The college football season is up and running. Games are entertaining and are producing results that are both fun and heartbreaking. Take a look at this week’s MWCConnection Football Rankings, and let us know what you like and what you don’t. Feel free to drop your own rankings in the comments section.
1) UNLV (0)
The Rebels are the only undefeated team in the Mountain West, which is why they can claim this spot currently. However, the record of their opponents is 1-13 and they struggled in at least two of those
games. Wins need to count for something, but UNLV needs to find ways to fix its defense to complement their offense if they want to keep winning.
2) Utah State (+1)
The Aggies offense keeps rolling, scoring early and often in the last game. QB Bryson Barnes is a true dual threat who continues to thrive in this system. The defense was solid, at least for this week, which is hopefully a sign of things to come. Utah State will have tougher games coming up, but if they keep improving, they should be able to compete at the top of the Mountain West.
3) Fresno State (+1)
The Bulldogs keep winning, this time beating Hawaii in a close game. It wasn’t their best showing by any stretch of the imagination but a new team under a new coach finding a way to win a close game on the road is meaningful. Doing it while struggling with their run game is significant to note as well. Fresno State will have an easier stretch coming up, and hopefully they can keep piling up the wins.
4) Boise State (+1)
The Broncos beat Air Force in a game that shouldn’t have been as close, but also could have been much worse. Through three games, it’s becoming clear their offense is up there with some of the best in the conference with three capable running backs and a diverse passing game that can spread the ball around. The Boise State defense is a completely different story and could cause them to lose more games down the road if something doesn’t change, but for now, they kick off conference play with a win.
5) Hawaii (-3)
The Rainbow Warriors, like many Mountain West teams, have looked shaky for a game or two now. This week, it came back to haunt them. Alejado came back, but threw three interceptions as the offense sputtered. The middle of the conference is more of a realistic place for Hawaii in the rankings, but they will need to go back to the basics and find a way to execute in order to prevent slipping further down the list.
6) New Mexico (0)
BYE WEEK
7) Wyoming (+1)
The Cowboys get the honor of moving up a spot despite a big loss due to the team in front of them falling harder. They still have two wins on the season, although both were against lesser teams, and they have struggled with the competition turning it up a notch. After no offense last week, Wyoming scored 20 points, but this week, the defense was a mess. They are still trying to find their way, but things haven’t been looking great for the program in the past two weeks.
8) San Diego State (+2)
The Aztecs secured the best win of the weekend and the best win of any Mountain West team this season with an absolute beatdown of Cal. The offense was steady and made big plays when it needed to, extending drives and getting downfield. Their defense was the real story, with three turnovers forced, including a 97-yard pick-six to put the game safely out of reach. This was the kind of game Sean Lewis envisioned when he came to San Diego State.
9) Air Force (-2)
The Falcons are struggling with another conference loss this week. The offense seemed to find itself a bit in the last game, as they played primarily one quarterback for most of the game. However, Air Force’s defense is a complete mess and not at all what we are used to seeing. They need to find some answers or else they will avoid a bowl game for the second year in a row.
9) San Jose State (+2)
The Spartans finally get in the win column, although it was an ugly win, needing a field goal in the waning seconds of the game to get past FCS Idaho. The passing game still isn’t close to last year’s heights, but the running game looked strong this week. Their defense didn’t have its best showing, but San Jose State is happy to finally get a victory and move up a few spots this week.
11) Colorado State (-2)
The Rams were another team that some thought could be a dark-horse contender for the Mountain West championship game. That looks silly at this point, as they sit at 1-2 and are one odd review from being 0-3. They have a quarterback controversy on their hands, and for a team and staff built on a dynamic offense, they have yet to score over 21 points this season. Remember, Colorado State was coming off a bye week.
12) Nevada (0)
The Wolf Pack was not expected to win this weekend, but they barely showed up to play the game. It should be noted that they led at halftime, 10-3, before unraveling in the second half. It’s hard to win when the team only scores one touchdown. It’s hard to win when the defense gives up 21 fourth-quarter points. And that’s where Nevada finds itself currently.
