Week 12 in the WAC

Week 12 WAC Preview:

The WAC is not a conference that we can talk about having a lot of “marquee” games, but the Fresno St. and Nevada game certainly lived up to that billing.  QB Colin Kaepernick rushed for 153 yards and passed for 171 and a touchdown as the Wolfpack downed the Bulldogs to keep them in the top 25 and poised for the big matchup with Boise St. for the conference Championship.

The Broncos took care of business against their in state rivals, the Idaho Vandals.  Also, LA Tech and Utah St. kept their bowl eligibility hopes alive with wins over New Mexico St. and San Jose St. respectively.  That being said, the conference will more than likely only be represented by 4 teams in the post season:  Boise St., Nevada, Fresno St. and Hawaii.

Friday night’s matchup between Boise St. and Fresno St. is the “marquee” matchup for week 12 and it marks the 2^nd week in a row that Boise St. will play in a primetime Friday night game.  At least they are getting the TV spotlight that they used to crave.

Weekly Tid Bit:

I would argue that Boise St. was the most impressive of the undefeated teams remaining in the FBS.  I know, I know…they only played Idaho, but hear me out.  They are the only team that “did what they were supposed to do”.  Auburn was pushed at home by a very mediocre Georgia team.  TCU, only a week removed from crushing Utah, struggled against San Diego St, and Oregon escaped Cal w/ their most lackluster offensive performance of the year….and spare me the “Cal plays tough at home comments”.  They’re 5-5.

Conference Standings:

Team                           Conference                 Overall

Boise St.                             5-0                                       9-0

Hawaii                                 5-1                                       7-3

Nevada                               4-1                                       9-1

Fresno St.                           4-2                                       6-3

Louisiana Tech                 4-3                                       4-6

Utah St.                               2-4                                       4-6

Idaho                                   1-4                                       4-6

New Mexico St.               1-5                                       2-8

San Jose St.                      0-5                                       1-9

Written by Rusty Pettit. Follow on Twitter @isbnrustypettit

WAC Report: Week 7

Week 7 WAC Preview:

This won’t be the most telling week for a conference trying to gain recognition, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t learn some things.  The most intriguing matchup is when Nevada takes their 6-0 record to the islands to take on Hawaii.  The Warriors come in with the #1 rated passing attack in the country and the Wolfpack ranks 78^th against the pass. 

Though this game may not rank up there with Iowa vs. Michigan and other BCS showdowns this weekend, I believe it is crucial for the WAC.  The Nevada/Boise St. matchup at the end of the season will mean a lot more to computers and voters alike if the two teams are undefeated when they meet on Nov. 26^th.

Speaking of the Broncos, they should continue to roll against San Jose St. this weekend and remain at #3 in both polls…that is unless, either Oregon and Ohio St. are kind enough to take one on the chin.  By the way, with all the talk of Kellen Moore and the offense, it should not be over looked that coach Peterson owns the 2^nd ranked defense in the country.

Weekly Tid Bit:

As most people like to point to the overall strength of the conference as the main reason that the WAC doesn’t get very much national attention, it is important for teams like Hawaii and Fresno St. to make as much noise as possible to show more depth.  However, in my opinion, the team that had the best potential to do this was Utah St.  Too bad it didn’t play out that way…they were so close.

Conference Standings:

Team                           Conference                 Overall

Hawaii                                 2-0                                       4-2

Nevada                               1-0                                       6-0

Boise St.                             1-0                                       5-0

Fresno St.                           1-1                                       3-2

Louisiana Tech                  1-1                                       2-4

Idaho                                   0-0                                       3-2

Utah St.                               0-2                                       2-4

New Mexico St.                 0-1                                       1-4

San Jose St.                        0-1                                       1-5

Written by Rusty Pettit.  Follow him on Twitter @isbnRustyPettit.

PGWU Heisman Watch

Every Week we will be giving out the top 5 Heisman candidates based on their performance so far in the season.  Last weekend gave us some strong showings, from some of the top candidates.  Michigan Wolverines QB Denard Robinson continues to seperate himself from the rest of the pack.  Terrelle Pryor took a step back with average play and an injury, LaMichael James had a huge week in a very important Pac 10 game..  Here are the top 5 Heisman candidates for this week.  They are ranked in reverse order.

5th Cameron Newton QB Auburn Tigers

He has carried the Tigers on his super-sized shoulders to a 5-0 record, both throwing and running the football.  His mix of accuracy, a big time arm and mobility are 3 of the biggest reasons Auburn is undefeated.

4th Daniel Thomas RB Kansas State

This do it all running back has the odds stacked against him every week, but he still manages to get his yards and big plays.  This former QB is a pro at running the Wildcat for HC Bill Snyder.

3rd DeMarco Murray RB Oklahoma Sooners

Did you see him tip toe the sidelines against Texas last Saturday?  He is a do it all player for the Sooners who deserves more pub.

2nd Colin Kaepernick QB Nevada

I know this is probably way too high for many peoples liking, but he is as good as they come with the ball in his hands.  He should lead his team to an undefeated record when the Wolfpack face Boise State later in the season.

1st Denard Robinson Michigan Wolverines

I really don’t need to say much about this phenom.  He is the Heisman winner right now and if his season continues this way, it will be impossible to overlook Mr. Robinson.