Only one winning season in eight years under former head coach John Volek has caused Sacramento State football fans to expect the team to lose.But with the start of every season comes a renewed feeling of excitement and optimism and this year is no exception.

“We can’t base things on the past,” new head coach Steve Mooshagian said. “Everyone out here is fighting for their lives.”

New schemes are being implemented by new coaches on offense, defense and special teams and according to Mooshagian, who spent the last four years as the Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers coach.

It shows in practice. Returning and new players alike expressed surprise and enthusiasm about the new structure of drills.

“He a neat freak,” transfer defensive lineman Chris Bessinger said.Even Sac State Athletic Director Terry Wanless said he was impressed with Mooshagian’s organizational skills and attention to detail.

The new offensive scheme will feature a three wide receiver, one tight end, and one back formation but will also include four and five wide sets, empty backfields and others.

“We’ve got a lot of go-get-em plays,” quarterback Ryan Leadingham said. “Were going to throw more than last year and that’s hard to imagine.”

Last season Leadingham threw for a school record 2,785 passing yards.

Play calling responsibilities will be shared by Mooshagian and new offensive coordinator Phil Davis with special attention to be paid to third down situations.”If there is one thing I learned in the NFL it’s that third down is a whole different game,” Mooshagian said.

Davis has 21 years of coaching experience and worked with Mooshagian at the University of Nevada, Reno where the team won the Las Vegas Bowl and two Big West Conference titles.

On defense Mooshagian and new defensive coordinator Dennis DiCamillo have tried to even the distribution of the scholarships by giving more to defensive recruits in hopes of improving the talent level.

DiCamillo has been coaching for over 20 years. He installed a new defensive scheme at Oberlin College in 2001, helping to end that school’s 40-game losing streak.

Sac State’s best players will be used on special teams with star wide receiver Fred Amey returning punts and kickoffs in addition to fulfilling his pass catching duties.

Craig Young will coach the running backs alongside new tight ends coach Shawn Kraft and new receivers coach, former NFL wide receiver Malcolm Floyd.First year coaches on defense also include defensive backs coach Tim Skipper and defensive quality control and special teams assistant Jeff Shuman.

With all the changes to the team, can the Hornets really turn things around this year? The head coach thinks so.

“I’ll never doubt or sell (the team) short,” Mooshagian said. “Every year is a playoff year for this team, we expect to win.”