 |
 |
|
| | Wednesday, September 6 Will Wolfpack pay the price in WAC? | |||||
| By Stephen Tsai Special to ESPN.com Nevada Wolfpack 1999 record: 3-8 (2-4 Big West) Coach: Chris Tormey Starters returning: 10 (5 offense, 5 defense) Outlook The move from the Big West Conference is more than a change in logos. The Wolfpack will have to adjust to the travel -- and cost -- of a league that spans five time zones. The Wolfpack established the "Millennium Team," a fund-raising branch that hopes to boost the bank account of the WAC's smallest athletic budget ($10.3 million annually). But the task is daunting for a school drawing from a population base of 300,000. First-year coach Tormey will retain a wide-open, one-back offense that employs multiple sets. He also will place additional emphasis on special teams, a problem area in 1999. Return specialist Del Bates claims to run 100 meters in less than 10 seconds -- a mark, if true, that would make him the league's fastest player. Tormey also has increased the Wolfpack's weight training, believing heftier linemen are needed in the bulk-sized WAC. Keep an eye on ... As a matter of convenience, the Wolfpack's leading returning rusher also is the leading returning passer. Junior quarterback David Neill threw for 3,402 yards and ran for 209 yards. It's a good season if... The Wolfpack can survive a demanding non-conference schedule. The Wolfpack plays Oregon, Wyoming and Nevada-Las Vegas, and plays host to Colorado State. |
ALSO SEE WAC Preview: Ever-changing landscape full of potential | |||||