University of Nevada

Type of Offense: Pro/Pistol—This formation runs out of many different sets on the field. With the players on the field, they can line up in an ace package or move to a one back pistol formation in which the QB lines up off the center but not as deep as in shotgun in order to get the RB the ball on a downward slope but also give the QB a better ability to drop for a pass without getting entangled with the OL. This is a more recent offensive philosophy but not many teams throughout the country have adopted it in some way or another.

Type of Defense: 4-3. Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run. MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game. A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play. Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top. Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge.

· Run/Pass %: 64/46

· Run/Pass Attempts: 669/375

· Points Per Game: 41.0

· Points Allowed Per Game: 21.4

Key Returning Players:

· Rishard Matthews, WR: The leading returning receiver for Nevada with 56 receptions for over 800 yards in 2010. Will be depended upon to carry the load with the QB and RB from 2010 gone from the team.

· James Michael Johnson, LB: Leading returning tackler from the Wolf Pack in 2010. Was an all conference selection and will be expected to be the leader of a defense that lost 4 starters from last season.

· Chris Barker, OL:  Returning starter who was all conference as a sophomore and will be expected to dominate the line of scrimmage as he did in 2010. Big things are expected out of this junior and if he plays his cards right, an NFL future could be awaiting him.

 Key Incoming Freshmen:

· Desman Carter, DB: The most impressive player out of a somewhat disappointing recruiting class of 2011. Has the ability to get playing time but will probably be at one of the safety positions due to his lack of CB speed.

· Jonathan McNeal, LB: JC transfer who was rated as a 3 star recruit out of California will be called upon to at least make some plays on special teams in 2011 but make need to bulk out about 15 pounds to play LB on the D1 level. If he can put on some muscle without losing the speed he already has, he could become a devastating player for the Wolf Pack.  

 

Overall Assessment: 13-1 with the only loss coming at Hawaii, Nevada may wonder what could have been of the 2010 season. Well, 2011 is coming full steam and without NFL draft pick Kaepernick at the QB spot, don’t expect 13 wins in 2011. A double digit winning season should be in store but the magic of 2010 will be hard to recover. Still, 10-11 wins and a good bowl game looks to be the ceiling for this squad. Also, Boise will be looking for payback on October 1^st when Nevada goes to Idaho to play the Broncos. Circle that game on your calendar; it will be a good one to watch.