Ault hopes to reinstall winning attitude at Nevada

by Tahoe Pack Fan

     In the 19 years that Chris Ault was head football coach at the University of Nevada, the Wolf Pack only experienced one losing season, and had an overall record of 163-63-1.  After seeing the team go through seven non winning seasons, Ault decided to step down from his Athletic Director position and try to get Nevada back to their customary winning ways.

     Though last year’s team finished 6-6, the fourth year of improvement under Chris Tormey, there were many games where the team didn’t appear motivated to play.  Big wins over PAC-10 Washington, and bowl teams Hawaii and Tulsa were highlights of the season, though embarrassing loses to Boise State, Fresno State and Rice put a sour taste on the year.  Four straight loses to arch-rival UNLV were inexcusable to Ault, making his decision to fire Tormey that much easier.

     Ault plans on bringing the passing game back to Mackay Stadium, with his “Air Wolf” philosophy of throwing first to set up the run.  In his previous stints as coach, Nevada frequently led the nation, or was close to the top, in passing offense.

     Finding a quarterback to run the offense will be the first challenge. Both of last year’s starters, 6’5” Jeff Rowe from McQueen High School, and senior Andy Heiser were sporadic last year, though working under Ault, a former Nevada quarterback himself, might give them the direction they need.  Newcomer Brendan Gaskins, who spent the last two years on a Mormon mission, was highly recruited out of high school, and may be the answer at the quarterback position.

     The running attack is solid with senior Chance Kretchmer, “The Tonopah Tornado”, who led the NCAA in rushing in 2001.  An experienced offensive line returns, lead by Outland and Lombardi Trophy candidate Harvey Dahl, and should provide the blocking the offense needs to light up the scoreboard.

     Wide receiver Nichiern Flowers returns, and is poised to become the next in a long line of star receivers in Ault’s attack.  Dell McGee and a host of young speedsters hope to make trips to the end zone a frequent occurrence for the Pack.  At 260 pounds, tight end Tony Moll returns as a solid blocker and steady receiver.

     The biggest shoes to fill are on the defensive line, where all-WAC performers Jorge Cordova and Derek Kennard, Jr. need to be replaced. Senior defensive tackle Chris Barry returns, as well as Wooster High School product J.J. Milan at defensive end. The entire starting linebacking crew will be new, though senior Shawn Tagatauli played frequently last year and showed star potential.

     Hard hitting safety Keone Kauo returns, as does sophomore Nick Hawthrone, though the cornerbacks will both be new starters.  In the pass happy WAC, the defensive backs will be tested early and often, and will need to blend together as a unit quickly if Nevada is going to stay competitive.

     Consistent placekicker Damon Fine, who once kicked a 57 yarder against UNLV, returns for his senior season. Nevada recruited junior college punter Justin Bergendahl to handle the punting duties.

     As was proven by Tulsa, who went from a one win season in 2003, to eight wins and a bowl game last year, a new coach and new attitude can turn a team around quickly in the WAC.  Though questions remain at quarterback, wide receiver and on the defensive side of the ball, the right blend of new and experienced players could return Nevada to their first bowl game since 1996.  With Chris “The Little General” Ault back at the helm, Wolf Pack fans know this team will be ready to play.

WAC predicted finishes:

• Hawaii – Record setting Timmy Chang and potent offense will out score everyone
• Boise State – Lose of qb Ryan Dinwiddie too much to regain league title
• Fresno State – Has to find a way to beat Hawaii and Boise State
• Nevada – Chris Ault’s “Air Wolf” will get Pack back into a bowl
• Tulsa – Won’t sneak up on opponents this year
• Rice – “Flexbone” offense can surprise and beat anyone
• Louisiana Tech – Replacing future NFL star qb Luke McCown a mighty task
• UTEP – Former Washington State coach Mike Price hope to turn things around.
• SMU – Trying to recover from winless season
• San Jose State – Due to budget, 1-A football program may be in jeopardy