Mountain West Preview

Predicted Order of Finish

TCU | 8-0 | 11-1

Utah | 7-1 | 8-4

New Mexico | 6-2 | 9-3

BYU | 5-3 | 7-5

Colorado St | 4-4 | 6-6

Wyoming | 2-6 | 4-8

UNLV | 2-6 | 3-9

San Diego St | 2-6 | 3-9

Air Force | 0-8 | 2-10


TCU will be the best team in the conference this year, and one of the best in the country. Their defense was one of the best last season, and I see no reason for a drop-off this year. On the offensive side of the ball, Aaron Brown should improve on his already great numbers (1256 total yards, 10 TDs) from last year. Sophomore Marcus Jackson takes over at QB and needs to just be effective and limit his mistakes. If he does that, this team should roll through most of the schedule. If the Horned Frogs weren't playing at National Championship contender Texas, I would call for an unbeaten season.


Utah should have the best offense in the conference this year. Brian Johnson takes over at QB after missing the '06 season. The running game should be solid with the addition of Matt Asiata, a top JUCO recruit, and the return of Darryl Poston, the team's leading rusher last year. Also the entire receiving corps returns. The defense should be good enough to win games with the offense putting up 30+ per game. The Utes will give TCU their toughest test in conference. A tough OOC schedule will prevent them from having double-digit wins in the regular season.


New Mexico may be a bit of a surprise team after losing to Portland St and losing a bowl game in their own stadium. All-Conference 1st Team selections RB Rodney Ferguson and WR Travis Brown will lead an improved offense, while the defense returns 10 starters. The only loss on defense is a big one in LOBO (LB/S combo) Quincy Black, a third round selection in the NFL Draft. Four winnable OOC games and playing BYU at home will help this team finish with 9 wins.


BYU was only 10 points away from a perfect season last year, losing one game on a last second field goal and another in OT. BYU is usually one of the top teams in the Mountain West, but I have them slipping to fourth, mainly due to the losses on the offensive side of the ball. QB John Beck was taken in the second round of the NFL Draft, and they also lose their top RB, four top receivers, and starting TE. This team also had the fewest turnovers in the conference with 13. It's unlikely that will happen again with the inexperience on offense. The Cougars will still go bowling, even in a down year for them.


Colorado St should have a better team than last year with 18 returning starters, and will flirt with bowl eligibility. RB Kyle Bell rushed for over 1200 yards and 10 TDs in the '05 season, but missed all of last season. He was sorely missed, as Colorado St was last in the Mountain West in rushing yards. The offense will be more balanced with his return, which should help senior QB Caleb Hanie, who struggled with the burden of the offense on his shoulders. The defense was solid and should be just as effective with 9 starters returning. One aspect that needs improvement is forcing turnovers, after averaging just one per game last season. The Rams have the experience and talent, but may need a few breaks to go their way to make it to the postseason.


Wyoming was an interesting team last year, as they lost four close games (two in OT) and won three close games. They gave up only six more points than they scored last year. The offense returns most of its skill players, but both lines need to be rebuilt. With the lack of experience on both sides of the ball, I expect a worse record than last year.


After going 6-6 in 2003, UNLV has only won two games in each of the past three seasons. Last year the offense averaged just under 20 points per game, but that should improve this season. QB Rocky Hinds, a top recruit who transferred from USC, played hurt last year. Healthy now his numbers should improve, especially with WR Ryan Wolfe (911 yards, 5TDs as a Freshman). Even with an improved offense, the defense continues to be suspect after giving up 30+ ppg last year. A tough OOC schedule and question marks on defense will keep the Rebels from improving much.


San Diego St went 3-9 last season under new head coach Chuck Long. The offense was inept, scoring less than 15 ppg and finishing last in the conference in points scored and total yards. The offense brings almost everyone back, so I expect those numbers to improve. The offense needs a QB to step up and earn the starting role. Three competed for that spot last year, all of whom return. Unfortunately, the defense was one of the worst in the conference last year and lose a lot of contributors. Unless Chuck Long works some magic here, I don't expect the Aztecs to improve on last year's record.


Air Force's head coach Fisher DeBerry retired in the offseason, after 23 years with that title. Troy Calhoun takes over, after previously being the OC for the Houston Texans. I expect Calhoun to implement a new offense, and there are always growing pains when that happens. The schedule is made tougher with no bye week, they play 12 straight games. There is too much to overcome for the Falcons to win more than a couple of games this season.