(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
About the Rankings and Predictions
After months of evaluating talent and depth charts, reviewing preseason magazines, ranking coaches and recruiting classes, and browsing a number of websites, here is my conference preview for 2009. These rankings are based on my own formula that takes into account recruiting, returning experience, player talent, coaching, recent history, and adjustments from last season (turnover margin, close game win/loss record, injuries, etc.). These variables create a power ranking.
Team schedules are then evaluated, and predictions made for each game based on power rankings and home field advantage scoring. The final rankings are reflective of power rating, projected win/loss record, and strength of schedule.
Conference Overview
The past few years, the WAC has been about one team—Boise State. The Broncos are still the heavy favorite to win the league, especially considering they have lost only four conference games this decade. Expect an upset this season though.
The WAC overall comes in ranked as the 10th conference in my 2009 rankings, mainly due to the weakness at the bottom. Utah State, New Mexico State, and Idaho are all near the bottom of the college football world right now. The middle tier is also average at best.
9. Utah State Aggies
The Aggies are actually rated higher than NMSU or Idaho in the power rankings, but due to scheduling must travel to play both of those teams. As a result, two winnable games are likely losses. The team returns 10 offensive starters for Coach Gary Andersen, but the real issue is on defense.
This team does not have the talent or depth to play against some of the better WAC offenses. In addition, there is a scheme change to a pressure man defense, and that will not be easy as eight of the two deep will likely be freshmen and sophomores.
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