As the college football season progresses, Nevada faces challenges on and off the field. After a heartbreaking loss to San Jose State, the focus shifts to college basketball and how realignment has impacted the Mountain West’s strength. With the conference becoming weaker, Nevada’s odds of making the NCAA Tournament may also decrease. The league’s average NET ranking has dropped significantly, potentially turning it into a one-bid league and making getting an at-large bid more difficult for teams like Nevada.
To counteract this, Nevada must upgrade its non-conference schedule and adapt to the changing landscape of the MW, which will see the departure of several key programs. Recruiting will be crucial, but the Wolf Pack must also focus on improving their performance on the court. Head coach Jeff Choate faces challenges in curbing unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, which have cost the team crucial points in close games.
Nevada football, despite showing improvement, has struggled to close out games, losing several close matchups due to late mistakes. The team’s mentality remains positive, but improvements are needed to turn losses into victories. Financial considerations also play a role in the program’s development, with investments needed in facilities and resources to reach the next level.
In other sports news, the Mountain West announced its decision to remain intact, avoiding potential realignment issues. Officials’ mistakes in recent games have raised questions about the officiating standards at the college level. And in a lighthearted exchange, the columnist shares his predictions for various sports events, showcasing his love for sports and his willingness to engage with readers.
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Photo credit www.nevadasportsnet.com