The college football season is firing on all cylinders, and games are happening every weekend. The rankings are back for another week. Read on to see how this week’s slate of games affected each team’s status in the MWCConnection Mountain West rankings.
1) North Dakota State (0)
The Bison may not have the most challenging schedule to date, but they are winning with no issue. The team is good, combining an efficient offense with a disciplined, tough defense. It’s clear they have had no issue adjusting to the FBS level, although
again, their schedule has allowed them an easier adjustment period. North Dakota State retains the top spot in the Mountain West rankings for another week and, at this point, is one of the best Group of 6 teams in the country.
2) New Mexico (0)
The Lobos gave the Sooners everything they had this weekend, and while it wasn’t enough, it was a pretty impressive showing. In the end, the talent gap was too much, but they certainly made Oklahoma earn everything they got. Holding them to 61 rushing yards and forcing three turnovers is no small feat, and a sign that their defense is the real deal. The offense was overmatched, but moved the ball in creative ways at times. Ultimately, they couldn’t put enough points on the board. However, all of this bodes well for Mountain West play going forward.
3) Air Force (+1)
BYE WEEK
4) San Jose State (-1)
The Spartans struggled to unleash their offensive potential in the rivalry game against Fresno State’s stout defense. Luke Weaver was not on his game, throwing four interceptions and only completing 55% of his passes. They got good production from their running game, and Anthony Ivey emerged as a dynamic wide receiver. However, it’s hard to put points on the board when you turn the ball over so much. San Jose State didn’t have a great showing, but this team still looks capable of winning enough games to get to a bowl by the end of the season, which can’t be said for every MW team.
5) UNLV (0)
BYE WEEK
6) Hawaii (+1)
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7) Wyoming (-1)
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but the Cowboys are struggling because they can’t score enough on offense. Their defense isn’t much better right now, either. This past game, they lost by 14 points despite only allowing 32 passing yards because 1) they allowed 339 yards on the ground and 2) they only scored 10 points. Despite their quarterback putting up great numbers at the FCS level, it hasn’t translated to Wyoming this year, with two TDs and five INTs through three games. Also, the offense is averaging a mere 14.67 points per game thus far.
8) UTEP (+1)
The Miners came to play against Michigan in the first half, leaving 7-0 and 14-7 at various points before trailing 17-14 at halftime. Unfortunately, the Wolverines woke up in the second half and put the Miners to sleep in the process, as they were held to a field goal in the last 30 minutes while allowing 35 points. The game more or less ended up as expected, but it’s too bad UTEP couldn’t keep up the fight in the second half to show some signs of progress. Instead, it’s further evidence they are where they should be in the rankings.
9) Nevada (-1)
The Wolf Pack followed up last week’s dud with another one, losing a winnable game. Three turnovers are never a recipe for success, and the team isn’t good enough to have self-inflicted wounds to this degree. The passing game was alright, but the lack of a plus running game was the real concern. Nevada’s lone win this season was due to a great running attack, and that hasn’t emerged in their two losses. They will need to find a way to reestablish the run, and perhaps the defense can produce a few turnovers as well. Times are tough for this program.
10) NIU (0)
Speaking of tough, the Huskies got walloped by Arizona this weekend, which was no surprise. The offense actually moved the ball pretty well, but couldn’t find the endzone enough. Taron Dickens had his best game with the team, showing more potential for what could happen during the season. But the NIU defense allowed Arizona to do whatever they wanted on offense, and they did. It looks to be a trying season for Northern Illinois.
