A Look Ahead: Hawaii

June Jones might be gone from the program but the product remains the same. Coach Greg McMackin is 23-18 in 3 years and the warriors are still slinging the pigskin around like there's no tomorrow. They averaged just over 500 yards of offense per matchup (394 of that through the air average). Its passing game was tops in the nation last season. Yes, senior quarterback Bryant Moniz returns who threw for 39 TDs and 5040 yards. Yes, senior wideout Royce Pollard returns along with his 901 receiving yards and 7 TDs. However, the entire offensive road graters from last season are gone. Can they mesh quick enough to keep Moniz upright so he can target his wideouts? Something will have to give.

The warriors welcome back 6 starters on the defense including playmaker senior linebacker Corey Paredes who ranked second in the WAC with 151 tackles (83 solo). In 2011 the warriors led the nation is turnovers forced with 38. Gone from the mix is Mana Silver who was third in the nation with 8 INTs. Who will step up and fill those shoes? Most likely candidate is senior Richard Torres who appeared in all 14 games last season while amassing 57 tackles. Apparently last season the "special teams" weren't that special. Former Hawaii coach Dick Tomey was brought in to turn things around on special teams. With a very favorable schedule look for Hawaii to go bowling again and give the cougs some fits.

A Look Ahead: New Mexico State

Last season New Mexico State finished the season with yet another disappointing 2-10 record. In 2010 the aggies offense finished ranked 112th overall scoring only 15.7 per contest. The aggies now have the fourth offensive coordinator in the past four years in hopes of some sort of major makeover. In fact, the team hasn't even fielded a 0.500 club since 2002. Its last bowl game came was the 1960 the Sun Bowl. Could this finally be a season of optimism in the land of enchantment? It can't really get much worse. Any whiff of success for coach DeWayne Walker's squad can certainly give the aggies something to build some momentum with.

The aggie offense will rest on the development and progress of sophomore quarterback Andrew Manley. Manley will certainly have a dangerous weapon to work with in senior wideout Taveon Rogers who had more than 1400 yards in kick returns last season. Rogers often is a home run waiting to happen with a 27.1 return average. Kenny Turner returns in the backfield as the teams leading rusher with 481 yards and 2 TDs.

Senior corner Donyae Coleman led the team with 92 tackles averaging 7.7 per game which isn't a positive sign. There was only one team in the nation with fewer sacks than the aggies 9 last season. The defensive trenches certainly need to get more push and pressure on opponents and quarterbacks. In short, the front seven must play better or another long season is in store. That being the case look for the cougar backfield to get some worn out legs piling up some major rushing yards.

A Look Ahead: Idaho

Looking to bounce back from a 6-7 season the Vandals must find a way with a new QB under center for the first time in three seasons. Even worse the OL last season only helped produce 88 yards per game (third fewest in the nation, good enough for 118th ranking) which also allowed 45 sacks. Only Washington State and Rutgers gave up more. The vandals top three receivers are also gone. On the other hand the picture isn't completely bleak. Idaho will finally have the services of junior RB Ryan Bass who transferred from Arizona State and should make an immediate impact.

Question marks surround the vandals defense as well. Gone is Shiloh Keo who started since 2006 and was picked up by the Houston Texans. There is still plenty of leadership and depth available. Seniors Tre'Shawn Robinson and Homer Mauga will likely be the strength of the "D" for coordinator Mark Criner. The secondary has some experience with three corners Aaron Grymes, Kenneth Patten and Matthew Harvey who started at some point last season. The blue and white jerseys should give the Vandals all they can handle.

A Look Ahead: Idaho State

In short this one likely won't be pretty if you are a Bengal fan. On the other hand it will definately be short. Last season ISU averaged nearly 16 points a contest yet gave up 33 to finish with a record of 1-10. Its lone victory came over Montana Western. Even the bengals attendance suffered which averaged 5388 fans a contest while its opponents fans numbered 25494. Senior Tavoy Moore was the highlight of the Bengal offense in 2011 accumulating 2034 all purpose yards. Although, it definately doesn't help the offense when ISU gave up 42 sacks last season. The Bengal defense is centered around senior linebacker AJ Storms who led the nation and the Big Sky with 146 tackles. The blue and white jerseys will likely be subbing in early and often while fans check out the snackbar. On a sidenote former coug Mike Rigell is now apparently coaching the ISU RBs. Possible future Wrubell interview coming w Rigell? Time will tell.

A Look Ahead: TCU

Although, the faces and names may change the program likely remains the same. Gone is Andy Dalton. Gone is Jeremy Kerley. Among others who have moved on. However, the frogs don't often rebuild. Each year they just seem to reload.

Replacing Dalton will be sophomore former four star recruit Casey Pachall. Pachall absolutely has the skill set and some big play weapons to work with. Only Pachall question at this point might be the leadership. Returning in the backfield is Ed Wesley (who is 2010 was a semifinalist for the Doak Walker award, recognizing the nation's top running back) who ran for 1078 yards on 166 carries (6.5 avg per carry) with 11 TDs. Could the OL be a bigger concern and possible loss than Dalton? Only senior left guard Kyle Dooley and communication major returns from a line that only gave up 9 sacks all of 2010 (tied 5th nationally for fewest sacks allowed).

Once again the strength of the frogs will be the defense. TCU still has its key defensive components that only allowed 12 points a game last season and limited opponents to under 100 yards rushing per matchup which includes Tank Carder and Tanner Brock. Even the special teams is a stable commodity. One knows what they'll get in senior placekicker Ross Evans who holds the school career record for extra points made (191) and in 2010 even appeared on the watch list for the Lou Groza award honoring the nation's top placekicker. In 2011 the frogs might not end a perfect season again but they certainly won't slip far and should challenge Boise State for MWC supremacy one last time.

A Look Ahead: Oregon State

Some give and take here. In 2009 Uani Unga played in the Vegas Bowl against the cougs but now finds himself on the blue and white roster. On the other hand former coug recruit Shiloah Te'o apparently has found a home on the OSU roster. The beavers return 4 of the 5 from the offensive trenches but also have allowed 35 sacks last season. If the OL can step up to hold its own junior QB Ryan Katz could take a big step forward with such a strong arm. Last season despite an iffy line Katz still managed 18 TDs which ranks 10th all time at OSU. As a veteran Katz should help provide the stability to make the offense run smoothly. Senior back and sociology major Ryan McCants should see considerable time in the backfield. In the offseason McCants even spent time in Macedonia building a second story to a home for a needy family.

On the defensive side OSU gave up nearly an average of 27 a contest good enough for 64th in the nation. Consider though some of the high octane offenses the beavers faced last season (Boise State, Oregon, Stanford and TCU). Arguably OSU's top playmaker on defense returns with 157 career tackles and was voted co-team captain by his teammates. Senior Dominic Glover moved from end to defensive tackle. The LB crew will be converted safety Cameron Collins and Michael Doctor (OLB) while the MLB will be manned by junior Tony Wilson.

Could the heat be on Coach Mike Riley since finishing a disappointing 5-7 last season? The beavers last bowl game was the 2009 Vegas Bowl. Although likely the beavers won't threaten the Ducks off the big PAC12 pond look for the OSU to certainly put up a worthy challenge against the jerseys of the blue and white.

A Look Ahead: San Jose State

Up first is the good news. The spartans welcome back oodles of experience. Now the bad news? They only mustered a single victory on the season. Granted, SJSU had more than its fair share of obstacles including losing nine defensive starters through the first three games. In fact, eventually the spartans were only able to muster 43 healthy scholarship athletes by seasons end. On a positive note of those 13 games 6 games were decided by a touchdown or less despite the injury filled season.

This years offensive strength could very well rest on the shoulders of its wideouts. Noel Grigsby lit up defenders as a freshman with 56 receptions including a 14.7 average per catch ultimately covering 822 yards and 4 TDs. Grigsby was one of four spartans to receive all american recognition in 2010. Sophomore Chandler Jones also returns for his sophomore season with 54 catches and 474 yards.

The spartan defense was led by freshman linebacker and former shotput thrower Keith Smith who seems to have found his calling and a knack for finding the football with 116 tackles earning the 2010 WAC freshman of the year honor. Yes, the spartans return all 11 starters on this side of the ball. However, last season it averaged giving up over 34 points a game as well as allowing over 460 yards. Unfortunately, having stats like that won't win many games. And it showed. The pieces are there. Its just a matter of somehow finding a way of putting the puzzle together.

A Look Ahead: Univ Central Florida

Primed for another CONF USA title run the Knights are out to show opponents they are for real. UCF finished with a 11-3 record including a Liberty Bowl victory over Georgia. Yes, Georgia. This isn't some South Prairieview State we're talking about here. When the Knights come to LES the jerseys in blue could certainly have their hands full.

They are led by dual threat quarterback Jeff Godfrey who had a phenomenal freshman season passing for over 2100 yards connecting on 13 TDs while rushing for over an additional 500 yards. Four out of his five linemen return as well with 87 combined starts. The offense is well balanced which averaged last year about 180 yards through the air and 180 yards as well on the ground. UCF understands efficiency and putting points on the board. In 8 of the 14 matchups the Knights were able to drop 35 or more against opponents including 61 at Tulane.

The Knights have some talent and depth on the ground. Look for junior battery ram Latavius Murray (nearly 6 yards per carry average) and senior Ronnie Weaver in the backfield to get plenty of touches. Weaver returns with 11 TDs on 890 yards and nearly a 5 yard a carry. Brynn Harvey also returns after missing last season with a torn ACL who had previously earned first team All Conference USA honors back in 2009.

In the receiving rotation Godfrey will look to returning senior AJ Guyton who had 28 receptions and 353 yards. Guyton will be paired up with elusive junior Quincy McDuffie. Last season McDuffie had double duty also on special teams returning punts with a 32.19 yard return average leading the nation including a 93 yard return for six against NC State.

On defense the Knights return 4 starters including a pair of defensive line super sophs in Victor Gray and EJ Dunston. In the secondary both Kemal Ishmael and Josh Robinson (held ex-Georgia superstar now Cincy Bengals AJ Green to 77 yards) earned first team all conference usa honors last year.

A Look Ahead: Utah

How will team north manage the transition into the PAC12? With new territory on the horizon Utah couldn't have asked for a better tour guide than Norm Chow. After stops along the way with USC and UCLA as well as seeing the rest of the PAC12 weekly Chow should be a rather valuable asset for the utes. He will certainly have his hands full from the start. There is no proven carrier in the backfield. Gone also from the mix include co-starters Matt Asiata and Eddie Wide who combined last season for over 1400 rushing yards. Is Harvey Langi ready for the bigstage? And will the new offense be ready in time for the season? Definately makes things tough to implement when also the starting QB has been out for much of the offseason recovering from surgery to his right throwing arm. If the QB situation returns to an even form look for junior receiver DeVonte Christopher to get some touches who had 39 receptions and 6 TDs last season.

Team north's DL will see Star Lotulelei at the nose with Dave Kruger and James Aiono also in the trenches. Former Davis High walk on safety converted to linebacker Chaz Walker returns who led utah with 113 tackles (had 18 against TCU). Sophomore hard hitting Brian Blechen moves from safety to strongside backer. The secondary has some questions and is untested. With Brandon Burton's departure somehow the utes must replace all four starters. There will be some rebuilding on special teams as well with both Shaky Smithson and reliable Joe Phillips gone. Can team north compete weekly in the PAC12? Time will tell. The bar has been raised and its certainly time to execute at a higher level.

Cowboy Tough

Saturday the cougs square off against Wyoming in their ongoing quest to discover their offensive chemistry. The battle between the two 2-5 teams might be exactly what the doctor ordered to help stop the offensive bleeding. Coach Dave Christensen brings his cowboys to Lavell Edwards Stadium with 113th ranked defense and the 120th offense. However, statistically the cougs don't look much better on paper having the 87th best defense and the defense ranked 107th nationally. Which will prevail? Will it be cowboy tough? Or will the cougs come out on top? Those questions will be answered and sorted out when all the dust clears.

Sophomore quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels is the clear cut leader of the cowboys. The San Jose native has connected for over 887 yards 4 TDs and 5 INTs on the season. He has a number of nice weapons to work with. In the backfield sophomore Alvester Alexander will get plenty of touches. Alexander on the ground has rushed for 321 yards and 4 TDs.

Carta-Samuels has a nice surrounding cast. His primary target is senior David Leonard with 25 receptions covering 277 yards and 1 TD. On the other wing is Zach Bolger who has 15 catches for 262 yards and 2 TDs. Look for Austyn Carter-Samuels to also frequently look to Chris McNeill with 17 receptions and 130 yards with 1 TD on the season.

Last season the cowboys might have overachieved in Christensen's first year but Wyoming's program is definately on the rise. Unfortunately, it will take a considerable amount of improvement. The cougs defense should create opportunities and help get the offense rolling. Look for the jerseys in blue to begin to find some consistency on saturday.

Horned Frog Horizon

Saturday the Cougs might be facing their mightiest challenge yet this season in squaring off against the #4th nationally ranked TCU Horned Frogs who are apparently about a 30 point favorite. The series began in 1987 and very well may be the last meeting between the two on saturday since the Cougs have gone independent with no future contests on the horizon. Coach Gary Patterson has carefully guided his frogs to a 6-0 record thus far dropping an average of 41 a game on opponents. TCU has topped the nation in total defense for the second straight year and the 4th time in 10 years. Horned frog opponents have been held firmly in check only averaging 96 rushing yards a game while scoring a measly 10.33 a game. TCU ranks 7th in the nation for rushing offense and 8th in scoring offense. The horned frogs have averaged this season 481 yards per matchup. Definately some impressive stats for some horned frogs on the horizon.

Its hard to argue with the production of the offense as well led by senior quarterback Andy Dalton who has already thrown for over 1177 yards with 9 TDs and 4 INTs. There are home run threats at every skilled position. In the backfield is a pair of truly dynamic sophomores led by the elusive Ed Wesley who has 87 touches covering 612 yards and 7 TDs. Wesley is a geography major and hopes to be covering some serious ground against the cougs.The other running back isn't a slouch either in Matthew Tucker from Tyler Texas who has 75 carries for 356 yards and 5 TDs. Dalton has a fine set of weapons to work with as well in his senior receiving corps of Jeremy Kerley and Bart Johnson. Kerley is home run threat who has 23 catches on the season for 237 yards and 4 TDs. Johnson definately is a steady commodity with 18 receptions on the year for 192 yards and 2 TDs.

Will the cougs be able to contend with the frogs saturday? Magic can always happen. All things are always possible. Bronco certainly reached the heart and soul of his team last week. The jerseys in blue must step up, play flawless football, control the clock, and hope for a few lucky breaks. It's been said that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. On saturday the cougs must truly emulate exactly that as a band of brothers.

Keys To The Game

No question the Cougs will have their hands full on saturday. Currently USATODAY has the wolfpack favored by 4. A few keys to the saturdays matchup could include the following...

-Limit Nevada's possible "activity". Take away their chances and opportunities. Gotta play keepaway. This means total ball control (time of possession included) as well as penalties.

-Figure out schemes regardless of position. Last few games have seen far too many missed tackles, lack of execution, blown secondary coverages or even simply looking completely lost out there, etc.

-Chemistry and coming together. Gotta get into a groove. Handing the reins over to Jake should help considerably developing a rhythm with the receiving corps. The defense stepping up playing as one. The sum is greater than its parts in finding the teams identity.

White Out Sell Out

Off to its best start in eight seasons the #6 ranked visiting Wake Forest (12-0) Demon Deacons will square off in a sell out at the Marriott Center local time 6PM. With no remaining seats available for the rest of us the "game seats" will be seen on "The Mtn" and radio coverage on 1160AM. According to the ESPN power poll WF is ranked #5 while the jerseys in blue are at #24. There will be over 20 scouts present to witness the white out as the Cougs continue to ride the nations longest home streak at 53. Although the Cougs are favored by 3 (per vegasinsider.com) the jerseys in blue will definately have their hands full. The demon deacons have 6 players 6'8 or taller and it shows as Wake Forest is in the top 5 nationally in RPG and in the rebounding margin. The deacons are a young team but have an immense amount of talent. Of the core players there are 2 juniors, 2 sophomores and 1 freshman. They are led by sophomore Jeff Teague (6.2G) who is averaging 18.8/game. Al-Farouq Aminu (6.8F) has all the tools and talent to play small forward at the next level. Aminu is dropping 12.9 points per game as a freshman and while clearing 9.1 boards per matchup. The other sophomore is James Johnson (6.8F) who averages 12.8 and 7.7 rebounds per game. At center is seven foot junior Chas McFarland who barely left the bench under Skip Prosser yet now averages 10.3 with 6.6 rebounds. If the Cougs can play some solid defense, find a way to clear the boards/work the paint and drop a few threes I definately like our chances.

Opposition In All Things

Like Coke versus Pepsi there seems to be opposition in all things. Both schools can't even agree on what the alltime matchup records. At stake saturday is the deseret duel, the Beehive Boot, a possible BCS berth, a share of the MWC title, as well as school pride. The yewts head into the action in Lavell Edwards Stadium North (yeah thats Rice Eccles) flaunting a #8 national ranking with a perfect 11-0 record. Unfortunately, the Cougs haven't beat a top ten team since 1990 (then #1 Miami) or a top 10 team on the road since 1984. On the other hand BYU is 148-92 when ranked in the top 25. Considering the fact that the Cougs have such a high octane offense and the yewts control a rather stingy defense makes this matchup look like a doozy. The game is sold out (or check out ebay link listed below 2 tix northeast endzone corner $1500) but for those fans it can still be watched on "The MTN".

http://cgi.ebay.com/UTAH-UTES-VS-BYU-COUGARS-HOLY-WAR-DUEL-2008-TICKETS_W0QQitemZ260318582844QQihZ016QQcategoryZ16122QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The Cougars ride into town ranked #16 sporting a 10-1 record while the yewts are 35-17-3 playing in Salt Lake. Senior yewt QB mentioned "It's big, you know, because so much is on the line". The jerseys in blue would absolutely love nothing better than to destroy their possible BCS hopes with a Cougar victory and a share of the conference title.

In the offensive trenches the team up north starts Zane Taylor (6.3/305 Soph), Caleb Schlauderaff (6.5/305 Soph), Zane Beadles (6.4/305 JR), Robert Conley (6.1/310 SR) and Dustin Hensel (6.7/307 SR). Conley is a 4th year starter and scheduled to graduate this summer in economics. Hensel is a history major and obviously hopes to claim a little piece of history. Sophomore center Zane Taylor is a beast who squats 550 and benches 405 pounds.

Behind center is Brian Johnson (6.1/200 SR) who has thrown for 2,333 yards with 20 TDs and 9 INTs (143.5 rating). Backup is Corbin Louks (6.0/195 FR) who has some serious potential and can hurt opponents on the ground or through the air. Look for junior yewt RB to take some direct snaps as well.

The yewt backfield has a 1-2 punch much like the Cougs in Matt Asiata (6.0/230 JR) and Darrell Mack (6.0/220 SR). Asiata has bounced back nicely from a broken leg last season forcing him to redshirt now rushing this year 122 times for 633 yards with 10 TDs. On the year Mack has 110 carries for 493 yards and 3 TDs.

As for the yewt wideouts they have 4 with over 300 receiving yards a piece. Downtown Freddie Brown (6.4/215 SR) has some wheels and leads the crew with 57 catches covering 678 yards and 7TDs. Bradon Godfrey (6.3/200 SR) owns enough juke moves for 47 connections over 466 yards and 3 TDs. Senior wideout Brent Casteel (5.10/200) has 35 receptions on the year for 486 yards and 1 TD while David Reed (6.0/185 JR) has 19 catches for 309 yards adding 4 more TDs.

On the defensive line the yewts will line up with left end Koa Misi (6.3/265 JR), tackle Greg Newman (6.4/260 SR), nosetackle Derrick Shelby (6.3/245), and all conference sophomore Paul Kruger (6.5255). Misi and Kruger will definately anchor the line saturday and will provide a tough challenge for the Cougs OL to protect Max.

The linebacker jerseys in red will be supplied by Steven Sylvestor (6.2/225 JR), former walkon Mike Wright (6.2/230 SR) and sophomore Nai Fotu (6.1/232). Last season Sylvestor was second on the team with 86 tackles .

In the secondary the yewts will have a pair of seniors in Brice McCain (5.9/185) and Sean Smith (6.3/214) covering the corners. While the safeties will be manned by a pair of juniors in Robert Johnson (6.3/195) and Joe Dale (5.11/200). Last season Dale was named the Pointsettia Bowl defensive MVP (provided 12 tackles as well as a game saving INT). Although the yewt secondary may not have serious size they do possess some scary speed.

At special teams the yewts have senior candidate Louie Sakoda (5.10/178) who is up for both the Ray Guy and Lou Groza awards. His only misses in 2007 came from 45, 48 and 51 yards. This season "Louie Louie" has 46 perfect PATs. He is 8 of 8 from 30-39 yards, 6-7 from 40-49 yards and 2 of 3 from 50 plus yards. If the game is close Sakoda could definately be an "x factor".

Air Or Ground??

In each of the past 11 seasons the Falcons have led the conference in rushing and currently rank 4th nationally. Last season had all everything Chad Hall who set the school all purpose yardage record with 2,683 yards. With his graduation it was unlikely one single player would be able to replace Hall. Could it be running back by committee this year? Well, this season Air Force's (8-2) top 7 rushers have 229 yards rushing or more. They say if you find something that works stick with it. Falcon coach Troy Calhoun has done exactly that. At 17-6 over two seasons his stock is clearly rising. Yes the Cougs have taken the last 4 from Air Force. It's also true that the Falcons have won 5 straight since losing to Navy. Air Force also happens to rank 17th nationally in scoring defense with a 17.3 average. Not too shabby for a team projected to finish 6th in the conference (Athlon). Saturdays matchup between the Cougs and the Falcons will be the 29th meeting with the jerseys in blue holding the all time edge (22-6). Last season the Cougs came away with a 31-6. So what will we see? Will it be the high octane offensive air attack from the Cougs to prevail in another shootout? Or will we see the chunks of yards ground out from the Falcons? Fans will soon find out 1:30MT (DirecTV 613 Comcast 170 Dish 152).

Tangle In Texas

Thursday will highlight the tangle in Texas between two of the featured nationally ranked teams from the MWC. The highly anticipated matchup at Amon G Carter Stadium (likely filled to capacity or 44,358 fans) in Fort Worth will be televised on VS with the game call from Joe Beninati while the analysis breakdown to be provided compliments of Glenn Parker (former Kansas City Chiefs OL who spanned a 12 yr career). It will be the 7th contest between the schools with the Cougars holding a 5-2 matchup record edge since the series began in 1987. The #8 ranked Cougars(6-0) will be coming into town in style carrying the nation's longest win streak at 16. The horned frogs (6-1) currently are among tops in the nation in numerous defensive categories. TCU is #1 at rushing defense at allowing opponents an average of 20.71 yards per game. Yes, only 20.71 yards per game. TCU even held then #1 Oklahoma to 25 hard fought rushing yards. The horned frogs also lead the nation in sacks and are 2nd overall in tackles for loss. The purple jerseys are even ranked 9th nationally at turnover margin. BYUs offensive machine averages over 320 yards per game. In a clash of the MWC titans something has to give. TCUs stingy defense or the Cougs high octane offense. Only one will emerge from the battlefield thursday victorious.

The horned frogs return a strong line that begins with senior center Blake Schlueter (6.3/284) who is a preseason All American on the Rimington Trophy Watch List and a four year starter. Blake is the strength of the OL and even holds the TCU weight room record in the squat for 870 pounds. At 6.3/317 left tackle Marshall Newhouse is a beast to contend with who is also the cousin of former NFL fullback Robert Newhouse. Newhouse was an honorable mention All MWC in 2007. Sophomore right tackle Marcus Cannon (6.5/350) is in his first year as a starter but was ranked 59th nationally as a prep lineman. Senior OL Giles Montgomery (6.5/295) has started in 20 consecutive games.

From the receiving corps is a sophomore home run threat named Jimmy Young (6.1/200) who leads TCU with 31 receptions. The tight end is Shae Reagan (6.4/261) who is actually a converted quarterback and a big play threat that can create matchup problems over the middle of the field. While the other wideout is Jeremy Kerley (5.10/185) a sizzling sophomore who also acts as the teams punt returner.

Last year more RBs were in the training room rather than on the field for much of the season. This year is a whole different picture rushing for an average of 233 yards per game (13th nationally). Among the arsenal of backs is Aaron Brown (6.1/195) a sensational senior and the Frogs 11th leading career rusher (over 2,200 yards) who has bounced back from a broken ankle last year suffered against UNLV. Most noticeable is Joseph Turner (6.1/225) a senior from Austin Texas who is on the Doak Award Watch List with 9 rushing TDs. Turner was also injured last season with an ACL injury in the Texas Bowl.

At QB its anyone's guess. The Cougs will have to prepare for both Andy Dalton (6.3/210 soph) and Marcus Jackson (6.1/215 JR). Dalton is the leading passer but has missed the last two games with a knee injury. Word is that Dalton will be available for thursdays mayhem matchup. Jackson is more of a scrambler who is also the frogs leading rusher.

After undergoing a DL face lift in the offseason the defensive trenches have become a strength. At nose tackle Cody Moore (6.1/292 SR) has started now 20 staight games with 7.5 tackles for losses including 4 sacks. Defensive tackle James Vess (6.3/290 SR) sat out last year for disciplinary reasons. Former HS tailback now left end Jerry Hughes (6.2/248 JR) tops TCU with 10 TFLs, 7 sacks and 3 fumble recoveries. Matt Panfil (6.2/245 SR) filled in for ole Tommy Blake while he battled personal problems last season. Panfil currently has 8 TFLs and 4.5 sacks on the year.

The LB corps is headlined with preseason All American and MWC Defensive POTY Jason Phillips (6.1/234 SR). As a converted fullback that first found the field as a redshirt freshman back in 2005 Phillips now has 34 tackles of which 8.5 TFLs this season (had 87 tackles last year). At the strong middle linebacker position Robert Hensen (6.1/228 SR) is a three time All MWC selection and has his name on the Butkus Award Watch List. Junior Daryl Washington might actually be TCUs most athletic player. On punts the Cougs better keep their eyes on him at all times. He had three blocked personally last year.

The frogs secondary lacked depth last season. Strong safety senior Stephen Hodge (6.0/230) is a physical preseason All American. At free safety Steven Coleman (6.3/204 SR) already has a team high three INTs. Sophomore WS Tejay Johnson (6.1/195) and CB Nick Sanders (5.10/174 JR) provide added experience. Sanders has 33 consecutive starts. The other CB Rafael Priest (5.10/163 JR) was an honorable mention All MWC last year. Both Sanders and Priest are three year starters.

Lobos In Loco

There has been a revolving door on the Lobos offensive coordinator's office every year the last four seasons excluding this last year when new OC Dave Baldwin decided to stick around. The wide open scheme built around junior Donovan Porterie struck a different beat when Porterie was lost for the season at Tulsa when he suffered a torn right ACL and MCL. Unfortunately, Donovan does not have a redshirt available either. Since taking snaps under center replacement freshman QB Brad Gruner is 25 of 61 for 279 yards with 2 TDs and 5 INTs (definately a statline that needs some serious work). This is also the first season in 20 years without a bye week for New Mexico as well. Things don't get any easier for the lobos who now face the 8th nationally ranked Cougars. It will be the 58th matchup between the two schools. Keep in mind the Cougs are 21-6 in Provo against Rocky Long's lobos. New Mexico is one of five teams Bronco has yet to lose to as a head coach (UNLV, CSU, Air Force and Wyoming are the others). The lobos last league title was in 1964 as WAC co-champions. A victory by the jerseys in blue grants the Cougs bowl eligibility status.

On the OL the lobos must replace and restructure nearly the entire line. Only part time starters Erik Cook and Sylvester Hatten return. Cook can play any position of the OL giving the lobos some flexibility in filling the slots. Across the rebuilt offensive trenches New Mexico averages 6.4/312 compared with the Cougs average of 6.6/326.

As for the lobo weaponry it includes senior tailback Rodney Ferguson (two time All MWC Selection) who returns from nursing a sprained shoulder. Despite playing last week against Wyoming Ferguson (6.0/230) still has 104 carries for 523 yards and 6 TDs. Sophomore wide receiver Chris Hernandez (6.3/185) leads the lobos with 21 catches covering 292 yards. New Mexico has won 14 straight games when scoring first. Although that could prove to be rather difficult considering the Cougs have outscored opponents thus far 134-17 in the first half.

Defense was the Lobo forte last season ranking 13th nationally in total "D" at 319 yards while giving up only 19 a matchup. However, New Mexico lost all three starting LBs both ends and a veteran safety. In the secondary seniors DeAndre Wright (5.11/193) and Glover Quin (6.0/203) both remain in their third season as full time starters. Look for Wright and Quin to be tested against Collie, Pitta and the possibly Reed who has been given the green light to play saturday. Senior LB Zach Arnett (5.10/205) has a nonstop motor registering a career high last week of 16 tackles against Wyoming.

On special teams DeAndre Wright can be dangerous at times as the kick returner. Kicker James Aho attempted to walk on in 2007 but was cut. He has hit 11 of 14 FGs this season. Since Rocky took the coaching reins (lookin at 10 yrs now) for the Lobos no kicker has been offered a schollie out of high school. The true freshman kicker from Roswell is off to the best FG start in school history.

Since 2001 the lobos are the only MWC team to be bowl eligible every season. However, with the Cougs 8th nationally ranked overall defense (only allowing opponents 11.6 points per game) life for New Mexico saturday might be awfully difficult. In the last two matchups the lobos have given up the rock 8 times against the Cougs. New Mexico has also had 5 TDs called back due to the yellow flags on the field this season. This team has plenty of talent to contend but many important questions remain to be answered.

Going For Three

It has been eleven years since John L Smith took the Aggies to a Big West Conference Championship with an appearance in the Humanitarian Bowl (lost to Cincy). Since then there have been no winning seasons. This year likely will be no different with seven bowl teams on the schedule. In Brent Guy's three years he is 7 and 32 (6 and 19 against the WAC) since taking the coaching reins. Utah State has been a frequent guest on ESPNs bottom 10 but earned its exit after last weeks victory over the also struggling Idaho Vandals. CBSSportsline currently has Utah State ranked 113 in the nation. The Aggies 2008 motto is "Courage. Confidence. Commitment." all of which will need to be completely maxed out (and then some) for the young Aggies to have even a fighting chance of victory over the Cougars offensive machine. The Cougars will be seeking the first triple back to back shutout victories since 1937 (beat Utah State ironically that year 54-0 for its 3rd consecutive shutout then).

Aggie sophomore quarterback Diondre Borel (6.0/185) leads the offensive charge throwing 41 of 75 for 490 yards while posting 5 TDs and 2 INTs. Borel is also currently the aggie leading rusher with 49 carries for 217 yards and 1 touchdown. In the aggie backfield is Robert Turbin (5.10/210) redshirt freshman (majoring in business management) who has 43 carries for 189 yards and 2 TDs. Local product senior wide receiver Otis Nelson (6.2/214 from Hunter HS) has hooked up 13 times for 142 yards and 2 TDs. Nelson is a business entrepeneurship major who may have to find ways to earn his keep with the Cougars in town. At the other wideout is sophomore Stanley Morrison (5.8/156) catching 8 receptions for 132 yards and a long TD.

Coming into Romney stadium saturday the Cougars powerful offense is steamrolling and averaging 43 points a game with Max Hall averaging over 480 yards per matchup. BYU is 42 and 4 when scoring 30 or more (since 2001) and that should clearly happen against the Aggies 115th scoring defense in the nation. Utah State is ranked 108th in the nation for rush defense giving up 218 yards per game. Harvey "The Human Cannonball" Unga could be in for a very big game. Unfortunately, the Aggies also lead the WAC with 29 penalties for 248 yards. This game could get ugly. There's no way around it. Good chance Aggie sophomore punter Peter Caldwell will see plenty of "PT" with an Aggie offense likely heading 3 and outs on their possessions. Caldwell is one of 46 collegiate punters nationally on the Ray Guy Award Watch list and was named honorable Freshman All American last year by Sporting News.

Craft-y Business

Within the first month of the Bruins hiring Coach Neuheisel Rick retained one of the nation's leading defensive coordinators (DeWayne Walker) even hiring an offensive genius and former Cougar staff member in Norm Chow. "Slick" Rick (as some may call him) was also able to piece together one of the Bruins best recruiting classes in years. Yes his coaching staff might be a dream team but after that its rather uncertain, at best.

His starting quarterback was already done for the season before taking a snap (left knee torn ACL). Backup and famed former Cougar Ben Olson broke his right foot in late spring. Third and next on the charts is Kevin Craft (sociology major) former San Diego State quarterback.

Last time the jerseys in blue saw Kevin directing an offense was in San Diego stadium back in 2006 (yeah the Cougs came out on top 47 to 17). Although he did end with a 109.8 rating that year. A year ago Craft guided his offense at Mt San Antonio College (Walnut CA) to a respectable 10-3 record passing for over 4200 yards 44 TDs with 10 INTs and most of all a Southern Cal JC Championship.

Look for Craft to look often to his TE Ryan Moya since eight of the Bruin top 10 offensive linemen did not play a snap on the OL last season. Moya finished the Vol game with 7 catches for 65 yards. The road graters were only able to provide groundcover for the backs in 29 rushing yards. Kahlil Bell had 5 carries for 11 yards and Raymond Carter finished with 15 carries on 14 yards. Neither had impressive numbers and both are trying to bounce back from reconstructive knee surgeries. Good chance Bell might be sitting this one out with a high ankle sprain. The Bruin OL runs 303 average across the line. Starting LT Micah Kia (6.5/297 JR) is still recovering from a broken left hand approximately 3 weeks ago.

On the other side of the ball is a defense firmly anchored by senior defensive tackle Brigham Harwell (6.1/292) who is also on the watch list for the Outland Trophy. In 2007 Harwell played only in two games after suffering a tear in the left medial collateral ligament. Against the Vols Brigham was often double teamed sometimes even triple teamed. He will make his presence known.

Hard hitting Reggie Carter moved from weakside LB to roam the middle. Carter can still hear the sound vividly of the football smacking into the outstretched Cougar paw of Eathyn Manumaleuna who blocked Kai Forbath's attempt on a possible game winning field goal in last years Vegas Bowl. He remember's all too well and has said "I'm looking forward to this game. I want to dominate. I don't want to just win. I want them to feel like I did after that bowl game and the only way to do that is to beat them".

Despite the Bruins having lost 10 of its last 13 road games look for UCLA to give the Cougars all they can handle. At stake is the Cougars home winning streak of 14 in a row since its last home loss to BC on 3 Sep 2005. The jerseys in blue will also be on the prowl to prove that taking the "W" from Locker and Company wasn't a fluke.

Husky Haven

On September 6th the Cougars will travel to Husky stadium (seating capacity 72,500) for a tough matchup with the University Of Washington. It will be the seventh meeting between the two schools. Present will be the opportunity for the Cougs to win their first non conference road game since 2002. Their last meeting was in Provo with the jerseys in blue victorious 35-28. Washington last week traveled to Oregon and was absolutely embarassed. Returning home to Husky stadium Washington will definately be looking for some payback and to getting back on track. Husky stadium was used in 1990 for the Goodwill Games and is one of the loudest college football stadiums. During a game (against Nebraska) back in 1972 ESPN measured the crowd noise at over 135 decibels. Over the years the names have kept rolling (Greg Lewis, Lincoln Kennedy, Corey Dillon, Ron Holmes, Mark Brunell, Lawyer Milloy, Marques Tuiasosopo, Warren Moon to name a few) with the latest being all everything Jake Locker. In the Husky rich history they have won 15 PAC10 titles, 7 Rose Bowls and even 2 National Championships. The Cougars are 2-4 overall against the University Of Washington. Since 2002 the Huskies have fallen on some hard times in not producing a winning season (7-6 under Rick Neuheisel). At the coaching helm is Tyrone Willingham who may be on a hot seat (currently 11-26 win loss record). The schedule doesn't supply any relief. According to ESPNs Mark Schlabach the Huskies have on slate the second toughest schedule in the nation. To make matters worse the leading tackler linebacker EJ Savannah (6.2/228) was deemed academically ineligible (111 tackles in 2007). Starting center Juan Garcia (6.3/305) suffered a left foot Lisfranc injury (hmm sounds familiar) roughly four and a half months ago and amazingly returned healthy enough to play in last weeks game against Oregon. With his return the Husky OL returns all but one starter. They are big and strong averaging 332 across the line. Expectations are high for quarterback Jake Locker (6.3/225). Last year Jake had over 3,000 combined yards (2,062 air and 986 yards ground). Although his accuracy could be questioned with 14 TDs and 15 INTs in 2007 (47 completion percentage). He is a physical runner who won't shy away from contact. Newcomer true freshman tailback Chris Polk turned down USC and graduated early to enroll in time for spring ball. Polk will turn some heads. On defense Washington only returns 6 starters from a rather poor "D". Husky defense gave up over 31 a game and 446 yards. Thus, Ed Donatell was brought in who was a NFL defensive coordinator for the last twelve years. This contest should be interesting keeping in mind on both sides of the ball for the Huskies there are 10 starters who are sophomores or younger. At stake for the Cougs is the nation's longest winning streak (11) and the quest for a possible BCS berth.