Week 6 Mountain West Preview

Week 5 had plenty of highs and lows, as TCU and Air Force continued their winning ways, while BYU and New Mexico suffered devastating losses. Week 6 features three conference games, a rivalry game, and some games against BCS opponents. What will happen in each game this week?

Utah at Iowa State – Utah puts its top 10 ranking and BCS hopes on the line travelling to Ames, Iowa, to play Iowa State. The Cyclones enter the game at 3-2, with both losses coming to ranked teams.

With the offense back at full-strength, and an extra week to prepare for Iowa State, the Utes will put points on the board. While QB Austen Arnaud might pose the stiffest test that Utah has faced this season, the front seven will keep him contained. Iowa State keeps the game close, but Utah gets a signature win over a Big 12 Team.

Wyoming at TCU – This matchup features two of the top teams in the Mountain West. Wyoming enters the game trying to even its record at 3-3, while TCU seeks to win its sixth game in a row.
TCU’s defense dominates this game. The defensive line will shut down the run, and harass Cowboy QB Austyn Carta-Samuels. While the Wyoming defense should slow down the TCU offense, they will not be able to keep the Horned Frogs explosive playmakers out of the end zone. QB Andy Dalton will vault himself back into the Heisman Trophy discussion, leading TCU to a lopsided victory.

San Diego State at BYU – One of top conference games of the week, the SDSU – BYU game will shape the season for each team. For San Diego State, the game presents an opportunity to prove that it belongs among the elite teams in the conference. On the other hand, BYU needs to win the game to avoid dropping to 1-5.

San Diego State typically uses a balanced offense, but the Aztecs will run RB Ronnie Hillman to exploit a BYU defense that allows 5.1 yards per carry. While the Aztec offense gets most of the credit for the team’s 3-1 start, the defense will make the difference in this game. They will constantly pressure QB Jake Heaps, and prevent the Cougars from scoring. San Diego State wins big, and establishes itself as a viable contender for the conference crown.

Colorado State at Air Force - One of the more underrated rivalries in the conference, the CSU – Air Force game always produces plenty of excitement. The Rams want to derail the Falcons title hopes, and earn a much-needed conference victory, while Air Force needs a win to remain in first place.

Air Force will come out running the triple option, exploiting the Ram defense. Colorado State will throw the ball, because they will be playing without leading rusher Raymond Carter for the next few weeks. CSU QB Pete Thomas continues to improve, but will struggle against an experienced Falcon secondary. Air Force will win by two touchdowns.

UNLV at West Virginia - The Mountain West can make a huge statement in this game. West Virginia comes into the game with a 3-1 record, and perennially contends for the Big East title. A UNLV upset would give the Mountain West another marquee win over the Big East, as well as keep the Rebels bowl hopes alive.

The Mountaineers will use a balanced attack to keep UNLV off-balance. The Rebels need to contain RB Noel Devine, and make West Virginia one-dimensional. If they can take away the run, UNLV can at least slow down the Mountaineer offense. Regardless of what the defense does, the UNLV offense will have no answer for the stingy West Virginia D, which ranks in the top 10 nationally in total defense. The Mountaineers win by 17, denying the Mountain West another win against a BCS opponent.

New Mexico at New Mexico State – This matchup pits two of the worst teams in FBS, as New Mexico enters this game 0-5, and New Mexico State comes into the game 0-4. However, for an in-state rivalry game, records become irrelevant – both teams want to beat the other badly.

While neither defense has stopped anyone all season, this game will not be a shootout. Both teams might play without their starting QB’s. The team that runs the ball the most effectively will win this game. The Aggies have run the ball more successfully than the Lobos, so New Mexico State will win a tight one.

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