Last weekend we got a sample size of Mountain West football with UNLV, Fresno State, and Hawaii in action. Some fan bases realized they need to lower their expectations (UNLV and Fresno State) while others are excited for a potentially special season (Hawaii). This week we will get to see the other nine teams in action on the busiest college football weekend of the year. Let’s take a look at each Mountain West game on this weekend’s slate.
Boise State @ South Florida (Thursday @ 3:30 MT)
Television: ESPN
Line: Boise State -6.5
Outside of Notre Dame,
this is looking like Boise State’s toughest game of the season. The weather forecast is looking rough, so predicting this game is difficult. The winner of this game will be the team that runs the ball best. The Mountain West/PAC 12 really needs a win here. A loss would make securing a playoff bid difficult for Boise State and it would give the AAC bragging rights for the entire season. I like Boise State in this win, but they will need to keep South Florida’s quarterback in the pocket and control the pace of the game.
Wyoming @ Akron (Thursday @ 5:00 MT)
Television: ESPN+
Line: Wyoming -7
For a team that is looking to have a bounce back season, you cannot lose to the MAC’s perennial bottom-feeder. Wyoming should win this game comfortably, which is why I’m a little surprised they are only favored by seven. The Cowboys need to play to their team’s strength which is the offensive line; let’s see if this team can return to being one of the best rush offenses in the Mountain West.
Stony Brook @ San Diego State (Thursday @ 8:00 MT)
TV: Mountain West Network
Line: San Diego State -16
The Aztecs are looking to recover from one of their most disappointing seasons in the last few decades. Every year it seems like the Mountain West loses an FCS game they have no business losing. Hopefully the Aztecs can avoid a regrettable performance. Finding stability at quarterback is a priority for this team; an FCS opponent is a good way to see if they can improve on the offensive side of the ball.
UNLV @ Sam Houston (Friday @ 7:30 MT)
TV: CBS Sports Network
Line: UNLV -13
This game will probably close in single digits considering how they performed last week. UNLV will have their hands full against a Sam Houston team that looks like they will be improved on the offensive side of the ball. This game is crucial to the Rebels who need to prove that last week’s performance was just a new coaching staff working out some kinks. If the Rebels have a similar performance on defense, they will be leaving Texas with a loss.
Central Michigan @ San Jose State (Friday @ 8:30 MT)
TV: Fox Sports 1
Line: San Jose State -12.5
Expectations are high in Silicon Valley. The Spartans are coming off of a resurgent season, returning their starting quarterback, and made some notable additions in the transfer portal. The Spartans are comfortably favored in this one and should get the win if they are a realistic contender in the Mountain West.
Nevada @ Penn State (Saturday @ 1:30 MT)
TV: CBS
Line: Penn State -44
At least Nevada is getting a big pay check out of this one. The Wolf Pack are traveling across the country to take on the number two team and are significant underdogs. Wolf Pack fans should be hoping that their team shows some heart and keeps the score within three or four touchdowns. If they can do that, their fans should feel pretty good about the upcoming season.
Bucknell @ Air Force (Saturday @ 1:30 MT)
TV: CBS Sports Network
Line: Not listed at time of writing
Air Force is coming off of a disappointing season and opens up with a game against an FCS foe. This is a good opportunity for the Falcons to build some positive momentum before the schedule gets tougher. It will be interesting to see how Air Force looks at the quarterback position. The lack of production at the quarterback position early last season led to a slow start for the Falcons.
New Mexico @ Michigan (Saturday @ 5:30 MT)
TV: NBC/Peacock
Line: Michigan -37
Similar to Nevada, this is a paycheck game for the Lobos. It is not the best way to see what your new quarterback and head coach are made of. This game will be a blowout. Let’s just hope the Lobos show some heart and leave “The Big House” in one piece.
UTEP @ Utah State (Saturday @ 5:30 MT)
TV: CBS Sports Network
Line: Utah State -6
This is an intriguing game with both teams moving on to other conferences next season. Next year, UTEP will be in the Mountain West and Utah State will be in the PAC-12. Both teams are breaking in new quarterbacks with the Miners announcing that former Boise State quarterback Malachi Nelson will get the start. Former Utah quarterback Bryson Barnes will get the start for the Aggies. The team with better quarterback play will likely come away with the win.
Georgia Southern @ Fresno State (Saturday @ 7:30 MT)
TV: Fox Sport 1
Line: Fresno State -1.5
This line shows a lack of confidence in a Bulldog squad that is hosting a Sun Belt team that is traveling across the country. The game against Kansas taught us that this team isn’t built to push teams around in the trenches like Matt Entz had hoped for. Establishing the run will be crucial in this game and then it will open up the passing game for EJ Warner. If the Bulldogs are going to be a force in the Mountain West, they will need to right the ship quickly.
Hawaii @ Arizona (Saturday @ 8:30 MT)
TV: TNT/HBO Max
Line: Arizona -16.5
The Rainbow Warriors are coming off of the biggest win of the Timmy Chang era after defeating Stanford 23-20. This week, the Rainbow Warriors will face a stiffer test as they travel to Tucson to take on Arizona. The biggest question mark in this game will be the health of Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado. If he is close to 100%, the Rainbow Warriors might have a chance. If not, it could be a long night in the desert.
Colorado State @ Washington (Saturday @ 9:00 MT)
TV: BTN
Line: Washington -20
The 2024 season finally saw Jay Norvell’s Colorado State team have a breakthrough. The question now is whether or not this team is ready to take the next step. Washington wasn’t exactly a powerhouse last season, but expectations are higher this fall. If Colorado State can keep this game competitive going into the fourth quarter, it will bode well for the Rams moving forward.
Which week one game are you most looking forward to? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
