Week three may have felt a little slow for the Mountain West with five teams out of action. But Air Force and Utah State kicked off conference play with a late night in Logan. This week may have lacked a lot of exciting contests, but it opened our eyes to a few teams on the rise that could make some noise in the conference race when everything is said and done. We also saw that some teams may not be ready for a bounce back season. With that being said, let’s take a look at the Good, Bad, and Ugly
from week three.
The Good
New Mexico
I thought the Lobos had a chance to keep this one close, but I did not expect the absolute domination of a Big Ten foe in UCLA. The 35-10 final score doesn’t tell the full story, because this game could have been much worse. The Lobos dominated on the ground, rushing for 298 yards while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. The ground game opened up some passing opportunities for Lobo quarterback Jack Layne. It was also a great performance on the defensive side of the ball, holding the Bruins to 316 yards. This win shows that the Lobos will not be a doormat in the Mountain West this season.
Hawaii
It wasn’t always pretty, but the Rainbow Warriors did what they needed to do and improved to 2-0 without starting quarterback Micah Alejado. Backup Luke Weaver was once again solid, completing 26 of 42 passes for 240 yards. However, this team has to be more productive on the ground. 3.7 yards per attempt against an FCS opponent isn’t going to cut it.
Fresno State
The Bulldogs did exactly what they needed to and dominated an inferior opponent on their way to a 56-7 win over Southern. EJ Warner had his best performance of the season, completing 20 of 24 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown. The rushing attack impressed again with 225 yards on 41 carries. The Bulldog defense held Southern to 142 yards of total offense, allowing less than one yard per rushing attempt. The Bulldogs open Mountain West play this weekend at Hawaii.
Utah State
Is Bryson Barnes the best quarterback in the Mountain West? I might not be ready to go that far, but he is making a strong case. The Aggie defense was sharp in their conference opening win against Air Force. Barnes totaled five touchdowns, and it was pretty clear that they were going to take advantage of an inexperienced and overwhelmed Air Force secondary. This team has some issues on the defensive side of the ball, but their offense gives them a chance against anyone in the Mountain West.
The Bad
Wyoming
The Cowboy defense kept this game respectable for the majority of the contest. However, the same problem that has plagued this team in recent seasons reared its ugly head yet again. The Cowboy offense lacked any spark against a top-25 Utah program. The Cowboys managed only 229 yards of total offense with only its final drive going more than 32 yards. This team has to find its identity on offense; they are averaging only eight points in their two contests against FBS compeition. If they don’t figure it out soon, Jay Sawvel may be looking for a new job this offseason.
Air Force
The Falcons have already dug themselves in a hole with their loss to the Aggies. This isn’t the Air Force teams of old that shut down opposing rushing attacks and dominated in the trenches. This is a team with major flaws on both sides of the ball. They turn the ball over and allow too many explosive plays. If this trend continues, the season could be over quickly. It doesn’t get any easier this weekend, as the Falcons host a Boise State squad that will be looking to prove itself.
The Ugly
Nevada
Not sure what head coach Jeff Choate was thinking going with a two quarterback system and giving AJ Bianco the start against Middle Tennessee. Chubba Purdy has been inconsistent, but his ability to run the ball gives the Wolf Pack offense a different dynamic. Nevada looked confused and overwhelmed on offense at times and poor play from the quarterback position prevented them from coming away with the victory. This game truly shifted in the fourth quarter when the Wolf Pack had a 13-0 lead but allowed Middle Tennessee to march down the field and score two touchdowns in the final seven minutes to come away with the victory.
Are New Mexico and Utah State championship contenders? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
