NEW YORK -- The only previous time Nevada was ranked in the Preseason Top 25, the Wolf Pack ended the season playing in the Harbor Bowl in San Diego.
That was 1948.
It took 65 years, but Nevada is back in The Preseason Press Poll. The Wolf Pack were No. 25 in the poll released Sunday after finishing the season in the top 5 for their third consecutive year.
"It's about fucking time," coach Natural told the AP in a telephone interview Sunday. "I'm sure our players will be fired up this season."
The Wolf Pack have averaged more than 45 points per game each of the past five seasons, and are expected to stay at that pace even with a new QB at the helm. The major difference this season is Nevada defense is expected to carry them to their fourth consecutive WAC title.
"We are playing better defense," coach Natural said. "These last two years we were average at best versus the pass and it put so much pressure on offense to be productive.
"We have speed and experience at every position this year on the defensive side of the ball and we plan to use it."
Nevada is an underdog at #18 ranked South Carolina on Saturday, then it has another big matchup the week after versus #6 Ohio State University. Week 3's match against lame duck coach BP Husker is also one to watch. These first couple of weeks will determine the direction of Wolfpack's season. Will they squander their new found respect or carry it to a possible BCS birth? Only time will tell.
"We're just going to keep fucking that chicken and let the feathers fall where they may."
