Week 9 Mountain West Predictions

TCU is out, CSU finally gets a win, and New Mexico vs. Air Force proves to be the showdown of the week in the conference. Yet, the biggest winner out of last week easily is Utah. The Utes go into Fort Worth and beat the Horn Frogs. Now they have the table set for playing the role of spoiler for BYU's run for a conference crown. BYU already has wins over New Mexico and Air Force, and Wyoming with its second loss is out of the championship picture for now. The Utes have won four in and get Wyoming and New Mexico at home setting themselves up to be 8-3 going into Provo with two conference loses. Meaning if BYU were to slip up they would be able to salvage the season by both beating the cougs and taking the conference title. BYU is still in the drivers seat, but they need to tread carefully in the weeks to come.

Last Week 4-1
Season 8-2

Air Force(6-2, 5-1) at New Mexico(5-2, 2-1) 7PM MT VS.
This is the best in the MWC the week. The 3-3-5 defense of New Mexico is in for a test against the cadets new look option attack. Shaun Carney has had a great year running the offense and gives the Falcons an ability to go vertical down the field. The problem with the 3-3-5 is defending the middle of the field, especially the between the tackle running Air Force can provide. Yet, home field advantage will spark the Lobo offense that is second in the conference scoring and passing yards. New Mexico winds a close contest.
New Mexico 31- Air Force 24
UNLV(2-6, 1-3) at Wyoming(4-3, 1-2) 12PM MT Mtn.
UNLV is coming off giving CSU their first win of the season. Turnovers were the key in the contest and that is making the pokes defense foam at the mouth after two straight loses. Wyoming should be able to cruise in this home rebound game. Both rushing attacks should put up numbers though in the effort.
Wyoming 24- UNLV 10
Utah(5-3, 2-2) at Colorado St.(1-6, 1-3) 3:30PM MT Mtn.
CSU has done it, they put together a whole game and laid a beat down on the Rebels. Even with the terrible record CSU has managed to be third in scoring and Haine is second in QB ratings. Now the Rams are looking to push it to two wins. Utah needs to look at this game long and hard, CSU is the most dangerous team in this league. The Rams have the ability to put it all together at anytime and snake bite any team. The Utes will be ready though and win a close game.
Utah 31 CSU 28
BYU(5-2, 3-0) at San Diego St. (2-5, 1-2) Postponed
The fires did do one thing for the Aztecs, the opportunity to play in December. The BYU vs. San Diego St. game will be the bowl game for the Aztecs with the likely conference champion coming to Qualcomm(Jack Murphy) stadium. BYU better use the bye week to stay sharp, because if they put the effort into the CSU game they did with Eastern Washington expect the first conference loss in two years.