Week 8 Mountain West Conference Predictions

After a bye week Scott and I take over the predictions from Ashley...

Ashley took over the predictions from Scott and I last week and ended up with a 6-3(.667) record. Not a bad week of picks from Ashley. The overall standings still remain the same between Scott and I from last week:

Mark[Overall 44-22(.667) Head-to-Head 3-1-2]
Scott[Overall 42-24(.6360 Head-to-Head 1-3-2]

This weekend is filled with a lot of top games. Be sure to have the popcorn ready, because it looks to be good. Here are the week 8 predictions starting with the game of the week:

The Big Podcast GAME OF THE WEEK
#9 BYU @ #24 TCU (Thursday) 6PM MT Versus

This is a match up between BYU's offense against the Horned Frogs' defense. The Horned Frogs' defense has been strong the entire season, except when they faced Oklahoma's high powered offense. BYU's offense has struggled in the last seven quarters, and BYU will need a quick start if they hope to beat TCU in Fort Worth. What no one is talking about is the match up between the Offense of TCU and BYU's defense. TCU is not a passing team, and runs a similar option style offense to New Mexico. BYU's defense will be able to keep TCU's offense off the field, and that will be the key to BYU's victory.

BYU 35 TCU 17

TCU has a monster D and is going up against a very good BYU offense. BYU has struggled offensively the past two games, and is looking to rebound. They definitely have the potential to be very explosive. The key match up in this game is TCU’s defensive line against BYU’s offensive line…it could be an epic battle of the big uglies. TCU’s offense is very good at controlling the game on the ground. They hold on to the ball about 13 minutes more than their opponents. BYU’s bend but don’t break defense has been good enough to keep teams from scoring. TCU already has a hard time scoring.

BYU 24 TCU 13

Colorado State @ #14 Utah 12PM MT The Mtn

Utah continues to struggle to put together complete football games. On paper Utah should have no problems with Colorado State at home. Yet, historically Colorado State plays Utah tough every season. Colorado State is improved from last season, but won't have the fire power to hand with Utah. Even if Utah plays a C level game they win big.

Utah 38 Colorado State 13

What has happened to Brian Johnson? Utah’s offense has not looked very good for a while now and CSU has a very good defense. Utah has won on the strength of their defense and special teams. The most surprising team this year in the MWC has been Colorado State. They have competed very well. They shot themselves in the foot last week against TCU and had opportunities to win the game. This is going to be tougher game for Utah than most people think…but they pull it off in the end like they have all year.

Utah 21 Colorado State 17

San Diego State @ New Mexico 4PM MT The Mtn

New Mexico was able to control the ball on the ground, on the road, against a good BYU team. They weren't able to put the ball into the end zone against BYU. (Technically they did, but a poor call reversed the Lobo touchdown) The Lobos shouldn't have that problem against San Diego State at home.

New Mexico 24 San Diego State 7

Although New Mexico only scored 3 points against BYU, they showed some signs of life. Their defense looks capable of keeping them in the game. If they can get any big plays from the QBs through the air, they can compete in most games. SDSU has really struggled in most facets of the game.

New Mexico 28 San Diego State 20

Air Force @ UNLV 8PM MT The Mtn

UNLV has scored points early in their last two games against Colorado State and Nevada; however, they have played terrible second quarters and given the leads back. Air Force got off to a slow start against San Diego State last week before taking care of the Aztecs. The extra week that UNLV had to prepare for Air Force will make the difference in the game.

UNLV 28 Air Force 21

UNLV is in a brutal 5 game stretch right now with games against AFA, BYU and TCU after already losing to Nevada and CSU. The question is whether or not this team is going to give up and throw in the towel. They desperately need a win this week to avoid a potential 5 game losing streak. AFA is going to run the ball and control the clock like they do each week. Not sure if UNLV has any answers on defense.

Air Force 35 UNLV 21

Utah State @ Nevada 2PM MT ESPN360

San Jose State humiliated the Aggies last week, and any momentum the Aggies had from their performance against BYU is gone. Playing on the road again this week will be difficult for the Aggies.

Nevada 42 Utah State 13

You would hope that 6 games into the season that Utah State would have found some answers both offensively and defensively. They still don’t have a QB who is ready to lead this team. The USU defense has to hold team under 20 points if they want to give their offense a chance to win. Nevada has the ability to score a lot of points. They are averaging almost 50 points over their last 3 games. If USU can just somehow find that emotion that they played with against BYU, they have a chance to be a decent team.

Nevada 38 Utah State 14

#16 Kansas @ #4 Oklahoma 1:30PM MT ABC

Yes, Oklahoma lost to Texas, but they didn't look bad doing it. Oklahoma is a very good football team, and Kansas has been skating by so far this season. Oklahoma will win big at home.

Oklahoma 52 Kansas 17

Of all the weeks that you want Oklahoma on your schedule, this is definitely not that week. Yes Oklahoma lost last week to Texas, but they played pretty well. I expect them to come out firing on all cylinders. Kansas has been a little inconsistent through their first 6 games. They need a mistake free game from their QB Reesing is they want to keep it close. Reesing is no Colt McCoy, but he is a very good QB. If there is one way to expose Oklahoma, it is through the air. In the end, Oklahoma just has too much firepower.

Oklahoma 42 Kansas 21

#12 Ohio State @ #20 Michigan State 1:30 PM MT ABC

I smell a Ringer! Javon Ringer already has 1,112 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns this season for the Spartans. Ohio State will have problems containing Ringer on the road.

Michigan State 31 Ohio State 17

Can Michigan State avoid their mid season collapse that has plagued them the past 10 years? If there is ever a time to beat OSU, this is the year. OSU is starting a true freshman at QB and their star RB has been hobbled by a bum ankle. Injuries have also started taking a toll on the defense. Yet the Buckeyes somehow find a way to win, while the Spartans always find a way to lose this game. I don’t think Javon Ringer can carry the load much longer for MSU. They need Hoyer to make some plays down field, which he hasn’t been able to do all season. OSU’s defense is their strength and they will be able to do enough to come away with a victory.

Ohio State 21 Michigan State 20

#11 Missouri @ #1 Texas 6PM MT ABC

Chase Daniels and the Tigers' offense looked confused at home against Oklahoma State. Daniels who only had one interception going into last Saturday threw three interceptions against the Cowboys. The problem for Chase Daniels and the Tigers is Texas' defense looks to be better than Oklahoma State. It is also more difficult to play on the road.

Texas 35 Missouri 31

There are no weeks off in the Big 12. After beating the #1 team in the nation last week, Texas plays their second toughest game of the season. Missouri is coming of a disappointing loss last week, proving to the world that Mike Gundy is a man. Someone other than Colt McCoy is going to have to have a big game on the ground to keep Missouri honest. Chase Daniel is about as good as they get at QB. He is completing about 75% of his passes and picks defenses apart. Jeremy Maclin is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Last week, Texas got the breaks they needed, this week the ball bounces Missouri’s way.

Missouri 31 Texas 24