Strengths · After sharing the WAC title with Boise State in 2005, the Wolf Pack took that predicted step back and languished in a tie for third, no bowl bid at season’s end.

Head coach Chris Ault spent the offseason fine-tuning his pistol offense that produced a steady 30 points a game last season. The offense returns three starters up front and the defense welcomes back a trio of linebackers, who give Ault solid building blocks.

Finding suitable replacements at quarterback and running back could go a long way in determining how competitive the Wolf Pack will be in the coming campaign. Versatile offensive lineman Dominic Green and talented senior linebacker Ezra Butler give Ault a starting point in the rebuilding process.

WEAKNESS · Nevada lost Jeff Rowe under center and Robert Hubbard at running back, leaving the Wolf Pack with a majority of their offensive yards spending time away from Reno.

Ault would like to believe all he has to do is reload his pistol and come out firing, but even he’s aware that isn’t going to happen.

Instead, the Wolf Pack will rely on the defense to keep things close while the offense tries to rediscover itself without Rowe, Hubbard and local prep product Caleb Spencer at receiver.

Throw in a tough schedule that has Nevada opening at Nebraska and Northwestern, and you get the idea it will be awhile before Nevada is ready for the rigors of Division I.