STYLE: New offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven has energized the Wildcat offense with his youthful enthusiasm and vision. There probably won't be anything out of the ordinary offensively with Weber State being a run-first, pass-when-you-can offense. WSU had the best runner in the league last year and hopes to keep running, while the receivers must be able to help transfer QB Jimmy Barnes establish himself as the passer of the future. The offense must improve on its woeful 18 points and 13 first downs-per-game averages.
PERSONNEL: Barnes is the kind of quarterback most coaches dream of getting. With a big body and a big arm, the Alabama transfer may be the key to Weber State's season. Only six starters return, and receivers Tim Toone, Akamu Aki, DeMario Harris and Cody Nakamura must step up to help the offense mature.
WHAT TO EXPECT: The running game, if the injury bug doesn't bite, is in excellent shape with Trevyn Smith and Adrian Conway returning. But with no real experience back at QB or receiver, those two must stay strong. If Barnes delivers as expected, the Wildcats may be tough to slow down.