2012 WAC Football Projections

By: Maize_in_Spartyland

 

Now just 21 days from the beginning of college football, its time to unveil the 2012 WAC Conference projections! The UTSA Roadrunners open Thursday, August 30 against fellow FBS newcomer South Alabama Jaguars at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN3. WAC favorite Louisiana Tech Bulldogs host the Texas A&M Aggies at a neutral site (Shreveport, LA) at 7:30 PM EST on ESPNU. At 8:00 PM EST, a pair of WAC teams square off against FCS foes, with the New Mexico State Aggies hosting the Sacramento State Hornets and the Utah State Aggies playing host to the Southern Utah Thunderbirds. At 9:00 PM EST, the FCS Eastern Washington Eagles travel about 80 miles south to the Kibbie Dome to play the Idaho Vandals. On Friday, the San Jose State Spartans travel to Palo Alto to take on the Stanford Cardinal at 10:00 PM EST.

 

Only one WAC member is in action on Saturday, September 1, with FBS newcomer Texas State Bobcats traveling to Houston to take on the Cougars.

Projected	Team	Overall	Conference
1	Louisiana Tech	(9-3)	(6-0)
2	San Jose State	(7-5)	(5-1)
3	Idaho	(4-8)	(4-2)
4	Utah State	(6-6)	(3-3)
5	New Mexico State	(5-7)	(2-4)
6	Texas State*	(1-11)	(1-5)
7	UTSA*	(3-9)	(0-6)

 

Meet the favorites . . .

 

(1) Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Sonny Dykes is integrating his recruits with recruits brought in by then-Louisiana Tech coach Derek Dooley. Dooley left the Bulldogs with plenty of talent, despite the poor showings in 2009 and 2010. Louisiana Tech started last season 1-4, with a six point win over FCS Central Arkansas. They were 3-4 in games decided by a touchdown or less last season, so they played their share of close games. Excluding FCS newcomer UTSA, Louisiana Tech has the most starters returning in the WAC. Experience, especially experience in close games, is the reason why the Bulldogs should win the WAC.

 

(2) San Jose State Spartans

It was just a few years ago that San Jose State was considering dropping football, or at least dropping down from FBS. In his short time, Mike MacIntyre has done a phenomenal job of turning around the Spartans. This is easily his best team thus far. The non-conference schedule, after Stanford, is very manageable, with the Spartans having a great shot at winning as many as three or four non-conference games. They do host Louisiana Tech and Utah State. San Jose State should make their first bowl game since 2006.

 

(3) Idaho Vandals

This could be Robb Akey’s last shot at a bowl game. The Vandals are one of two WAC teams to not have a destination set for next season, leading to rumblings that Idaho may drop back to FCS play. Further, if Idaho does not improve, Akey could be shown the door. Idaho has only been to two bowl games since 1996, their first year as a Division 1-A team. Once of those times was in 2009, under Akey. The non-conference schedule is tough, with games against LSU and North Carolina. Bowling Green and Wyoming could be strong bowl contenders and Eastern Washington is one of the top FCS programs. The addition of FBS newcomers to the WAC helps, but the Vandals are going to have to win at least two non-conference games to make a bowl.

 

What are your thoughts on the Western Athletic Conference projections? Tweet to us @BVTSB.