Mountain West Football Power Rankings: TCU and Utah On Course For Epic Showdown

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It's time for this week's installment of the Mountain West Conference Power Rankings. We've got little movement at the top, but some teams spiraling uncontrollably southward. 

After this week's blowout wins, close losses and poor showings across the league, we rank 'em, 9 to 1 (9 being "as bad as a Craig Thompson in your face" and 1 being "as good as Bacon-Bits on a slice of Bacon," for you Jim Gaffigan fans out there.)

#9: Colorado State

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Colorado State

The competition for last place in the Mountain West Conference this year is going to be fierce. This week, 0-3 Colorado State played its way into the bottom spot with an egg-laying performance against Miami (The Ohio Variety) that Mother Goose couldn't hold a beak to. 

The Rams haven't shown anything more than a nudge this year in three lopsided losses. None of them against ranked teams.

 

Ryan is the publisher of BYUUtahRivalry.com. You can follow him at twitter.com/ryanteeples.

#8: UNLV

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Nevada-Las Vegas

The Rebels got smeared by WAC powerhouse Idaho Saturday. Losing to Wisconsin and Utah aren't bad, but no MWC team should be losing to Idaho. 

The bad news for the Rebels is they have Nevada, West Virginia and TCU in the next 5 weeks, which should keep them firmly in the bottom three.

 

Ryan is the publisher of BYUUtahRivalry.com. You can follow him at twitter.com/ryanteeples.

#7: New Mexico

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New Mexico

The Lobos haven't done anything to earn the #7 spot, but rather, get it by virtue of having lost to better teams than UNLV and CSU. 

So far, the highlight of New Mexico's season is holding Texas Tech to 52 points. 

I think I speak for all of College Football when I say there's no more compelling matchup this week than New Mexico at UNLV. 

 

Ryan is the publisher of BYUUtahRivalry.com. You can follow him at twitter.com/ryanteeples.

#6: Wyoming

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Wyoming

Week 1 saw the Cowbows barely slip past FCS opponent Southern Utah. But that was as good as it got. 

We give the Pokes some credit for playing a brutal schedule, losing to Texas in Austin and Boise State in Laramie. 

But the 'Boys didn't give either team much of a fight. 

 

Ryan is the publisher of BYUUtahRivalry.com. You can follow him at twitter.com/ryanteeples.

#5: BYU

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Brigham Young University

It's going to upset some BYU fans to see the beloved Cougars below the SDSU Aztecs in this week's poll, but the Y has shown nothing in the last two games to indicate they're righting the ship. 

Riley Nelson's shoulder injury has put Jake Heaps into the permanent starting position, but games upcoming against Nevada, SDSU and TCU will be tough for teeth-cutting. 

 

Ryan is the publisher of BYUUtahRivalry.com. You can follow him at twitter.com/ryanteeples.

#4 San Diego State

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San Diego State

The Aztecs impressed in two easy wins, but were equally impressive in a heart-breaking loss at Missouri. 

With an outstanding young running back in freshman Ronnie Hillman, SDSU may be bowling this year for the first time in a long time. 

 

Ryan is the publisher of BYUUtahRivalry.com. You can follow him at twitter.com/ryanteeples.

#3 Air Force

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Air Force

Like the Aztecs, the Falcons had impressive wins in weeks 1 and 2, and showed they are legitimate contenders in a close loss to an Oklahoma team that's been very impressive. 

The Zoomies have a favorable schedule and may be the best candidates for derailing Utah or TCU's BCS runs. 

 

Ryan is the publisher of BYUUtahRivalry.com. You can follow him at twitter.com/ryanteeples.

#2 Utah

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University of Utah

Nationally ranked Utah boasts, well, a #13 ranking, but is probably the most unknown commodity in the conference. 

The Utes knocked off then #15 Pittsburgh in overtime on the first week of the season, and followed it up with two easy wins against the collective stinky feet of the conference

By the way, who in Utah's athletic office was paying off MWC schedulers to get such a favorable conference slate? Who wouldn't love to shake off the rust by beating up on two cupcakes. 

We may learn more about the Utes when Pittsburgh plays Miami this week. We won't learn anything from Utah itself, as they play yet another patsy in San Jose State. 

 

Ryan is the publisher of BYUUtahRivalry.com. You can follow him at twitter.com/ryanteeples.

#1 TCU

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Texas Christian

One thing we know for sure; the Horned Frogs are good. 

Fourth ranked TCU absolutely blasted Baylor last week, but still have yet to play away from home this season. 

Fortunately for them, they really won't be tested until they travel to Salt Lake City on November 6 for a showdown against the Utes which could have national title implications. 

 

Ryan is the publisher of BYUUtahRivalry.com. You can follow him at twitter.com/ryanteeples.