Mountain West Conference: Week One Picks

The Yawners

Southern Utah @ Air Force: Aug. 30, 12:00 pm Mountain Time; TV: none

Winner: Air Force

Troy Calhoun did a fantastic job with the Falcons in his first year.  That success will carry over in an easy win over the FCS Thunderbirds.

Northern Iowa @ No. 16 BYU: Aug. 30, 4:00 pm MDT; TV: The mtn.

Winner: BYU

The Cougars begin their highly-anticipated 2008 campaign by extending their 12-game home win streak against the FCS Panthers.

Could Be Mildly Intriguing

Cal Poly @ San Diego St.: Aug. 30, 6:30 pm MDT; TV: Channel 4 in San Diego

Winner: SDSU

The Aztecs could be the worst team in the MWC, and some publications have picked the FCS Mustangs to pull off the "upset" in San Diego.  I think the Aztecs win, but there will be some tenuous moments.

Utah St. @ UNLV: Aug. 30, 7:00 pm MDT; TV: none

Winner: UNLV

Two of the worst teams in FBS last season face off.  Brent Guy and Mike Sanford both became head coaches at their respective schools in 2005, and they've combined for 12 wins during that time.

Plan on Tuning in

Ohio @ Wyoming: Aug. 30, 12:00 pm MDT; TV: The mtn.

Winner: Ohio

The Frank Solich-led Bobcats look to avenge a tough one-point loss to the Cowboys last season against Joe Glenn and the Cowboys in Laramie.

Colorado St. @ Colorado: Aug. 31, 5:30 pm MDT; TV: Fox Sports Net

Winner: Colorado

The last six meetings have been decided by seven points or fewer, and I expect another tight matchup at Invesco Field in Steve Fairchild's debut as the Rams head coach.

Edge-Of-Your-Seat Action

TCU @ New Mexico: Aug. 30, 4:00 pm MDT; TV: Versus

Winner: TCU

This should be a great matchup of second-tier MWC title contenders.  Look for Gary Patterson and the Horned Frogs to emerge victorious in a tight battle of two good football teams.

MWC Game of the Week

Utah @ No. 24 Michigan: Aug. 30, 1:30 pm MDT, TV: ABC

Winner: Utah

"Hail to the Victors."  The maize and blue.  The Big House and 106,000 screaming fans.  The Utes face a tall order starting the season against the Wolverines and new head coach Rich Rodriguez, even though Michigan only returns one starter on offense.

The key to a Utes victory is establishing the run game and putting points on the board against a Wolverines defense that will be the best Utah will see all season.