketball brothers at UT, who turned in an impressive surprise season this past year.  But expect the comparisons to be less than flattering.  Unfortunately for Tulsa football fans, it's hard to find bright spots for the coming season.  Losing WR Damon Savage ills this team, offensively.  The remaining returning starters have question marks after a shaky '99 campaign, and we'll have to see them in action before we can predict where the Wins will come from.  

The running game has potential to be the strength of the team.  RB Ken Bohanon has the size you like to see in a power back.  QB Josh Blankenship has potential as well, after putting together a good season in '99.  He looked good this spring, and the coaches are relying on him to lead their offense into a pivotal season for the program.  After all, receivers like Savage make QBs look a lot better than they necessarily are, and until someone is able to step in and produce like he did the jury is still out on this offense.

The defense gets most of their '99 squad back.  The returning experience can prove to be the wild card this team needs to put together a decent season.  They need to stop up a few holes on defense.  LB Farley and Miller the leader in the secondary lead the group.

We can't see Tulsa dropping too far, but we also can't see predicting 5 or 6 WAC wins.  
We'll have to see how quickly they come out of the gate.  We see Tulsa battling with Nevada for sixth spot.  They return enough players to project a few W's, but we think they'll have a hard time posting more than 3 WAC wins.  The non-conference schedule is tough, and should allow for only one win, at best.  If they can get on a roll, most likely in the UTEP/New Mexico State portion of the schedule, they can play TCU tough and use the momentum to win out in the final month.  

To see what we said about Tulsa in the spring, click here:  GO