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On3 Group of Five coordinators of the week for Week 1

Matt Zenitzby:Matt Zenitz•09/05/23•

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Mack Leftwich
Mack Leftwich is in his first season as Texas State's offensive coordinator. (Texas State Athletics)

Each week, On3 selects coordinators of the week from each Group of Five conference.

Our choices for Week 1:

AAC — Tulane OC Slade Nagle

Under Nagle, Tulane had 24 points by halftime and 31 points through three quarters during its 37-17 win over South Alabama, which finished last year 10-3 and with the 26th-best defense nationally. Nagle’s QB, Michael Pratt, finished 14 of 15 for 294 yards with four passing touchdowns and no interceptions.

Conference USA — Western Kentucky OC Drew Hollingshead

In his debut as Western Kentucky’s offensive coordinator, Hollingshead helped the Hilltoppers eclipse the 40-point mark during a 41-24 win over USF. Despite being without star wide receiver Malachi Corley for a large chunk of the game, Hollingshead’s offense produced 336 passing yards and 129 additional rushing yards while averaging 5.6 yards per carry. The Hilltoppers had two touchdowns of longer than 40 yards during the third quarter. Before WKU, Hollingshead worked under Mike Leach at Mississippi State.

MAC — Northern Illinois DC Nick Benedetto

Benedetto’s defense was key as Northern Illinois secured its second season-opening win over an ACC opponent in the last three years. In a 27-24 overtime win over Boston College, Benedetto’s group limited BC to 314 yards and 6 of 17 on third downs. Benedetto held the Eagles scoreless through the game’s first 40 minutes.

Mountain West — Fresno State OC Pat McCann

In his first game as Fresno State’s offensive coordinator, McCann led the way as the Bulldogs scored five touchdowns in a 39-35 win over Purdue, including a go-ahead TD with 58 seconds remaining that capped a nine-play, 79-yard drive. Fresno QB Mikey Keene finished with 366 passing yards and four TD passes.

Sun Belt — Texas State OC Mack Leftwich

Last season, Leftwich was a big part of GJ Kinne and Incarnate Word ranking No. 1 in Division I in scoring offense. Now, he’s contributing to more big offensive numbers under Kinne at Texas State. The Bobcats scored six touchdowns during their 42-31 win over Baylor, which was the program’s first-ever victory over a Power Five opponent.