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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 6-5 (3-2) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Jeff Tisdel Returning starters: 19 (offense 10, defense 7) Outlook The Wolf Pack has been the class of the Big West in the 1990s, but a pair of surprising conference defeats cost Nevada a berth in last season's Humanitarian Bowl. Fourth-year coach Jeff Tisdel didn't mince words, admitting to being "disappointed" with 1998's results. In a city known both for bright lights and broken dreams, this team will either succeed by virtue of a high-powered offense that scored more than 50 points on four occasions, or fall short because of a gambling defense that allowed nearly four touchdowns per game last season. This will be the final Big West campaign for Nevada, as it has accepted an invitation to join the recently depleted WAC roster for the 2000 season. It wouldn't be a surprise to see it end with a fifth conference title this decade. OffenseQuarterback David Neill will provide the firepower for a unit that lost only one starter. Despite not starting until the third game, Neill finished fifth in the nation in passing efficiency while averaging 372.3 yards of total offense per game. He threw for 3,249 yards and 29 touchdowns as a true freshman last season, while forcing up only nine interceptions, indicative of an uncommon maturity for a young player. Off the field, his judgement was not as sound. Neill was suspended for a week after he was charged with using a stolen telephone card. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor, and the incident was put behind him. What's ahead is what matters, and for Neill, the future holds plenty of promise. He should benefit from an improved offensive line, anchored by bookend tackles Jeff Batrez and Greg Bird, both 6-foot-4 and 300 pound, and center Ryan Scuffy. Neill's primary target will be wideout Trevor Insley, who racked up 1,220 yards and 11 TDs last year in a secondary role. Tight end Darin Higgins is also a talent. Last year he finished fourth in the nation among tight ends with 34 catches. The backfield will feature Chris Lemon (1,154 yards in '98). He has scored 32 TDs over the past two seasons and could emerge as the league's best back this season. It's a good sign if: Lemon can continue his getting into the end zone.It's a bad sign if: Neill is asked to carry to much of the offense. Defense It's no secret that this is an area crying out for improvement. Last year the first steps were taken with a move to a high-pressure scheme that relied heavily on the blitz. Growing pains were evident, but a second season employing coordinator Ken Wilson's defensive philosophy could pay off. If the secondary is unable to hold up its end of the bargain, an attacking gameplan could hurt more than it helps. Two new starters must be found for the defensive backfield. All-conference free safety Maxzell Williams (70 tackles, 4 sacks, 4 INTs) will be the anchor. Corners Mack Carminer and Del Bates are solid cover men. Known as a fierce run-stopper, middle linebacker Jason Burk (team-leading 101 tackles in '98) returns as the defensive centerpiece. Up front, Nevada will need to find a replacement for defensive end George Brazil. While just a sophomore, defensive end Horacio Leyva could become a force. Projected as a redshirt a year ago, he finished the season as a starter. It's a good sign if: Leyva picks up where he left off.It's a bad sign if: A makeshift secondary proves vulnerable. Special Teams Sophomore punter Norm Brady is back and all signs point to an improvement on his 39-yard average of a year ago. Mike Phillips is the incumbent at kicker, but he'll have to battle Rey Sanchez for the job. The team's fastest player, Del Bates, will handle kickoff duties. He is also expected to start at one corner spot, after seeing action in the nickel package in '98. -- John Crowley |
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