I’m not sure how bold this prediction is, but can the defense fare any worse than its 117th-ranked squad in 2013? There wasn’t a lot of talent or depth last year, but nearly the entire unit returns this season with an extra year of experience under its belt. More importantly, the Wolf Pack’s awful Tampa-2 defense ran by Scottie Hazelton has been replaced by Scott Boone. The leap from FCS to FBS will prove to be difficult for Boone this season, but again, it doesn’t get worse than last year, right?

7. Brock Hekking will emerge as the program’s most tantalizing NFL prospect

When Hekking isn’t milking his #TeamMullet campaign for all the attention it’s worth, Hekking is a player opposing defenses game plan around. The 17 sacks he’s racked up the previous two years proves he’s a formidable pass rusher. At six-foot-4 and 255 pounds, Hekking is freakishly athletic. But to really latch onto the NFL, Hekking might have to bulk up or convert to linebacker. I don’t think getting bigger will be a problem for Hekking, who was rail-thin in high school.

8. Linebacker Jordan Dobrich will emerge as the face of the defense

Perhaps no position on a 4-3 defense is more important than Dobrich’s middle linebacker spot and the six-foot-two, 235-pounder is equipped to handle it. The two-time team captain possesses all the intangibles, but his run-clogging skills really flew under the radar last season. The one area I want to see Dobrich really thrive in is making game-changing plays — forced fumbles, interceptions, sacks, etc.

9. The biggest game of the season will be against Fresno State on Nov. 22

The West branch of the MWC is wide open. I think it’ll be a three-way battle between Nevada, San Diego State and Fresno State for a chance to face Boise State in the MWC Championship. That’s why a Nov. 22 battle with the Bulldogs will be so crucial to the Wolf Pack. A win could catapult them to first-place in the West, but a loss could eliminate them for MWC title race. In spite of losing its offensive firepower in Derek Carr and Davonte Adams, the Bulldogs remain a talented team with a great head coach in Tim DeRuyter.

10. The Fremont Cannon will once again be painted blue

This is more than a prediction, it’s more like a foregone conclusion. The Rebels lost both their quarterback and running back from last season, but return NFL-player-to-be in wide receiver Devante Davis. However, the Wolf Pack have been seeking vengeance for a year and won’t let down its fanbase again.

Eric Uribe can be reached at euribe@sagebrush.unr.edu