Week eight featured the most anticipated game of the year as Boise State hosted UNLV. Could the Rebels get over the hump? Or would the Broncos make it known they are still the kings of the conference? There was also a key game in Logan that was essentially an elimination game for the Mountain West title, and Hawaii looked to gain bowl eligibility for the first time under Timmy Chang.
The Good
Boise State
I was in the stands for this one, and it was even more dominating than the final score indicates. This was Boise
State’s most complete offensive performance in quite some time and it allowed Boise State to extend the nation’s longest home winning streak. The Broncos were dominant in both facets of the game, able to run and throw the ball at will, and if I’m being honest, it felt like they left a lot on the table. A 56-31 win could have easily been much worse if it weren’t for a muffed punt and a careless interception. The Broncos were clearly the better team on Saturday afternoon and continue to be an offensive juggernaut at home where they are 4-0 and are averaging 49 points per game on “The Blue.”
Utah State
It wasn’t the prettiest performance of the season for the Aggies, but it was a win nonetheless. Utah State was able to overcome being out gained by the Spartans. This game ultimately came down to which team was more efficient in opposing territory, and it was the Aggies. Utah State kicker Tanner Rinker was clutch, connecting on all three of his field goal attempts. Arizona transfer Anthony Garcia was also spectacular with three catches for 121 yards. Mendenhall was able to get his team back on track after a disappointing performance against Hawaii. It will be interesting to see how Mendenhall and the Aggies respond when he returns to New Mexico after leaving the Lobos.
Air Force
The Falcons finally did it. They won a close football game. It was also in much different fashion than the shootouts they have had in recent weeks. Air Force was able to force two interceptions and did enough on the defensive side of the ball to hold Wyoming to 21 points. The improvement on the defensive side of the ball could not have come at a better time, as the Air Force offense struggled. Quarterback Liam Szarka only threw for 33 yards, but he had a great day on the ground, rushing for 141 yards. It will be interesting to see if this is the game that turns things around for the Falcons. Can they make a late run to bowl eligibility?
Hawaii
The Rainbow Warriors might be the most dangerous team in the Mountain West and they are proving to be one of the most well-rounded squads in the conference. Freshman quarterback Micah Alejado had another spectacular performance, passing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in Hawaii’s 31-19 road victory over Colorado State. The win was significant for a variety of reasons. It keeps the Rainbow Warriors in the championship picture and the team is bowl eligible for the first time in the Timmy Chang era.
New Mexico
It wasn’t always pretty, but the Lobo defense rose to the occasion and got a fourth down stop to secure the 24-22 win. New Mexico is now 4-3 on the season and has a realistic chance to become bowl eligible. The Lobos had an impressive performance on the ground, rushing for 210 yards. While it ultimately does come down to winning, there is a lot to be concerned about. The Lobo offense has looked rough the last three weeks and they now have the task of facing one of the best offenses in the conference. This week, the Lobos will be hosting their former head coach, Bronco Mendenhall, with Utah State coming into town in, arguably, the most anticipated Mountain West game this week.
The Bad
San Jose State
It was yet another missed opportunity for a Spartan squad that fell to 2-5 on the season. It is pretty surprising to see how undisciplined this team has looked under the leadership of Ken Niumatalolo. The Spartans had the ball late in the fourth quarter but couldn’t get out of their own way with penalties and poor clock management. It also didn’t help that quarterback Walker Eget and wide receiver Danny Scudero were clearly limited with injuries. This season will ultimately be a big what-if for the Spartans. They might be 2-5, but four of those losses have come down to the final possession.
Nevada
Another week and another frustrating loss for Jeff Choate and the Wolf Pack. Nevada had a number of opportunities to pull off the upset, but they could not get it done on a late drive that resulted in a turnover on downs. Three of Nevada’s losses have been by a field goal or less, and close games have been a fixture in Jeff Choate’s two seasons. But it wasn’t all bad for Nevada. Freshman quarterback Carter Jones had a promising performance. He completed 23 of 29 passes for 202 yards and was able to avoid turnovers. I hope Nevada’s admin gives Choate and his staff another season to prove themselves; I think they can build a competitive program in the new-look Mountain West.
The Ugly
UNLV
It finally caught up with the Rebels. This team has been playing with fire all year. For the second consecutive week, the Rebel defense was downright awful, giving up 558 yards and 56 points. The offense battled but was inconsistent and struggled with the loud crowd that forced five false starts. The Rebels’ best offense was Anthony Colandrea scrambling. The young quarterback had a solid performance, but a late interception that was returned for a touchdown by Boise State cornerback A’Marion McCoy was the final nail in the coffin for the Rebels. Will UNLV be able to bounce back and get one more shot at the Broncos in the Mountain West Championship game?
Wyoming
The Jay Sawvel era continues to be filled with disappointment. This was a game that the Cowboys could have and should have won. They were going against the worst defense in the Mountain West and only managed 21 points. Two interceptions and their inability to slow down Air Force’s rushing attack proved too much for the Cowboys to overcome. With four losses, the Cowboys will now have a tough road to bowl eligibility.
Colorado State
The 31-19 final score might not sound terrible, but this never felt like a game Colorado State was going to win. It was disappointing for Rams fans who had reason for optimism after last week’s upset win over Fresno State. The loss cost Jay Norvell his job and was a reflection of his tenure in Fort Collins. Norvell’s teams had plenty of talent, but they never reached their full potential. The program will now be looking for a new leader as they enter the PAC 12.
Are the Broncos a lock to win the Mountain West? Can any other team challenge them? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
