Nevada football fighting for Mountain West crown in 2020
Defense relying on star players for impact
The Wolf Pack have a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the ball throughout the remaining offseason. Jay Norvell needed more urgency and efficiency from the Wolf Pack’s defense so he hired former Syracuse defensive coordinator Brian Ward for the same position.
Ward coached the Orange’s defense to their one of their most dominant performances ever. In the 2017 season, Ward was a finalist for the Frank Broyles Award, which goes to the top assistant coach in college football.
The Wolf Pack will need all help on defense they can get for the upcoming season. Last year, the Wolf Pack ranked 100th (10th in the Mountain West) in points allowed per game (31.9) and 75th in total yards allowed per game (400.1). They also allowed 258 first-downs throughout the season as well as allowed opposing offenses to convert 60 percent of their fourth downs (15-of-25). They are returning five starters.
Nevada’s defense will need more impact in the pass rush game as last year they accounted for 23 total sacks in the season. They return their top pass rusher and defensive star in defensive end Dom Peterson. Last season, he accounted for 40 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, nine sacks and two forced fumbles. He was named to Athlon Sports’ All-Mountain West firs team as one of the top pass rushers in the conference.
Sam Hammond projects to be the other starting end for Wolf Pack. Tristian Nichols looks to provide depth as a backup after accounting for four sacks last season. Chris Green looks at his fist full season as the starting tackle.
While the defensive line looks to be in stable condition, the linebacking unit looks to recover with new starters. Lawson Hall makes his second full-season start for the Wolf Pack in 2020 as the middle linebacker. He has played 38 career games. Last season, he accounted for 56 total tackles (third on team), three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions.
James Fotofili has played in 25 career games going back to his true freshman season at Nevada. Lamin Touray played in 12 games this past season and both players are projected to start at outside linebacker this upcoming season.
The secondary is the position that might be the biggest strength for the Wolf Pack defense. They return three starters from last year’s 3-3-5 scheme as they were ranked 99th in passing yards, allowing per game (250.8).
Sixth-year cornerback EJ Muhammad is the unquestioned leader of the secondary after playing 35 career games with Nevada. He was named to Athlon Sports’ preseason All-Mountain West third team. Safety Tyson Williams returns after leading the team last season in total tackles (85), solo tackles (50) and pass deflections (seven). Both Williams and Austin Arnold will look to provide more support in the pass defense this upcoming season for the new cornerback and third safety spot being evaluated still.