College football fans don’t have to wait much longer for the new season, which is right around the corner. But before the teams take to the field and renew their college rivalries, we take an in-depth look at all the NCAA conferences as we analyze the teams and their chances of lifting the crown this year. After covering to major conferences like the SEC, Pac-12 and Big 12, let’s head on over to the once-great Mountain West Conference.
There was a time when the Mountain West Conference was imposing its might in the college football world. Back in 2009, conference champions Utah stunned the nation when, as 10-point-underdogs, they defeated powerhouse Alabama 31-17 in the 2009 Sugar Bowl. That win concluded the Utes’ perfect season which propelled the Mountain West to the national headlines.
Sadly, those glory days are over. Since 2011, the MWC has gone 6-10 SU in bowl games. To sum up how horrible the conference has been, Mountain West teams had a horrendous 1-18 SU slate against BCS conference opponents in the non-conference portion of the schedule in 2013.
With the introduction of a new playoff format in the college football ranks though, Mountain West teams will be hoping for a fresh start and a brand new direction for a conference that has found itself stuck in the doldrums. Read on for the major storylines in this hurting conference coming into 2014.
[sc:NCAAFArticles ]Mountain West College Football Preview and Predictions
Overview
Fresno State and Utah State dominated their respective divisions last year as they emerged with 7-1 records in the West and Mountain Divisions, respectively. For the first time in its history, a championship game was played to determine the sole champion of the Mountain West Conference and Fresno State emerged victorious, defeating Utah State, 24-17.
[sc:NCAA240banner ]The hero for the Bulldogs was quarterback Derek Carr, who threw for 404 yards and three touchdowns in the championship game to give Fresno State its first outright conference title since winning the Big West in 1989.
But with Carr off to the pros, other teams will now get their chance of dethroning the Bulldogs and cementing their own legacy in the Mountain West Conference.
Favorites – Boise State and Fresno State
In a preseason media poll, Boise State (+140) and Fresno State (+325) emerged as the favorites to rule their respective divisions this year.
The Broncos may have lost legendary coach Chris Peterson to Washington, but former offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin was hired back from Arkansas State to keep their football program at the top of the Mountain West, particularly in the Mountain Division.
Harsin will have 12 returning starters this season, including quarterback Grant Hedrick and running back Jay Ajayi. However, there are legitimate concerns about both Boise State’s offensive and defensive lines with some key injuries to the lineup. They are pegged at +10,000 to win the national championship.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, are favorites to rule once again in the West Division even with the departure of their quarterback Derek Carr. Josh Harper, who was one of the best receivers in the conference last year, will be returning for the conference champs, as well as eight other starters on a defensive unit that was much-maligned last season but stepped up big time in the championship game against Utah State.
Player to Watch – Jay Ajayi (Boise State)
Boise State fans are excited at the prospect of running back Jay Ajayi replicating or even exceeding his performance in the Mountain West last season. Ajayi had a breakout season last year, rushing for 1,425 yards which is the fourth-most in Boise State history and 15th-most in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
He also had 18 touchdowns which is third on the Broncos’ all-time single-season list and tied for eighth nationally. His TD total also ranked third nationally among underclassmen.
Best Game on the Schedule
October 17 – Fresno State @ Boise State
It can’t get any bigger than this as the two pre-season conference favorites lock horns in what could be a preview of the championship game. Fresno State pulled off a 41-40 thriller last year to end their seven-year losing run to the Broncos and win the Milk Can.
Writer’s Prediction
With Ajayi set for a big season, the Mountain West Conference is Boise State’s to lose. Create a betting account now and cash in on the college football wars.
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