Another year, another Boise title. The Mountain division is certainly the stronger of the two and Boise has some pieces to replace, but it is still their conference to lose. The West division again just looks like a whole bunch of meh.
Mountain Division
Air Force
The Falcons won 11 games last year including wins over Colorado and Washington State. Donald Hammond brings a capable passing attack that is missing in most option teams. The defense was great last year but has a few holes to fill. Air Force will be a tough team to beat and they get Boise at home week 2.
Boise State
Freshman QB Bachmeier was up and down last year but battled through injuries. He is surrounded by a plethora of skill guys so could be in for a big year. The biggest question Boise faces is along both the offensive and defensive lines where they are unproven. Week 2 at Air Force and a Nov 21st date in Laramie are the games that could trip them up in the conference.
Colorado State
Steve Addazio takes over as head coach for the Rams. He will have a nice passing offense led by receiver Warren Jackson. Outside of the passing game, the Rams have a lot that needs to be improved upon. With seven starters back on defense that unit has a chance to be improved. It looks like it will be tough to reach a bowl, but I wouldn’t say it’s impossible.
New Mexico
This offense has potential but the defense has a lot of work to do. They were 129th in total defense a year ago. Rocky Long returns as defensive coordinator which is a good start, but he has his work cut out for him. Probably a year or two away from a bowl.
Utah State
The Aggies have eight starters back on offense but have to replace Jordan Love at QB. Utah State ranked 103rd in total defense and doesn’t elicit much excitement for this year. Looking at the schedule I’m not seeing more than three wins.
Wyoming
The offensive line is deep and Xazavian Valladay is a very good running back. The problem is at quarterback and receiver where there are plenty of questions. The defense also loses key playmakers from a year ago. I ride for the brand, but I think it might be tough for the Cowboys to make a bowl this year.
West Division
Fresno State
Despite beating Hawaii last year Fresno had a down season, leading to Tedford retiring. They have a couple good playmakers with RB Ronnie Rivers and LB Justin Rice but there is still a lot of work that looks like it needs to be done. I would expect a similar record this year.
Hawaii
If anyone can sustain the loss of their head coach, quarterback, and three top receivers it’s America’s team. Chevan Cordeiro takes over at QB and has plenty of game experience. Jared Smart caught 87 balls last year. The defense is likely still horrible, but the Rainbow Warriors are all about the points. It’s probably unlikely they win this division again, but they have my support.
Nevada
Athlon Sports is rather high on the Wolf Pack this year, having them win this division. With 14 starters back and avoiding Boise it’s certainly possible, but I will play devil’s advocate. They were 111th in scoring offense last year and 100th in scoring defense. So even with the experience, they need to be better to claim this division I believe.
San Diego State
I look at the Aztecs as a poor man’s Stanford, and if you know me you know my opinion on Stanford is rather low. They have a very good defense, but my dear was this offense putrid last year. They were 2nd Nationally in scoring defense and 112th in offense. If they just improve slightly they should win this division. They avoid Boise but have some tough road games.
San Jose State
TBD
UNLV
The Rebels offense certainly has some potential this year, but the defense isn’t pretty on paper. MIght be able to squeak out four or five wins.
Prediction
Mountain Division: Air Force is definitely dangerous here, but I have to stick with Boise until proven otherwise.
West Division: One of the weaker divisions in college football in my opinion. I hate doing it but am going with the Aztecs.
Championship Game: Boise State over San Diego State
BYU
Similar to last year BYU looks good on paper on both sides of the ball. The problem is the schedule. Their first four games are at Utah, Michigan State, at Arizona State, and Minnesota. I think they can get one win maybe two there, but they also have to travel to Boise and Stanford later in the year. The Cougars usually find a way to make a bowl game, but it is going to be difficult this year.
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