Stats Corner: Ranking the MW Stadiums Advantage

Just over a month ago, I decided to answer the question about home field advantage in the Mountain West Conference.  After four articles looking at the data, I wish all my ideas turned into a month’s worth of writing, we now have a definitive list of which MWC stadiums have the biggest home field advantage.  This week on Stats Corner, we are looking at the final rankings for home field advantage in the MWC, at least until we have more data.

#1 Valley Children’s Stadium AKA Bulldog Stadium (Fresno State)

48 Points

1^st Average Score 17.7 Points per Game

1^st 4.8 Yards per Play

1^st 2.3 Turnovers

1^st 70% Red Zone Conversion

1^st 50% Field Goals Made

2^nd 48.9% Passing Percentage

4^th 67 Yards of Penalties

5^th 32.7% 3^rd Down Conversion

5^th Average Punt Distance 41.9 Yards

6^th 377.7 Yards per Game

7^th 66.7% 4^th Down Conversion

7^th 22.0 1^st Downs per Game

7^th 3.3 Red Zone Trips

What, you expected the Blue Turf to reign supreme? When you lead the conference in 5 statistics you have earned the title of largest home field advantage.  The data points to Valley Children’s Stadium, affectionately known as Bulldog Stadium, as Mountain West’s unparalleled fortress. A perilous journey for any opponent, a trip to Fresno results in the conference’s absolute lowest average scores, the most crippling turnovers, and minimal success in the Red Zone or even making a field goal. Visiting quarterbacks can brace themselves for a sub-50% completion rate. Across virtually every statistical metric, Bulldog Stadium consistently ranks in the top half of the conference, solidifying its status as the toughest road environment in the MWC. On the bright side, at least the Central Valley scenery offers a small consolation prize before despair sets in.

#2 Canvas Stadium (Colorado State) 52 Points

1^st 90.3 Yards of Penalties

1^st Average Punt Distance 39.6 Yards

2^nd Average Score 19.3 Points per Game

2^nd 2.5 Red Zone Trips

3^rd 2.0 Turnovers

4^th 56.9% Passing Percentage

4^th 50.0% 4^th Down Conversion

4^th 62.5% Field Goals Made

5^th 80% Red Zone Conversion

5^th 20.0 1st Downs per Game

6^th 37.5% 3rd Down Conversion

7^th 5.9 Yards per Play

8^th 405.8 Yards per Game

Could it be the allure of the New Belgium Porch, or perhaps the Rocky Mountain air, that unnerves visiting teams at Canvas Stadium, or maybe road punters try New Belgium beer, those who are 21, of course.  Whatever the cause, opponents here commit the most penalties across the conference and punters consistently log the lowest average distances. Beyond the curious case of discipline and poor kicking, the underlying data reveals a truly hostile game-day environment: meager red zone trips, a torrent of turnovers, and abysmal conversion rates. Canvas Stadium isn’t just a place to play; it’s a place where visiting dreams often go to die.

#3 Allegiant Stadium (UNLV) 58 Points

2^nd 5.0 Yards per Play

2^nd 27.5% 3rd Down Conversion

2^nd Average Score 19.3 Points per Game

3^rd 342.3 Yards per Game

3^rd 2.0 Turnovers

3^rd Average Punt Distance 40.8 Yards

4^th 67.0 Yards of Penalties

6^th 58.3% 4th Down Conversion

6^th 81.8% Red Zone Conversion

6^th 20.3 1st Downs per Game

6^th 3.0 Red Zone Trips

7^th 62.2% Passing Percentage

8^th 100% Field Goals Made

A gleaming monument in the desert, Allegiant Stadium stands as the Mountain West’s exclusive NFL venue, boasting the unique distinction of having the only retractable grass field in the entire U.S. But don’t let the luxury fool you, this silver and black fortress is a nightmare for visiting offenses. Opponents here consistently battle to move the ball, evidenced by top-tier rankings in limiting yards per play, stifling 3rd down conversions, and keeping average scores low. Furthermore, expect a struggle with turnovers and punting. It seems the sleek environment doesn’t translate to smooth sailing for visitors. If teams manage to get within field goal range, go all in as your kicker is virtually guaranteed success, converting 100% of their attempts here. Every other facet, however, promises a tough day at the office.

#4 Falcon Stadium (Air Force) 68 Points

1^st 0.0% 4th Down Conversion

1^st 15.0 1st Downs per Game

1^st 2.3 Red Zone Trips

2^nd 334.0 Yards per Game

4^th Average Score 22.0 Points per Game

4^th 32.3% 3rd Down Conversion

4^th Average Punt Distance 41.5 Yards

7^th 1.3 Turnovers

7^th 85.7% Red Zone Conversion

8^th 100% Field Goals Made

9^th 64.8% Passing Percentage

10^th 6.4 Yards per Play

10^th 44.0 Yards of Penalties

In a setting as disciplined as the institution it represents, Falcon Stadium perfectly embodies the precision of the Air Force Academy. With 4,000 cadets marching in formation before kick-off, it’s only fitting that visiting teams find themselves battling a suffocating opponent, struggling with the most minute offensive details. Opponents register the fewest 1st downs and red zone trips in the entire conference, while also charting the second-fewest yards per game. A crucial piece of advice for any visiting coach do not go for it on 4th down, it will not end well. Yet, in a testament to the pervasive discipline which must rub off on the visitors, as visiting teams commit remarkably few penalties and, perhaps surprisingly, convert 100% of their field goal attempts. Falcon Stadium isn’t just a tough place to play; it’s an environment where every inch is earned and every mistake is magnified.

#5 Albertson Stadium (Boise State) 77 Points

2^nd 15.3 1st Downs per Game

3^rd 31.9% 3rd Down Conversion

3^rd 75.0% Red Zone Conversion

3^rd 2.7 Red Zone Trips

5^th 360.7 Yards per Game

5^th 5.7 Yards per Play

5^th 1.7 Turnovers

5^th 59.8% Passing Percentage

6^th Average Score 25.0 Points per Game

8^th 100% Field Goals Made

9^th 46.3Yards of Penalties

11^th Average Punt Distance 45.6 Yards

12^th 76.9% 4th Down Conversion

The iconic Blue Turf of Albertson Stadium, the nation’s original non-green artificial field, might not sit atop our rankings as many expected, but it remains a formidable, if quirky, challenge. While statistically average in some metrics, it truly shines in disrupting offensive rhythm: limiting first downs and stifling both 3rd down and Red Zone conversions. Here’s a strategic tip for visitors: if 3rd down fails, go for it on 4^th. Teams convert at an unparalleled rate on fourth down in Boise. And for kickers, this is a sanctuary, Albertson is one of five stadiums where field goal attempts are universally successful. Not the absolute king, but certainly a tricky kingdom to conquer.

#6 War Memorial Stadium (Wyoming) 78 Points

1^st 23.4% 3rd Down Conversion

2^nd 14.3% 4th Down Conversion

3^rd 55.7% Passing Percentage

4^th 351.5 Yards per Game

4^th 18.3 1st Downs per Game

5^th Average Score 22.5 Points per Game

5^th 5.7 Yards per Play

5^th 2.8 Red Zone Trips

7^th 87.5% Field Goals Made

8^th 60.0 Yards of Penalties

11^th 0.3 Turnovers

11^th 100.0% Red Zone Conversion

12^th Average Punt Distance 46.0 Yards

A literal high-altitude challenge, War Memorial Stadium in Wyoming claims the title of the highest D1 stadium in the nation. For road teams venturing into this rarefied air, a stark reality awaits: your 3rd down conversion rates will be the lowest in the conference, and 4th down attempts won’t fare much better. Expect your quarterback to struggle significantly, reflecting the third-lowest passing percentage among visiting teams. This environment clearly suffocates offensive rhythm, leading to modest yardage and fewer first downs.

However, the thin air isn’t all bad news for visitors as kickers and punters might find an advantage, with a healthy 87.5% field goal success rate and a surprisingly long average punt distance, ranking among the conference’s highest. Moreover, despite the offensive struggles, teams experience remarkably few turnovers and commit fewer penalties, suggesting a cleaner game. And here’s the ultimate consolation: if you manage to penetrate the red zone, start the celebration early as you will score points.

#7 Clarence Ching Athletic Complex (Hawaii), Aloha Stadium in 2029, 85 Points

2^nd 73.3% Red Zone Conversion

2^nd 55.6% Field Goals Made

3^rd 73.0 Yards of Penalties

5^th Average Punt Distance 41.9 Yards

6^th 60.6% Passing Percentage

6^th Average Score 25.0 Points per Game

7^th 40.4% 3rd Down Conversion

8^th 6.1 Yards per Play

8^th 0.8 Turnovers

8^th 3.8 Red Zone Trips

9^th 72.7% 4th Down Conversion

10^th 443.8 Yards per Game

11^th 24.0 1st Downs per Game

Embarking on the trans-Pacific journey to the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Hawai’i presents a unique challenge that extends far beyond the field. After that long flight to the island paradise, visiting teams often find their mental focus, and their scoring touch significantly hampered. Particularly, for opponents in the red zone, reflected by the second lowest Red Zone Conversion rate in the conference and coupled with a dismal 55.6% success rate on field goal attempts. It seems the journey truly takes its toll, as teams also rack up the third-highest penalties per game.

Despite the scoring woes, games at Ching Complex are often high-octane affairs, boasting nearly 444 yards and 24 first downs per game for visiting teams, both among the highest in the conference. Turnovers are also refreshingly rare, keeping possessions alive and the action flowing. While converting those opportunities into scores can be frustratingly difficult, the sheer volume of offensive output and the generally clean play suggest a stadium where entertainment value remains high, even if red zone efficiency demands a serious adjustment for mainland teams.

#8 MacKay Stadium (Nevada) 90 Points

1^st 320.3 Yards per Game

1^st 40.4% Passing Percentage

3^rd 5.4 Yards per Play

3^rd 17.7 1st Downs per Game

5^th 80.0% Field Goals Made

7^th Average Punt Distance 42.8 Yards

9^th Average Score 28.0 Points per Game

9^th 0.7 Turnovers

9^th 4.0 Red Zone Trips

10^th 75.0% 4th Down Conversion

10^th 91.7% Red Zone Conversion

11^th 51.2% 3rd Down Conversion

12^th 30.3 Yards of Penalties

For visiting quarterbacks, Mackay Stadium in Nevada appears to be an absolute nightmare, as evidenced by a conference-low 40.4% passing percentage. It’s as if road quarterbacks bet their game in the casinos and lost, as they struggling to find rhythm and accuracy in the high desert air. Consequently, yards and first downs are in short supply, with visiting teams registering the lowest yards per game and among the lowest first downs in the conference. Offensive production here is a true grind.

However, what visiting teams lack in sheer quantity, they unequivocally make up for in quality. Despite the overall offensive struggles, when opportunities arise, opponents at Mackay Stadium convert at an exceptionally high rate. They boast an impressive 75.0% success rate on 4th down conversions and an outstanding 91.7% Red Zone Conversion rate – ranking among the best in the conference for both metrics. Furthermore, field goals are generally reliable, and penalties are commendably low, indicating a disciplined approach when it truly counts. While challenging for quarterbacks, Mackay Stadium reveals a paradoxical truth: efficiency trumps volume, and crucial moments are often seized with precision, making every hard-earned gain count.

#9 CEFCU (San Jose State) 97 Points

3^rd 5.4 Yards per Play

3^rd 60.0% Field Goals Made

4^th 76.5% Red Zone Conversion

6^th 1.5 Turnovers

7^th 394.0 Yards per Game

7^th 76.5 Yards of Penalties

8^th 62.5% Passing Percentage

9^th 46.9% 3rd Down Conversion

9^th Average Punt Distance 44.4 Yards

10^th Average Score 28.5 Points per Game

10^th 23.3 1st Downs per Game

10^th 4.3 Red Zone Trips

11^th 76.5% 4th Down Conversion

Opened in 1933 with an initial capacity of just 4,000, CEFCU Stadium at San Jose State holds the distinction of being one of the oldest college football venues in the country. While its history runs deep, it appears that decades of visiting teams have learned it’s secrets, as the home-field advantage for the Spartans seems to have significantly diminished. For visiting teams, CEFCU Stadium presents a rather mild challenge, with most metrics landing in the bottom half of the conference.

However, it’s not without its quirks. Visiting offenses find some notable advantages, averaging a respectable 5.4 yards per play, suggesting opportunities for explosive plays. Field goals here are surprisingly difficult, with only 60.0% made. Red zone trips are frequent, but converting them into touchdowns is still a challenge, with a 76.5% success rate. The stadium also sees a relatively high number of turnovers. Despite these specific difficulties, the overall performance statistics for visitors – including yards per game, first downs, and scoring – place CEFCU Stadium squarely in the middle to lower tier of conference advantages, making it a venue where victory often hinges more on a team’s inherent skill than on environmental factors. For the Spartans, turning this historic ground into a modern fortress remains a work in progress.

#10 Snapdragon Stadium (San Diego State), 100 Points

1^st Average Punt Distance 39.6 Yards

3^rd 33.3% 4^th Down Conversion

3^rd 2.7 Red Zone Trips

6^th 65.0 Yards of Penalties

7^th 22.0 1st Downs per Game

8^th Average Score 25.3 Points per Game

8^th 87.5% Red Zone Conversion

8^th 100.0% Field Goals Made

9^th 411.7 Yards per Game

11^th 0.3 Turnovers

12^th 6.8 Yards per Play

12^th 75.3% Passing Percentage

12^th 55.9% 3rd Down Conversion

The unique architecture of Snapdragon Stadium, particularly the Sycuan Pier, a standing-room-only area that extends right over the end zone, seems to play a psychological role. Visiting teams certainly struggle to even get into scoring position, registering a paltry 2.7 Red Zone Trips per game, a conference low that speaks volumes about the defensive pressure here.

Once they do get there, though, it’s a different story with a respectable 87.5% Red Zone Conversion rate. However, fourth downs are a true gauntlet, with a dismal 33.3% conversion rate for visitors. Even punting here is a challenge, as opponents average the lowest punt distance in the conference. It seems the conditions, or perhaps the crowd, make it difficult to pin the Aztecs deep.

Yet, amidst these struggles, Snapdragon Stadium is a paradise for visiting quarterbacks and kickers. Quarterbacks enjoy an almost unheard-of success rate, boasting the highest completion percentage (75.3%), highest yards per play (6.8), and best 3rd down conversion rate (55.9%) in the conference. This incredible efficiency is coupled with a remarkably low turnover rate (0.3 per game). And if a field goal is attempted, consider it good – visiting kickers are a perfect 100% on their attempts. Snapdragon Stadium offers a bizarre mix of frustrating red zone visits and spectacular offensive efficiency, making it a truly unique challenge where precision trumps persistence for visitors

#11 Maverik Stadium (Utah State), 102 Points

1^st 2.3 Turnovers

2^nd 76.5 Yards of Penalties

4^th 50.0% 4th Down Conversion

8^th 42.1% 3^rd Down Conversion

8^th Average Punt Distance 43.6 Yards

8^th 100.0% Field Goals Made

9^th 88.9% Red Zone Conversion

9^th 22.8 1st Downs per Game

10^th 6.4 Yards per Play

10^th 66.7% Passing Percentage

11^th Average Score 32.5 Points per Game

11^th 454.8 Yards per Game

11^th 4.5 Red Zone Trips

Visiting Maverik Stadium at Utah State is not for the faint of heart, as teams must be prepared for a chaotic atmosphere where turnovers and penalties run rampant. It seems ‘The Herd’ – Utah State’s vibrant student section, lives up to its name, creating a loud and distracting environment that directly impacts visiting teams’ discipline and ball security. Opponents rack up a substantial 2.3 turnovers per game and are plagued by 76.5 yards of penalties, ranking them among the worst in the conference for both categories when playing in Logan.

Despite the self-inflicted wounds, when visitors manage to hold onto the ball and stay disciplined, they do find some offensive rhythm. Offenses manage a decent 6.4 yards per play and a respectable 66.7% passing percentage. However, converting these opportunities consistently proves challenging, with 3rd down conversions at 42.1% and a 4th down success rate of only 50%. Red zone trips are relatively frequent (4.5 per game), and efficiency inside the 20 is solid with an 88.9% conversion rate, indicating that once past the initial chaos, visitors can finish drives.

Interestingly, kickers find solace amidst the pandemonium, boasting a perfect 100% field goal conversion rate. And in a touch of irony, while visitors are throwing interceptions and getting flagged, they do get to see all their good and bad plays replayed in glorious detail on the largest video board in the conference.

#12 University Stadium (New Mexico) 132 Points

5^th 80.0% Field Goals Made

8^th 70.0% 4th Down Conversion

9^th 6.3 Yards per Play

9^th 0.7 Turnovers

10^th 50.0% 3rd Down Conversion

10^th Average Punt Distance 45.0 Yards

11^th 43.3 Yards of Penalties

11^th 67.6% Passing Percentage

11^th 100% Red Zone Conversion

12^th Average Score 41.3 Points per Game

12^th 474.3 Yards per Game

12^th 24.3 1st Downs per Game

12^th 4.7 Red Zone Trips

At the bottom of our list stands University Stadium in New Mexico. This venue holds the unenviable distinction of offering the least home-field advantage in the entire conference for visiting teams. For opponents, a trip to Albuquerque often feels less like a daunting away game and more like a comfortable offensive exhibition. They consistently rank last in the conference in four crucial categories and second-to-last in three others, painting a clear picture of a stadium that struggles to impede visiting offenses.

Visiting teams rack up an astounding 474.3 yards per game and score an average of 41.3 points, both metrics are the highest in the conference. They convert 24.3 first downs per game and achieve an impressive 6.3 yards per play, demonstrating sustained offensive dominance. Efficiency is also key, with a perfect 100% Red Zone Conversion rate and a high 70.0% 4th Down Conversion rate, meaning if visitors get a chance, they’re almost certainly capitalizing. Quarterbacks enjoy a commendable 67.6% passing percentage, and turnovers are rare, occurring in only 0.7 visits per game.

The only saving grace for this home turf is that visiting kickers perform well, making 80.0% of their field goals, the only stat in the top half of the conference. Punters, too, find a decent rhythm with an average punt distance of 45.0 yards. However, even penalties are low (43.3 yards per game), suggesting a lack of intense, disruptive play that would typically come from a strong home advantage. Ultimately, University Stadium is where opposing teams go to pad their stats, offering minimal resistance and making it a particularly welcoming environment for conference rivals