2010 College Football Predictions: Mountain West

FROM: http://machorhino.com/?p=16003

The Mountain West will be one of the conferences changing next season as they welcome Boise State to the conference and may lose BYU.

They’re looking to get the BCS to make them an automatic qualifier, and this is the year that could greatly strengthen their case. They’ve got great non-conference games, and adding Boise State, a national title contender, will give them the chance to make their statement.

The Mountain West is a strong conference and will look to show the nation that this season.

1. TCU (8-0)

The Horned Frogs bring back a lot of last year’s 12-win team and should expect another big year. Andy Dalton and Tank Carder lead this team with hopes of making it back to the BCS. They should be able to roll through the conference like they did last year.

2. Air Force (7-1)

Air Force had an impressive bowl performance and returns several players on a defense that picked off Houston’s Case Keenum six times in the bowl game. They still have an offense that’s difficult to stop, and the schedule gives them some of the tougher games at home, but they’ve got to go to TCU.

3. Utah (6-2)

The Utes' toughest games are on the road this year. They should have a strong running game that’ll keep them in most games, and 10 wins are a possibility for them again this season.

4. BYU (4-4)

The Cougars have a big question at QB. Max Hall is gone, and they’re hoping to find someone who can fill his big shoes. Solid coaching at BYU will keep them in there, but the Cougars are facing a tough conference schedule this year that will leave them in the middle of the conference.

5. Wyoming (4-4)

Wyoming is coming off a season that got their fans excited, as they had a winning record and beat Fresno State in a bowl game. This year they’ll fall back a little and will have to pull at least one upset to make it back to a bowl game.

6. San Diego State (3-5)

The Aztecs will need to get an improved defense if they want to reach a bowl game. Ryan Linley is back at QB and is one of the conference’s best. Brady Hoke is trying to get this team back to winning, and they’ll take steps this season in that direction.

7. Colorado State (2-6)

The Rams will be improved, but you won’t see a huge difference in their record over last year. They won’t be an easy win this season for many teams. They’ll battle, and if you don’t show up to play, you might leave with an L.

8. UNLV (2-6)

Looks like fans in Vegas are headed for another disappointing season, but they have Bobby Hauck taking over the program now after coming over from Montana, where he had great success. It’s a transition year for the Rebels, but they’ve got to be optimistic about Hauck and his ability to build a successful program.

9. New Mexico (0-8)

A one-win team last year with a coach who was suspended for a physical altercation with another coach just doesn’t look to be much better this season. They need to find a way to score more than the 16 a game they averaged last year.