The Bottom Line

2005 Great West Football Conference Preview - Part 1

By Chris Kelly

 

It's only been in existence for one full season of play, but already the Great West Conference makeup is changing - for the second time. Just last summer Saint Mary's dropped football, and with it made the GWFC a six-team rather than a seven-team conference. After this season, the number will drop again as Northern Colorado makes the jump to the Big Sky in 2006.

 

The Bears were officially voted in back in May, leaving the conference one team short (starting in '06) to continue its clock time toward an automatic berth in the I-AA playoffs. In the short term, things are fine. The conference looks exactly the same this year, but you can bet the scuttlebutt will heat up as the season wears on. Does the conference look for other potential members? Possibly a D-II team looking to move up? Or does it remain a five-team conference, one short of that number needed after six seasons to earn an auto-bid? And let's not forget that North Dakota State and South Dakota State are still looking around for a full-time home for all sports. Maybe the Big Sky down the road? There's also a rumor circulating that the teams other than NDSU, and SDSU could join the Sky and with it split the conference into two divisions. Should either of the aforementioned scenarios come into play, the conference's third change would likely be its final. But I'm getting way ahead of things here, and we'll have plenty of time over the course of 2005 to speculate as to the future of the Great West.

 

All that aside, the immediate future is here, and based on last season the Great West Football conference is in prime position to be in the top tier of I-AA conferences once again. With the talent, the schedules, and a strong 2004 debut, all signs point for a potentially special season. 

 

Here's a look into everything you need to know to get ready for kickoff.....

 

Scouting the Players

 

The All-Stars

 

1.     Chris Gocong, DE, Cal Poly. No doubt the biggest name in the Great West Football Conference in 2005 is Chris Gocong. Gocong, the former nose tackle, exploded at defensive end last season with 71 tackles, 21.5 of which went for loss. He notched 17.5 sacks, which led the nation. Despite his phenomenal year, Gocong consistently played second fiddle in the headlines to star linebacker Jordan Beck. Gocong finished 2^nd for the Buck Buchanan (top defensive player in I-AA) award, which showed the nation took note of his accomplishments. However, the person that edged him out was teammate Jordan Beck, now departed to the NFL. Out of Beck's shadow, Gocong, a consensus All-American, will be the leader of the Mustang D in '05. He's also on NFL's watch lists, and another big season may be needed to earn a shot at the next level. NFLDraftScout.com analyst Josh Buchanan says "Gocong's height will make teams wary but his production will force them to look at moving him or giving him a shot at end." NFL bound or not, Gocong has clearly proven he is a major problem for opposing offenses.

 

2.     Kyle Steffes, RB, North Dakota State. The junior first-team All-GWFC performer is back to lead a tough Bison running game. What's really impressive about Steffes is he cleared the 1,000-yard mark and scored 13 touchdowns even though he split carries. Steffes averaged 5.4 per carry, and has proven his hands are more than capable adding 15 catches to his resume last season. Fans should come accustomed to seeing Steffes racking up the numbers in 2005, as he will undoubtedly add to his seven career 100-yard games. Steffes biggest problem: he's in one of the deepest backfields around. Make him the sole back and he might average 150 yards per game.

 

3.     Anthony Watson, RB, South Dakota State. Along with Kyle Steffes, the GWFC welcomes back another talented runner in Anthony Watson. The junior Jackrabbit was the teams rushing leader last season with 1088 yards. He added five touchdowns and 15 catches out of the backfield. Now he enters his third season as the starter, and Watson will be the go-to-guy on offense. Expect another 1,000 yard-plus season, and don't be surprised if Watson ends the season as the league's offensive player of the year. He's primed to have that kind of year.

 

4.     Reed Doughty, S, Northern Colorado. The Bears welcome back an extremely productive and talented senior in Reed Doughty. The ball-hawking free safety finished 4^th in the conference in tackles last season with 116. He also opened up the Bears' spring game with an interception picking up where he left off in 2004. Doughty intercepted six passes last season, which was good enough for 2^nd in the league. Any team that faces the Bears will be looking for Doughty, who always has himself in the right place to make a big play. Doughty, along with Gocong, should find their way onto any publication that produces I-AA All-American teams. Dougherty ranks as one of the top two or three safeties in all of I-AA.

 

5.     Jon Grant, QB, UC Davis. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the top returning signal caller, first-team All-GWFC quarterback, Jon Grant. The junior had a solid season last year for the Aggies throwing for over 2,500 yards, and 17 scores. His efficiency was also impressive at 142.8. Grant proved he could make the tough throws when it counted, and could make a play, when necessary, with his feet. With a year under his belt, Grant could put up some gaudy numbers this season. Buchanan rates the junior as the second-best quarterback (I-AA) in the 2006 graduating class.

 

Pressure is on in `05

 

1. Steve Walker, QB, North Dakota State. It was just one year ago - Bison fans were excited to see their returning starting quarterback, Tony Stauss, lead North Dakota State to big things in 2004. And who was to disagree with that notion specifically since Stauss had taken over in 2003 and shown the Bison faithful great promise.  However, if there's one thing you need to know about NDSU football it's that everyone surrounding that program, especially the fans, takes their football very seriously. After Stauss performed poorly in two games, some fans called for his quick replacement by inexperienced Steve Walker. Coach Craig Bohl stuck with his guy, but Stauss continued to struggle. When it became apparent that the team was going nowhere with Stauss, the switch was made, albeit too late, in the opinion of some. Here we are one year later, and Steve Walker is in the same spot as Tony Stauss. He enters the year looking firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback.  The big difference is that Walker is more talented than the graduated Stauss and extremely mature for his age. But all that equates to is even a greater degree of pressure, and expectations for the youngster. If Walker plays well, he'll be talked about in the same breath as some of the past Bison greats. Start slow, and prepare for what will follow.

 

2. Marty Kranz, LB, South Dakota State. Marty Kranz isn't in the worst position in the world. If you're going to step in to a starting role, and are surrounded by eight returning starters, life isn't too bad. However, trying to replace Chris Coauette is where the complication begins. Coauette was the emotional, and playmaking leader of the South Dakota State defense last season, and will be a huge loss on that side of the ball. He was the rock in the middle of inexperienced defense that had its moments of growing pains. As his defense grew up last season, the Jackrabbits confidence and play improved. If Kranz can step in and make an immediate impact he can certainly soften the blow of losing Coauette. His play this season will be instrumental in seeing if the '05 Jacks can seriously entertain conference title aspirations.

 

3. Zach Connors/Wes Marshall, QB, Southern Utah. The difference maker in the Thunderbirds revival last season was the exponential improvement Casey Rehrer showed in managing the offense from his junior to senior year. Just as Southern Utah had a quarterback playing at the level Coach Wes Meier needed to win games, he graduated leaving a hole. In order to keep the T-Bird offense moving in the right direction it's up to Zach Connors or Wes Marshall. Coming out of spring the two quarterbacks were neck and neck, and it appears the decision won't be until late August. Connors transferred from Saint Mary's, once the Gaels dropped football in 2004. He is mobile, much like Rehrer, and possesses the better arm of the two. He's the one with game experience as well, appearing in four games and throwing 24 passes. However, Marshall is no slouch himself with his legs, and is probably the better runner. Overall, he's stronger and faster than Connors. Formerly a running back, Marshall was moved back to quarterback this spring when Ryan Zimmerman transferred to Arizona State to play baseball. My hunch says Marshall wins out, but things are so neck and neck it is too close to call. Who ever it is, the pressure is on to step in and make plays immediately to keep SUU competitive.

 

4. Tony Christensen/Nick Hager QB, Northern Colorado. When you're a third year starter, the pressure shouldn't be as great as it will be for Tony Christensen entering this season. Christensen took over as quarterback two seasons ago starting all 11 games as a sophomore. That season he showed tremendous signs of promise leading the Bears to a 9-2 record, throwing for over 2,000 yards and 18 TDs (13 INTs). Last season, however, he took a step back. Christensen really struggled throwing the most interceptions in the league and the least touchdowns. He had a 1-to-2.4 touchdown to interception ratio, which ranks as one of the worst nationally. His efficiency was the lowest of all the GWFC quarterbacks. Christensen also threw three picks (along with only three completions) in one of the spring scrimmages. That's not entirely encouraging, and all of the aforementioned have opened up the job to some competition. Waiting in the wings is Nick Hager, who led the team to a win against Southern Utah late in the season. He threw for 590 yards, and five touchdowns. His completion percentage was far more impressive at 55.8 percent vs. Christensen's 46.4 percent. The pressure will be high on Christensen to play at a higher level or Hager will take over the starting reigns.

 

Impact Players (Key transfers or position changes)

 

1. Steve Smith, LB, Southern Utah. Steve Smith hasn't finished a season with less than 60 tackles in his first three years as a Thunderbird. That won't change this year, even though the position from which he makes those tackles does. Smith, a two time All-Independent team defensive back, is making the move from safety to linebacker. The move is to help bolster the unit after some major losses at backer. He has been a major contributor over his career both with his inspired play and impressive numbers. The challenge in 2005 is the same from a production standpoint, but do to key departures, he'll be relied even more so as a leader.

 

2. Kyle Shotwell, LB, Cal Poly. Kyle Shotwell also makes a position change this season. His move is not as drastic as Steve Smith's, however, as Shotwell moves from weak side to middle linebacker. Moving from one linebacker spot to another isn't that uncommon, but replacing the best defensive player in the nation certainly can be classified as such. Shotwell racked up some pretty impressive numbers last season, and is the most deserving person to take over for Jordan Beck. Expect Shotwell to thrive at middle linebacker in Rich Ellerson's aggressive scheme.

 

3. Andy Birkel, WR, Northern Colorado. If a team ever needed a shot in the arm at wide receiver it's the Bears. After losing all everything Vincent Jackson to the NFL, as well as Jamar Farbes, it left Cory Sleeth, who caught 15 passes last year, as the most experienced. Andy Birkel hopes to step in and become the big playmaker in Greeley. The junior transfer from Nebraska saw some playing time for the `Huskers, but battled injuries throughout his first two years. This season the former Nebraska Athlete of the Year will be looked upon to deliver some big numbers for an inexperience group.

 

4. Drew Robinson, RB, Cal Poly - The loss of Geno Randle to the Mustang football team was a big one. Randle was the staple of the backfield the last two seasons surpassing the 770-yard mark in '03 & '04. The loss of Randle leaves a hole in the running game that Cal Poly believes might be filled by Drew Robinson. Robinson, a Nevada-Reno transfer, ran for over 300 yards last season averaging 5.5 per carry for the Wolfpack. Assuming he can win the slotback job, he has a good chance to have a big impact on the Great West this season.

 

Top GWFC Non-Conference Games

 

Every team in the league has gone out and scheduled some of the best teams across I-AA once again. Last year was tough, but the 2005 slate puts it to shame. Coming to a stadium near you, here's a ranking of the best:

 

1. Cal Poly @ Montana, Oct 22.  Would this have been one heck of a first round playoff game last season? This season, not even the playoff committee can keep these teams from playing. Even a year after it would have been two highly ranked teams clashing, the game still has a sweet ring to it.

 

2. New Hampshire @ UC Davis, Sept 3.  The Aggies welcome their first-ever Atlantic 10 opponent to Toomey field as they open the season with national title contender New Hampshire. The showdown between quarterbacks Jon Grant, and Ricky Santos could provide some Labor Day fireworks. Just don't forget about the Wildcats All-American wide receiver, David Ball. He's one of the top pro prospects in I-AA, and arguably the best at his position.

 

3. North Dakota State @ Northwestern State, Sept 10. The Demons powerful running game looked anything but last season as the Bison shut them down in the second half en route to a comeback win. This season, the Bison are the road team with the powerful running game. Leaving the comfy confines of the Fargodome and walking away from Louisiana in the win column poses a big challenge.

 

4. UC Davis @ Eastern Washington, Nov 19. The Aggies certainly aren't lacking in scheduling, specifically teams with national championship caliber offenses. A trip to visit Big Sky favorite, Eastern Washington, and All-American quarterback Erik Meyer could make for a long afternoon. Cal Poly found that out last season.

 

5. North Dakota State @ Montana State, Sept 24. Cal Poly @ Montana, UC Davis @ Eastern Washington, and this game highlight the three marquee road games for GWFC teams in Big Sky country.  Of the three, the Bison likely have the best chance to pick up the road win. To win in Bozeman, however, Bison signal caller Steve Walker will have to be on top of his game. Oh, and the Bison defense has to find a way to slow Walter Payton candidate Travis Lulay at quarterback.

 

6. Eastern Washington @ Cal Poly, Nov 5. The Eagles are looking for a deep playoff run this season. The Mustangs are looking to revenge the loss that kept them out of the playoffs last season. Last year's result aside, this late season game has danger written all over it if the Eagles don't play their best game.

 

7. South Dakota State @ Texas State, Oct 1.  The Jacks can prove a lot to the rest of I-AA if they post a victory - against a solid I-AA Southland team on the road. It won't be easy. The Bobcats return 19 starters, including dynamic quarterback Barrick Nealy.

 

8. Georgia Southern @ South Dakota State, Oct 29. South Dakota State learned the hard way how dominant GSU can be running the football. The gap between the teams in 2005 isn't 56 points like it was last season. A home game and improvement from last season should make for a better game in '05.

 

9. Southern Utah @ McNeese State, Oct 1. Southern Utah opened eyes when they stunned McNeese State last season. The Cowboys are still young, and a trip to Lake Charles will be challenging. However, don't expect another 4-7 finish for this perennial title contender.

 

10. Sam Houston State @ Northern Colorado, Nov 12.  UNC catches the Bearkats in a much better position this season. SHSU lost its star QB to gradation, its head coach to retirement, and must replace a handful of starters. Plus the Bears get them at home. Pressure is on Oklahoma transfer quarterback, Noah Allen, to step in as the leader on offense.

 

Super Size Me

It's always difficult it to one up yourself each season. Last season the schedule looked tough enough with all the power the Great West stacked up on their respective schedules. This season they added even more top teams, and power names. But two teams super sized their schedule by adding a I-A game. This trend will only grow as these teams become a staple at the I-AA level.

 

1. Cal Poly @ Troy, Sept 3. The Mustangs open the season for the third time in four seasons against a I-A opponent. Cal Poly is 1-1 in those games having knocked off UTEP in 2003. This season, Troy, fresh off a bowl appearance last season, hosts the Mustangs to open the season. Troy's offense may not blow anyone away in '05, especially after the bruising blow of losing their quarterback to academics in late spring. Add to that a group that was 113^th in scoring last season, and returns just two starters. What they lack in offense, however, can be made up with a stout defense. Look for the Mustangs to hang around in a low scoring game, and don't be surprised if they have a shot to come away with a win. First to 20 points wins.

 

2. UC Davis @ Stanford, Sept 17th. The Aggies take on their first I-A opponent since 1997 when they travel just down the road to take on the Cardinal on "the farm". The Aggies topped the Cardinal two seasons ago in a controlled scrimmage. But that was just a scrimmage, and this is for real. Stanford is led by a new coach Walt Harris, and ball-hawking linebacker Jon Alston. Despite a 4-7 record last season, Stanford returns 10 starters on offense, and the Aggies will need to play the game of the year to come away victorious.

 

Big Deal........ Big Sky!

 

Last season the Great West proved that their neighbors in the Big Sky had at least some cause for concern about their long standing west coast dominance. The Great West and Big Sky battled 14 times, with the rookie conference walking away with eight wins to just six losses. However, the Great West did beat up on the bottom of the barrel in the Sky finishing 1-4 to the top four finishers in the league. Still, the 8-6 mark at least demonstrates that the Great West could at least fare well in the middle of the Big Sky pack. That's nothing to frown upon considering many of the teams were in only their first or second years of I-AA competition.

 

In 2005 the GWFC has a chance to improve on last season's impressive start. The Great West has 15 games against the BSC, but eight (vs. 5 last year) of the games are against the teams picked to finish in the top four in the league by both the coaches and media.

 

Honor Roll

Pre-Season All Great West Conference Team

Offense    

OL    Bret Garegnani, Northern Colorado, Sr.  

OL    Beau Finato, Cal Poly, Sr. 

OL   Taylor Murray, South Dakota State, Jr.   

OL    Shaun Farner, Northern Colorado, Sr.  

OL   Tim Popowski, North Dakota State, Sr.    

TE    Daniel Fells, UC Davis, Sr.    

WR   Travis White, North Dakota State, Sr. 

WR    Josh Davis, South Dakota State, Sr.   

QB    Jon Grant, UC Davis, Jr.    

RB     Kyle Steffes, North Dakota State, Jr.    

RB    Anthony Watson, South Dakota State, Jr.     

Defense

DE    Chris Gocong, Cal Poly, Sr.

DT    Levi Erickson, Southern Utah, Sr. 

DT     Ryan Sharp, UC Davis, Sr.

DE    Pila Fatukala, UC Davis, Sr.

LB    Kyle Shotwell, Cal Poly, Jr. 

LB    Dan Elbanna, UC Davis, Sr.

LB    Steve Smith, Southern Utah, Sr.

DB    Craig Dahl, North Dakota State, Jr.

DB     Hank McCall, South Dakota St, Sr.

DB    Reed Doughty, Northern Colorado, Sr.

DB    Kenny Chicoine, Cal Poly, Jr. 

Special Teams

P    Neal Bainbridge, South Dakota State, Jr. 

PK    Justin Zaitz, Northern Colorado, Sr.    

RS    Ryan Felipe, Southern Utah, Sr.

Players of the Year

Offensive P.O.Y. -  Anthony Watson, South Dakota State

Defensive P.O.Y. - Chris Gocong, Cal Poly

Special Teams P.O.Y. - Ryan Felipe, Southern Utah

Newcomer - Drew Robinson, Cal Poly

Super sophomore - Joe Mays, LB, North Dakota State

 

Up Next: Check back Thursday, August 4^th for Part 2 of the Great West pre-season preview - the Great West Roundtable will share their thoughts on the conference race, and I'll break down the conference race as well as give team by team analysis.

 

Questions. Comments. Email Chris @ gwfcfootball@hotmail.com