OFFENSE

Coach Pat Hill is finally taking his new Carr out of the showroom — sophomore quarterback Derek Carr. After a two-year apprenticeship, it’s finally time to take the wraps off David Carr’s younger brother.

Carr displayed a strong, accurate arm during spring practice and should spark an offense that languished last season. Besides the physical skills, Carr is miles ahead in the film room — a benefit to having an NFL quarterback for an older brother. Fifteen years into his tenure, Hill is rooted to the ground game but insists he’ll throw open the playbook for his prodigy, including a healthy helping of no-huddle.

Youth will be the potential stumbling block as the Bulldogs revamp their offensive line and rely on a deep but relatively untested group of receivers. Jamel Hamler’s unexpected departure left Rashad Evans and Jalen Saunders as the starters-in-waiting. But 6'5" freshman Victor Dean might be better than both of them, as attested by his two spectacular TD catches in the spring scrimmage. Same goes for Devon Wylie, provided he can stay healthy, or Isaiah Burse, who also sees action as a Wildcat quarterback.

Robbie Rouse rushed for 1,129 yards and eight TDs last season despite missing two games to injury and playing nicked up in others. At 5'7" and 185 pounds, Rouse isn’t exactly built for every-down duty. A.J. Ellis showed flashes last season but was injured in the spring, possibly opening the door for UCLA transfer Milton Knox to steal some carries.

All-conference tackle Bryce Harris is the standout on the offensive line, which replaces four starters. It’s not as dire as it sounds, because several of last season’s backups, including Leslie Cooper and Richard Helepiko, filled in admirably for injured starters.

“We have a lot of work left and need to solidify the offensive line,” Hill says. “But what we have in the skill positions are as good as we’ve had here.”

DEFENSE

It’s tough to replace the best defensive player in the conference and a four-year starter at middle linebacker. But that’s the task facing the Bulldogs after the graduations of Chris Carter and Ben Jacobs.

All-conference defensive tackle Logan Harrell benefited from opposing coaches keying on Carter. How much havoc Harrell can wreck on his own remains to be seen, but fellow senior Chase McEntee is a pretty good partner inside. Where the outside pass rush will come from remains to be seen.

Junior Travis Brown, a second-team All-WAC pick, anchors the back seven along with senior linebacker Kyle Knox. Junior safety Phillip Thomas is the only full-time starter returning in the secondary, though corner Isaiah Green started the final four regular-season games and the bowl game.

SPECIALISTS

Senior Kevin Goessling converted 21-of-26 field goals last season, including 2-of-3 from 50 yards and beyond. He’s on track to break Fresno State’s career scoring record. Punter Andrew Shapiro is solid, and there are a host of explosive return candidates headed by Wylie, Burse and Saunders.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Mindful of his recent run of eight-win seasons, Hill unveiled a new mantra during the offseason: Taking the program from good to great. But it’s hard to overlook this team’s youth and the rugged non-conference slate that includes Cal, Nebraska, Ole Miss and Boise State. Great might be a year away.