By Chris Boline
As another fall semester turns into winter, another chapter closes in the history of Wolf Pack football. While the final record of 4-8 would likely indicate that the first story in the Brian Polian era is a depressing one, taking a look at the final marks from Nevada’s first semester under Polian might possibly give more insight into the season.
Grade: B
Leading the team in scoring and providing a stabilizing presence in the kicking game, freshman Brent Zuzo was one of the brightest diamonds in this rough year of Wolf Pack football. The Canton, Mich. native was 14-17 in field goal attempts and notched an additional 33 extra points. Complementing Zuzo was punter Chase Tenpenny, who will be missed next year following another spectacular season. Tenpenny was in the top 10 in the nation, with a 44.5 yards per punt average, and was great at pinning opponents deep with 20 punts inside of the 20 yard-line. While the kicking game was the definite highlight, there was no game-breaking returner for the Pack. However, burner Elijah Mitchell might be able to chip in next year to give Nevada a needed edge in field position. Coverage units were solid thanks to Polian’s coaching background.
OFFENSE
Grade: C+
Nevada’s offense had plenty of hiccups this season. From injuries decimating the offensive line to Cody Fajardo’s uneasy knee, they still managed some reasonable numbers in a disappointing year. Even though the quarterback missed two and a half games due to injury, he still was able to put up decent numbers (2,668 yards and 21 total touchdowns) and steered Nevada to two big victories over Air Force and San Jose State. The Pack’s running back situation was less stellar than it has been in recent years, and the departure of Stefphon Jefferson to the NFL definitely hurt the production of the group. Kendall Brock emerged as the most consistent player of the platoon by leading Nevada in rushing with 812 yards and 10 touchdowns. Don Jackson dealt with a nagging high ankle sprain most of the season, but when he was healthy, he was a boost to the backfield. Freshman Chris Solomon gave fans a look at the future. As said before, the offensive line was marred with injuries, but returners Matt Galas, Connor Talbott and Kyle Roberts will become essential for the Union’s resurgence next year, despite the loss of keystone player Joel Bitonio. However, the most consistent unit was the receiving corps which featured one of the deepest and most diverse casts in the Mountain West. While the offense was hampered by the loss of tight end Kolby Arendse, there were still bright spots for the Pack, but it was not enough to overcome of the deficiencies of the defense.
COACHING
Grade: C-
Being granted the most brutal schedule in the history of Wolf Pack football is a pretty rough introduction to the school, but it was what Brian Polian had to deal with. The head coach wasn’t known for his expertise on either offense or defense, but his background in recruiting will help to make or break his future if he can secure a stellar cast of players in the offseason. Offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich nearly fled the university after Chris Ault’s departure last December, but “Rolo” was talked into sticking around, and that’s a big move for the team. Rolovich’s molding of Cody Fajardo and his knowledge of the pistol offense will be able to give the offense more room for improvement next year. Scottie Hazelton’s bunch will be able to make leaps and bounds next year with a season of experience under their belts and the maturation of defensive linemen Lenny Jones and Rykeem Yates. Even though Polian will be losing offensive stalwarts Brandon Wimberly and Joel Bitonio to the NFL, this is where the coach shines and is one of, if not the best reason why, Nevada brought him here. Recruiting has been Polian’s calling-card, so let’s see if he can cash in.
Grade: D
Even though new defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton’s Tampa 2 defense relied on the versatility of the d-line, Brock Hekking, Jack Reynoso, Jordan Hanson and the rest of the defensive line were unable to cover up the inexperience and inconsistency of the back seven. There were some notable standouts this year — linebacker Jon McNeal led the team in tackles (103), cornerback Markus Smith was on a hot streak early in the year with three interceptions and defensive end Ian Seau gave fans some glimpses into the future of the Nevada defensive line with five tackles for loss. However, all of these pieces never came together at the right times to give the Wolf Pack a reasonable chance in each game they lost. Even though the Nevada rushing defense was in the bottom five of the country, this was more a case of playing undersized linebackers and not having enough personnel to contend with the Mountain West, week in and week out. Nevada’s defense has historically been its weak point, but with a rotating cast of defensive coordinators, this is to be somewhat expected. The Tampa 2 isn’t broken, but with another year of experience, the defense will grow in only a positive direction. Nevada has the personnel on the d-line, but the elements were not in the Pack’s favor this season, and they will be looked at next season to provide a solution and get their coordinator off an ever-warming seat.
Chris Boline can be reached at cboline@http://archive.archive.nevadasagebrush.com.