Mountain West Week 9 Preview

Week 9 will answer many questions that remain about the Mountain West Conference. How will Utah play against the top half of the conference? Can San Diego State win a tough conference game on the road? Which teams toward the bottom of the conference will step forward, and claim a bowl? Here is what to expect this week:

Utah at Air Force - The top game of the week pits Utah (7-0, 4-0) against Air Force (5-3, 3-2). The Utes want to win this game to dispel the notion that they can only beat weak teams. For Air Force, this game presents a chance to snap a two game losing streak, and earn a better bowl game.

Utah averages 47.7 points per game, ranking third in the nation. The Utes will start out running the ball, looking to capitalize on the size differential between the offensive line, and the smaller Falcon defenders. Air Force has struggled against the run all season, and will move more defenders into the box. The Falcons will slow down the run with the extra defenders, and limit the Ute passing game with stellar play from CB's Reggie Rembert and Anthony Wright.

Air Force ranks first in the nation in rushing, and will continue to use its vaunted triple-option attack. Despite the outstanding numbers, the Falcon offense has struggled since losing FB Jared Tew to injury. Without Tew, teams do not respect FB dive, and concentrate on shutting down the outside threat posed QB Tim Jefferson, and HB Asher Allen. Utah's front seven will stop the option, and force the Falcons to the air. QB Tim Jefferson will struggle against the aggressive play of the Ute secondary.

While the Falcons will play well, they do not have enough talent to play with the Utes. Utah will pull away late in the game, adding an impressive road win to an otherwise weak BCS resume.

TCU at UNLV - TCU (8-0, 4-0) travels to Las Vegas to face the UNLV Rebels (1-6, 1-2). The Horned Frogs enter the game ranked #4 in the BCS, and need an impressive victory to remain in that slot. A win over TCU would provide the Rebels with some much-needed confidence, and could turnaround a miserable season.

TCU has one of the most explosive offenses in the country, averaging almost 40 points per game. RB's Ed Wesley and Matthew Tucker will lead the ground attack against a UNLV defense that allows 5.3 yards per carry. QB Andy Dalton will also take a few shots down the field, looking to get the ball to one of his big-play wide receivers. While UNLV will make adjustments, they do not have the talent to stop the powerful Horned Frog attack.

UNLV scores points when they run the ball effectively. They will run the ball from the outset, and look to take the pressure off QB Omar Clayton. TCU will dominate the line of scrimmage, forcing the Rebels to the air. The Rebels will move the pocket to avoid the speedy TCU pass rush.

TCU wins this game big, and heads into next week's showdown with Utah undefeated.

San Diego State at Wyoming - San Diego State (5-2, 2-1) plays Wyoming (2-6, 0-4) in a critical conference game for each team. The Aztecs still control their own destiny in conference play, and must win this game to keep their title hopes alive. If the Cowboys want to return to a bowl for the second consecutive season, they need to win out for the rest of the season.

San Diego State relies on a balanced offense, with a 50-50 run/pass ratio. The Aztecs may turn to the passing game early with standout RB Ronnie Hillman slowed by a hip pointer. QB Ryan Lindley will throw deep to DeMarco Sampson and Vincent Brown. Wyoming will play "bend but don't break defense", giving up yards, but not surrendering points.

The Wyoming offense has struggled to find its rhythm all season long, averaging just over 200 yards per game. The Cowboys will mix it on up on offense, trying to score some points. Much like the Wyoming defense, SDSU does not play flashy defense, but gets the job done. The Aztec D will take away the run, and force Wyoming to beat them deep.

San Diego State has struggled on the road this season, with its only victories coming over New Mexico (0-7), and New Mexico State (1-7). On the other hand, Wyoming has played well at home, despite the brutal schedule that they have played. The Cowboys pull off the upset at home, and remain in contention for a bowl game.

New Mexico at Colorado State - New Mexico plays Colorado State to round out the Mountain West schedule for Week 9. The Lobos (0-7, 0-3) have played better in recent weeks, and have their best chance for a win this season. Colorado State (2-6, 1-3) looks to avenge last season's loss to the Lobos, and remain in the hunt for a bowl bid.

New Mexico played much better on offense last week with QB BR Holbrook returning from injury. The Lobos will play without leading rusher Demond Dennis, dismissed from the team on Tuesday. Despite the loss of Dennis, New Mexico will attempt to remain balanced against an attacking CSU defense. The Rams have 16 QB sacks this season, and will blitz Holbrook frequently.

Colorado State will run the ball to set up the passing game. While head coach Steve Fairchild has yet to announce this week's starter, the Rams have three tailbacks capable of gaining yards against the Lobo defense. New Mexico will contain Colorado State's ground game, but they will not have an answer for QB Pete Bell, who will toast the Lobo secondary.

Colorado State wins big, keeping its bowl hopes alive.