Week 3 Mountain West Preview

Week three features a number of exciting games. What will we see this week?

Mountain West games

• Air Force at #7 Oklahoma - Something has to give in this game. Oklahoma has stopped the run all season, allowing only 2.9 yards per carry. On the other hand, Air Force leads the nation in rushing with 423 yards per game, and 6.7 yards per carry. Whichever team wins the battle should also win the game. The Sooners defense should prevail, leading them to victory.
  
  Prediction: Oklahoma 24, Air Force 14
  
  
• Utah at New Mexico - Utah will play conservatively on offense, especially if backup QB Terrance Cain starts the game. The Ute defense will shut down the Lobo rushing attack, forcing them to move the ball through the air. New Mexico traditionally plays very tough at home, so this game should be much closer than people would expect. Utah wins a close game, moving to 2-0 in conference play.
  
  Prediction: Utah 31, New Mexico 14


• Baylor at TCU - The Horned Frogs will get another chance to prove that they belong in the BCS title discussion. Bears QB Robert Griffin should provide the stiffest test yet for the TCU defense. Even if Griffin should make some big plays, the Baylor defense will not have answer for QB Andy Dalton and RB Ed Wesley. The balanced TCU offense wears out the Bear defense and pulls away late.
  
  Prediction: TCU 27, Baylor 10
  


• BYU at Florida State - For the Cougars, this game presents a chance for redemption. In addition to atoning for last week’s 35-14 loss to Air Force, BYU has a chance to avenge last year's defeat in Provo. The Cougars catch FSU coming off a big loss from Oklahoma. If the offense can get some production in the passing game, it will open up the running game for RB JJ DiLuigi. Expect BYU to get their revenge, and gain some much-needed confidence.
  
  Prediction: BYU 34, Florida State 28
  


• Boise at Wyoming - The Cowboys played Texas very tough in the first half before the Longhorns pulled away in the second half. The same thing should happen this week. Wyoming simply does not have enough firepower on offense to outscore Boise. The Broncos prevail in a WAC-style shootout.
  
  Prediction: Boise 45, Wyoming 24
  


• San Diego State at Missouri - The Aztecs will face a tough Missouri defense that has dominated the first two weeks. QB Ryan Lindley should have success throwing the ball as the Aztec receiver corps can beat the Tiger secondary. The defense must find a way to contain Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert, who has completed 75% of his passes this season. Since most Big 12 defenses have not found a way to stop Gabbert, San Diego State will not stop him either. Missouri wins a close game.
  
  Prediction: Missouri 31, San Diego State 21
  


• UNLV at Idaho - The Rebel offense moved the ball well last week with Omar Clayton playing QB, but was unable to score points. The defense will apply pressure against the Idaho offense, which has allowed 11 sacks in just two games. By taking advantage of field position, and producing turnovers, UNLV should win its first game under Coach Bobby Hauk.
  
  Prediction: UNLV 35, Idaho 31
  


• Colorado State at Miami(OH) - Colorado State seeks its first win of the 2010 season. After playing against Colorado and Nevada, the Rams should fare much better against a lower-tier MAC team. CSU wins a close game, as the defense steps up big.
  
  Prediction: Colorado State 28, Miami 14