Week 11 Mountain West Football Preview

(4-7) (4-6)

Hughes Stadium 12PM MT TV:

If the Rams can get by the Lobos, all that then stands in the way of a bowl for the Rams is a rival game against Wyoming next weekend. 

New Mexico might be disappointed for not being able to make their third straight bowl, and could have a let down in their last game of the season.

These two teams are quite similar in their style of play, in that both like to run the ball and control the clock, so speaking from a viewer's perspective this game could be unappealing on television if both decide to run the ball the whole game, which should be expected.

The Rams however, can throw the ball if needed and average more then 80 yards per game in the passing game.  The Rams might be more motivated to make their first bowl game in years, and might play more conservative if they get any type of lead.

The Rams must stop the run and force New Mexico to pass, because Brand Gruner  has not been impressive all season after replacing Donovan Porterie.  If Colorado State can slow down Rodney Ferguson and make New Mexico pass, then the Rams should be able to win this game.

Final Score: Colorado State 24, New Mexico 14

 

#17 (9-1) (8-2)

Falcon Stadium 1:30PM MT TV: CSTV PPV

Game of the week in sparkling high definition is a good one with the under the radar Air Force Falcons.  Air Force could be very close to being undefeated after a turnover-plagued loss to Navy and then losing to Utah on a last minute drive.

Air Force (albeit a longshot) can still win the conference title.  A lot needs to happen,  but the easiest way is for Air Force to win their last two games against BYU and TCU, then they need Utah to lose both games.

To get a share, Air Force needs the Utes to lose to either San Diego State (yeah, right) or to BYU then Air Force can claim a share if they win out.

Back to the game, this could be a high scoring game because everyone knows that BYU will score points with Max Hall to Austin Collie in the passing game, and for Air Force their option might be too much because BYU’s defense is not too fast on the edges.

Also, last week Air Force broke out the passing game with freshman quarterback Tim Jefferson, who was six for eight and had 171 yards.  That yardage doubled the average for Air Force this year, so BYU will now need to expect the pass in this game.

If Air Force does pass, look for big yardage, because the option can create a boring game for defensive backs and once they start creeping up to help defend and that is when the Falcons will strike.

BYU on defense will need to keep assignment football against the option, and keep the big gains to a minimum.  Air Force will get the total yards, but the big gains is what BYU needs to do to win this game.

Air Force on defense does not have the speed to keep up with Austin Collie of Denis Pitta in the recieving game, but if BYU keeps running the same plays, then Air Force will be able to jump on some of those passes.

I really want to pick Air Force. They are at home, they can control the ball, and they have a good coach who makes adjustments in games.  Unless BYU discounts Air Force and looks ahead to Utah, the Cougars will win a close one.

Final Score: BYU 24, Air Force 21

 

#7(10-0) (1-9)

Qualcomm Stadium 5:06 PM PT TV:

Utah can clinch at least a share of their first conference title since 2004, and a win is likely in this game agaisnt San Diego State this Saturday.  Also, a win puts the Utes that much closer to a BCS bid with the showdown against BYU next week.

The Utes should use this game as a tool to work on their offense to attempt to get it to live up to the hype that was expected this year.  Utah should have no problem slowing down and dominating the Aztecs this week.

San Diego State has not been good in a long time, but this year is different with San Diego State having 17 starters injured and having three true freshmen start on the defensive line. 

Their program is a mess, starting with information that San Diego State had to create an emergency temporary lease with Qualcomm to play games there, players are not at weight, and well for some reason they cannot get players to play at San Diego State, even though there is very good high school football in their area and just 90 minutes up the road in Los Angeles.

This game should be a blowout and maybe San Diego State quarterback Ryan Lindley can get a touchdown or put up some yards with the Aztecs playing catchup.

Final Score: Utah 45, San Diego State 13