The Mountain West: Five Bold Predictions for the 2011-2012 Season

The landscape of college football is changing, and the Mountain West must change with it. 

In 2011, only eight teams will take the field as a member of the MWC. Despite this, it will be an exciting season of football as Mountain West fans await the arrival of Fresno State, Hawaii, and Nevada.

Here are five Mountain West predictions for the upcoming football season.

5. Ronnie Hillman Contends for Heisman Trophy

SDSU's halfback Ronnie Hillman rushed onto the NCAA scene as a freshman last year, earning a spot on the Freshman All-American list. His statistics were through the roof, and some compare him to the outstanding Marshal Faulk. So, what's next for Hillman?

Ronnie may just be a sophomore but expect him to start shattering records for San Diego State. In 2010, he ran for 1,532 yards on 262 runs and scored a rushing touchdown 17 times.

This year could be even bigger. I predict 1,800 Rushing Yards, 20 TD's and a serious bid for the Heisman Trophy. If Hillman can't finish the deal in 2011, he will most certainly in 2012. The only thing holding Hillman back would be injuries, so he must stay healthy to compete for national respect.

Hillman will also carry the Aztecs along with another Heisman hopeful, QB Ryan Lindley.

4. Half of Mountain West Will Be Ranked by Week 14

Despite losing BYU and Utah, the MWC is a quality conference full of extraordinary talent and tremendous football programs.

It was formed in 1999, and is the youngest conference in the game. With the 2011 addition of Boise State, and future additions like Fresno State, Nevada and Hawaii, the MWC is poised for greatness.

Obviously, the BCS and Top 25 rankings are full of bias. Somehow, the MWC will overcome this bias and manage to place four teams in the Top 25 before bowl games.

Boise State will possibly compete for a national championship, while TCU, SDSU and Air Force will finish bowl eligible and in the Top 25.

3. Despite Official Reports, the MWC Will Make an Attempt To Expand

After an official announcement stated the MWC was done expanding, the conference was left with a future of only 10 football teams.

In order to form a conference with divisions, 12 teams are needed. Also, if the Mountain West wants an AQ for a BCS bowl game, 12 teams would be very helpful. So, the MWC must focus its attention on recruiting teams from the WAC or C-USA.

Though unlikely, the MWC still should consider sending invitations to the conference. Many popular names from last year were SMU, Houston, San Jose State or Utah State. All would be wonderful additions to the Mountain West and could bolster the conference's image in the eyes of the nation.

2. Boise State Will Finish 2011 with Perfect Record

Football powerhouse Boise State made the leap from the WAC to the Mountain West this year.

This wise decision will pay off in no time. The Boise State Broncos will end up undefeated in 2011 and gain more respect for completing a perfect season in a much more competitive conference.

While all of these games will be exciting, the move to the MWC did end up harming ESPN. The worldwide leader in sports was the home away from home for the Broncos, who played six games on the network.

The new home for Boise State is TheMtn., which is unavailable in every TV market other than MWC team states. Only two non-conference Bronco games will be aired nationally.

So while the Broncos will go undefeated, not everyone will be allowed to view it.

1. Boise State Wins the National Championship

Don't worry Boise fans, this year's bowl game won't be played in Las Vegas.

When the Broncos go undefeated, they will find themselves playing on the national stage in the championship game.

And despite playing their first year in the MWC, the transition will go smoothly, and Boise State will rise to the occasion and defeat Oklahoma 37-33.