Mountain West Conference Power Rankings: BYU Improves, Lower Half Bad

While the top and bottom of the Power Rankings haven't changed much, the middle has certainly been shuffled this week.

It's amazing that this late into the season, we still don't know the true personality and viability of a few teams.

One thing we do know: These first four teams are really, really awful.

So without further ado...

No. 119: New Mexico

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 28: Tailback Joseph Turner #24 of the TCU Horned Frogs runs the ball past Clint McPeek #11 of the New Mexico Lobos at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 28, 2009 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

New Mexico isn't just bad...they are epically atrocious. They are, without a doubt, the worst team in all of Division I-A (FBS) college football.

I'm not sure they'd even be in the top half of the I-AA, or FCS, subdivision.

After a loss to near-equally dreadful New Mexico State, the Lobos get a much-needed bye. Maybe they will hold an open tryout. But there simply doesn't appear to be any football talent in the Land of Enchantment.

No. 8: Colorado State

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - SEPTEMBER 04: The Colorado State Rams cheerleaders support their team as the Rams face the Colorado Buffaloes during the the Rocky Mountain Showdown at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 4, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinge

The bad news: The Rams got spanked by in-state rival Air Force, and this cheerleader might be better than any CSU player.

The good news: The Rams have a fellow cupcake this week as they host UNLV.

No. 7: UNLV

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 02: Marlon Johnson #8 of the Nevada Reno Wolf Pack pushes quarterback Omar Clayton #2 of the UNLV Rebels out of bounds as he runs for yardage in the second quarter of their game at Sam Boyd Stadium October 2, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada

The Rebs had a fun week, travelling three time zones east to play West Virginia. They were predictably drubbed by the Mountaineers.

I understand playing these money games when you can get them, but couldn't you play Florida, Texas, USC or somebody in a nice town and warm climate?

The Rebels have the aforementioned slap-fight at Fort Collins up next.

No. 6: Wyoming

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

3 Oct 1998: Scott Allmon #54 of the Wyoming Cowboys prepares to snap the ball during a game against the Utah Runnin'' Utes at the War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyoming. The Cowboys defeated the Runnin'' Utes 27-24.

The Cowboys didn't show much this week, taking a drubbing in Ft. Worth at the hands of TCU.

Sure, TCU was a heavy favorite, but Wyoming failed to put even a point on the board. The 'Pokes O-line is porous as a sponge, and there isn't any relief as Utah comes to Laramie this week.

No. 5: San Diego State

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Ryan Lindley #14 of the San Diego State Aztecs throws a pass against defensive end Wayne Daniels #96 of the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs on November 7, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. TC

I admit, I was high on the Aztecs. I thought they had a special year brewing...and they still may.

But the loss at BYU is certainly a setback in a year where the W over the Cougs was attainable.

What we don't know is whether SDSU is just not quite there yet or whether BYU has started to right the ship.

No. 4: BYU

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 05: Running back Bryan Kariya #33 of the Brigham Young Cougars at Cowboys Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Cougars got an absolutely critical win this week against San Diego State and gave themselves a good shot at a six-win season.

The bad news is the trip to Fort Worth comes next, and confidence gained against the Aztecs could be quickly lost against a Frogs team that's just brutally good on both sides of the ball.

No. 3: Air Force

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - MARCH 11: The Air Force Falcons mascot The Bird appears before the team's quarterfinal game against the New Mexico Lobos at the Conoco Mountain West Conference Basketball tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center March 11, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nev

The Falcons did what they were supposed to, beating up on the hapless sheep...er...Rams this week.

But things are about to get very tough for the Falcons, who have San Diego State this week before Utah and TCU.

No. 2: Utah

Steve Dykes/Getty Images

EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 19: Jeremiah Masoli #8 of the Oregon Ducks is hit by Lei Talamaivao #43 and R.J. Stanford #25 of the Utah Utes in the third quarter at Autzen Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 31-24. (Photo by Stev

Utah absolutely destroyed a middle-of-the-pack Big 12 team. They scored an astounding 31 points in a quarter.

We're starting to get a better idea what the Utes are made of (which is pretty impressive stuff), but we won't learn anything this week in a trip to hell...er...Laramie.

Utah MUST have paid somebody off in the MWC scheduling department. The fortuitous slate has allowed the Utes to play scrimmages for much of this season to refine things for the big games upcoming against TCU, SDSU, Air Force and BYU.

No. 1: TCU

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS - SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on September 24, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

What can we say after a 47-point shutout win against Wyoming? In the immortal words of Homer Simpson, "Meh..."