Nevada Non-Conference Preview: UC Davis

After a trip to the Rose Bowl to play UCLA, the Nevada Wolf Pack play there first home game of the year against UC Davis. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Sept. 7^th and has not yet been scheduled to be televised.

Coach: Ron Gould (1^st year)

2012 Record: 4-7 (3-5 Big Sky)

2012 Season in Review: Looking back on last season for the Aggies, the biggest issue with this FCS program seemed to be consistency. One week would be a win on the road in which they scored 52 points, the next a road loss only scoring one touchdown. In fact there offense, lead by quarterback Randy Wright and the running back duo Colton Silveria and Marquis Nicolis, at times seemed quite impressive, even going a three week stretch with putting up totals of 37,41, and 52 points. In wins UC Davis seemingly did everything right on offense, averaging 41 points, but in losses only 20 points were scored. In their only game against a FBS opponent the Aggies lost on the road 45-13 to Mountain West newcomer in 2013, San Jose State. In their best performance of the year, UC Davis took eventually Big Sky champion Eastern Washington to the brink on the road, but ended up losing 31-28.

Returning Offensive Starters: 8

Returning Defensive Starters: 7

Key Returning Starters: RB Colton Silveria, QB Randy Wright, WR Cory Galindo, DE Nick King, CB Jonathan Perkins

2013 Strengths: The biggest advantage the Aggies will have against most teams they face in 2013 will be the experience they put on the field. Even though officially they return 8 offense starters, that doesn't include one of the backs that split carries last year, Colton Silveria, who lead the team in rushing yards last year. One spot were experience is always key is the quarterback position and another year under Randy Wright's belt would do him good, especially after he threw more interceptions that touchdown passes in 2012. On the defensive side of the ball the strengths should be the front four and defensive backfield, were both only lose one starter. The returning linemen, led by Nick King, combined last year for 8 sacks and 21 tackles for loss, and will need to increase those numbers in 2013.

2013: Weaknesses: The offensive line, unlike the defensive line as the potential to be a big weakness for the Aggies. In 2012 they struggled to protect the quarterback, and don't return there leader, C Ray Wilburn, who earned honorable mention Big Sky. Another weakness will be the special teams, where the Aggies must replace first team Big Sky punter Colton Schmidt. They also must improve on their field goal percentage as the only made 71% of tries last year.

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