Western Athletic Conference:
Most Valuable Player
QB Colt Brennan, Hawaii
The big numbers were guaranteed, but how far could Brennan take Hawaii in 2007? All the way to Bourbon Street, it turned out. Brennan not only continued to redraft the NCAA record books, but he led Hawaii to a perfect season and a BCS berth in the Sugar Bowl. The so-called system quarterback didn't match his ridiculous stats from 2006 (5,549 passing yards, NCAA record 58 touchdowns), but he still managed 4,174 yards and 38 touchdowns. Brennan owns or shares 29 NCAA records, including career touchdown passes (131).
Coach of the Year
June Jones, Hawaii
The man behind Hawaii's insane offense proved he could take a team to the top. Jones helped Brennan develop into one of the nation's best players, and his offense led the nation in scoring (46.2 ppg). Hawaii fixed a shaky defense and survived two overtime tests to finish as the nation's only undefeated team. Jones earned his second consecutive WAC Coach of the Year award and could be heading to a bigger job on the mainland.
Newcomer of the Year
QB Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
It wasn't an easy season for Nevada, which endured several key injuries and lost five games by eight points or fewer. But Kaepernick's development signals good things are ahead for the Wolf Pack. The freshman started the final seven games for Nevada, passing for 2,038 yards and 19 touchdowns with just three interceptions. He added 567 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Kaepernick ranked fifth nationally in quarterback rating (161.1), two spots behind Brennan. Other standout freshmen included Idaho running back Deonte Jackson (97.9 ypg), Boise State running back Jeremy Avery, Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews and Boise State freshman place-kicker Kyle Brotzman (15-for-17 on field goals).
Biggest surprise
Hawaii's defense
Despite Brennan and an incredibly productive offense orchestrated by Jones, Hawaii always seemed to have a ceiling because of its defense. Last season, the unit ranked 93rd nationally in yards allowed (377.8) and 105th against the pass (241.7 ypg). But the return of coordinator Greg McMackin and the development of several players (linebacker Solomon Elimimian, defensive lineman David Veikune) helped the defense blossom this fall. Hawaii ranked fifth nationally in tackles for loss (8½ per game) and ninth in sacks (3.25 spg).
Biggest disappointment
New Mexico State
The WAC preseason poll played out almost exactly as forecasted, so no team could be classified a major disappointment. But New Mexico State continued to struggle despite having one of the nation's most productive quarterbacks in Chase Holbrook (3,866 total yards, 26 touchdown passes). The Aggies dropped their final five games and seven of their last eight, their only league win coming against 1-11 Idaho. Coach Hal Mumme will be back next fall despite an 8-29 record in three seasons at New Mexico State.
5 comments:
Ok, I agree with all but the Nevada QB. Don't get me wrong he was good, but if you watched any Boise St. game but the Hawaii one, I think the Jeremy Avery guy killed this year and is gonna be better than Ian Johnson. Scary thought for us and the rest of the league.
Yeah, you are right Big Mikey!
Avery is the real deal. Hopefully we can get a blue chipper like that following out BCS game too!
Yeah, you are right Big Mikey!
Avery is the real deal. Hopefully we can get a blue chipper like that following out BCS game too!
Yeah, you are right Big Mikey!
Avery is the real deal. Hopefully we can get a blue chipper like that following out BCS game too!
oops.
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