BYU Better Be Ready For an Underrated Air Force Team—Or Be Ready For Another Home Upset

BYU better not be thinking about the Holy War this weekend, because Air Force has the talent to beat the Cougars at home...

The Falcons are playing their final regular season game this weekend, and they would like to end their season on a high note.

BYU has traditionally dominated Air Force. The Cougars hold a 22-6 edge in the all-time series against the Falcons. The last time Air Force beat BYU was in 2003 at LaVell Edwards stadium.

Yet, this Air Force team appears to be breaking the mold of a traditional Air Force team. Usually the academy schools tend to fizzle as the season wears on. The training required in addition to football takes a lot out of the Air Force players, and the Falcons struggle to finish the football season strong.

This season the Falcons have won four out of their last five games, with their only loss coming on the road in overtime against Utah.

Air Force has struggled in the past against better football programs. This season the Falcons have competed in every game they have played. Their four losses are each by one touchdown or less. Two of their losses came in overtime. Plus, the Falcons played TCU better than any other conference team this season—losing by three points at home.

Another difference in this year’s Air Force team is their defense. Air Force has one of the better defenses not only in the conference but in the nation. The Falcons are ranked 1^st in passing defense, 7^th in total defense, 9^th in scoring defense and 1^st in turnover margin.

Their defense causes and takes advantage of the other team’s mistakes, and converts turnovers into points. Air Force’s defense also benefits from the Falcon triple option attack. The triple option offense allows the defense to rest, and also forces the other team to press in order to get the football back.

Air Force, much like BYU, bases their offensive and defensive schemes on out executing the other team on the field.

If the Cougars play in the Air Force game like they did in the New Mexico or TCU game, then it could be a very disappointing afternoon for BYU. Air Force has something left to prove this season, and they will be pulling out all the stops to get a win over a ranked BYU.

A healthy Harvey Unga will really help BYU to avoid an upset this weekend. BYU needs to give their defense a rest, and cannot afford too many three-and-outs during the game. Air Force’s defensive weakness is against the run; they are ranked 56^th giving up 137.45 yards per game. The Cougars should try to win this game on the ground. Out muscling the smaller defensive front of Air Force, and running between the tackles.

This also means BYU cannot panic if they go down early in the game and abandon the running game. Robert Anae continues to be the best defender teams have to stop Harvey Unga. The Cougars have the best back in the Mountain West Conference, but continue to struggle to find ways of giving him the football.

It is important for BYU to score first against Air Force. The Falcons don’t play well from behind. The triple option isn’t designed to mount comebacks, but it is designed to keep games close. When Air Force is forced to go away from the triple option attack that is when teams can really open up a lead against them.

BYU cannot afford any turnovers against Air Force. The Cougars need to clean up the interceptions, fumbles, and mental mistakes (such as dropping first down passes). Giving up easy points to Air Force, due to good field position, is a sure way of setting themselves up for an upset.

Another key is BYU needs to play hungry. Air Force is going to try and punch BYU right in the mouth, and then take away the victory. The Cougars have struggled this season when teams have challenged them. BYU seems to be softer this season, and hasn’t been as quick to be the aggressor in the football games.

If BYU struggles with the challenge of Air Force this weekend, things could be much worse the following weekend against the Utes in the Holy War.

BYU needs to defend their home field, and be the more aggressive team this Saturday. BYU needs to play with some kind of passion.

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The Big Podcast Episodes 23 and 24: BYU football and the Mountaint West Conference

Episode 23: BYU Football Edition

Jake Stowell and Mark Welling discuss:

• A quick recap of BYU's dominating win over UNLV
• A conversation about O'Neill Chambers near kickoff return, and if he really has the speed to take a kick back at the college level.
• A look ahead to BYU's game against San Diego State this weekend.
• A discussion of Harvey Unga's importance to BYU.
• How did Bronco handle the dismissal of Shiloah Te'o? Plus, a discussion about the honor code at BYU.

Download here (Right click and save as) or listen with the player below.

Episode 24: Mountain West Conference Edition

Jake and I discuss:

• The TCU @ Air Force game.
• How the score was much closer than the actual game, and how the lack of exposure hurt TCU in the polls.
• Mark's opinion of ESPN writer Graham Watson.
• Utah's come from behind victory over Colorado State.
• Preview of the games ahead this week with a focus on Wyoming @ Air Force.
• The possibility of Independence Bowl matching the Mountain West Conference against the ACC.

Download here (Right click and save as) or listen with the player below.

The bonus content this week is slightly delayed, but I will post it as soon as I get it ready.

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Mountain West Conference Power Rankings—Week Six

The Mountain West Conference is what we thought it was...

Most teams have reached the halfway point in their schedule. Taking a look around the conference it appears that the Big-three of TCU, BYU and Utah are still the class of the Mountain West Conference.

Utah did have a genuine scare this weekend, but once again did just enough to beat their opponent. TCU also had a scare, but it really wasn’t as close as the final score indicated.

The really interesting team in the conference is Wyoming. If the Cowboys are really for real at 4-2 this season, then their game against Air Force will be their coming out party.

Here are the Week Six Power Rankings.

1) TCU—The Horned Frogs fell in the polls due to their performance against Air Force on the road. Obviously many of the voters didn’t watch the game, but rather just looked at the final score. The game was never really in doubt, and Air Force only made it close very late in the game. TCU did suffer from turnovers; however, Air Force is ranked first in the nation in forced turnovers.

The Colorado State game will be very interesting for the Horned Frogs, and should prove to be the most interesting game of the week. The Rams looked to finally take the next step in the conference, and take down one of the big-three teams. Yet, both teams have something to prove this weekend. The Horned Frogs could slip up this weekend if they are looking ahead to their matchup in Provo against BYU.

Week Seven Schedule: Colorado State @ TCU

2) BYU— The Cougars did exactly what they were supposed to do on the road against a really bad UNLV team. The game was over after the first quarter. What was impressive for BYU is the fact that Harvey Unga looks healthy. Unga is already the best running back in the conference, and he is just now running healthy for the first time this season.

This week the Cougars will face the Aztecs on the road. This game should be over quickly, but it is important for BYU to not look ahead to their showdown with TCU the following week.

Week Seven Schedule: BYU @ San Diego State

3) Utah—A person could really look at the Utes’ win in a variety of ways. An optimist would see a first year JUCO quarterback leading his team back to victory, and getting major support from a talented defense. The Utes did what they need to do in order to win the game. A pessimist would see signs of weakness in this year’s Utah team, and would credit the win more to Colorado State’s meltdown than Utah’s spectacular play.

For an offense which is still trying to find an identity since losing Matt Asiata, a trip to UNLV is perfect. The Utes will dominate this weekend, and will have plenty of confidence heading home for three straight home games.

Week Seven Schedule: Utah @ UNLV

4) Air Force—The three losses this season for the Falcons have been by a combined 13 points. Many people penalized TCU for playing a close game with Air Force, but the game really said more about Air Force. The Falcons could have just established themselves clearly as the best of the non-big-three.

The Cowboys are heading down to Colorado Springs. This is a must win for Air Force, they are clearly the better team on paper. A loss to Wyoming would really set back the Falcon’s season.

Week Seven Schedule: Wyoming @ Air Force

5) Wyoming— A win over New Mexico isn’t much to brag about. The Cowboys did win, and they did win by more than three touchdowns. The problem for the Pokes’ is they could easily turn their 4-2 record into 5-7. The Cowboys still need to play the upper half of the Mountain West Conference in the second half of the season.

This weekend is very important in Wyoming’s quest to get the all important sixth win. Most likely Wyoming will beat San Diego State. Which means Air Force and Colorado State are the next most likely wins for the Pokes’. The real story in the game against Air Force is the battle of ball control. Both Air Force and Wyoming are ranked in the top ten in the nation in turnover margin. Wyoming will need to hold onto the football in order to give their team a chance to win this weekend.

Week Seven Schedule: Wyoming @ Air Force

6) Colorado State—What a choke job! The Rams had everything going for them late in the third quarter against Utah, but then Colorado State just fell apart. Utah’s Robert Johnson came up with three interceptions, and the Rams blew their chances to take a major step in reestablishing themselves as a major player in the Mountain West Conference. Colorado State’s defense was really holding Utah’s offense, and it seemed odd the Rams didn’t try to play a field position game against Utah to finish the game.

This is the last chance Colorado State has to really make a statement in the Mountain West Conference this season. The Rams have the talent to play with TCU. The horned Frogs could also be looking ahead to their trip to Provo to face BYU. Colorado State just hasn’t developed the consistency of play to win big games. If Colorado State can put together a solid four quarters of football, then they could keep it close and have a chance to win in Fort Worth this weekend.

Week Seven Schedule: Colorado State @ TCU

7) San Diego State— There have been flashes of brilliance this season for San Diego State. This is a promising sign for anyone who cheers for Aztec football, but those flashes of brilliance are too few and too far between.

The bye week should have helped San Diego State prepare for BYU. If the Aztecs can keep it close going into the second half that would be a major moral victory for them.

Week Seven Schedule: BYU @ San Diego State

8) UNLV— Wow, UNLV’s season fell apart in a hurry! The Rebels were completely outclassed by BYU last weekend. The defense of UNLV is just awful. The Rebels defense is ranked 113rd in rushing defense, 106^th in passing defense, 101^st in sacks, 104^th in turnover margin, 109^th in tackles for loss, and 116^th in total defense.

Things will not improve for the Rebels this weekend as Utah will travel to Vegas. The Utah offense is still trying to figure out how to function without Matt Asiata; however, the Utes’ offense will benefit more from playing UNLV’s defense than UNLV’s defense will benefit from playing Utah’s offense. It looks to be another ugly weekend for the Rebels.

Week Seven Schedule: Utah @ UNLV

9) New Mexico— The University of New Mexico has decided to take action for their head coach getting in a fight with an assistant coach. New Mexico’s head coach Mike Locksley has been suspended for the Lobos’ game against UNLV. He also will be suspended for eight working days, and cannot have any contact with his team during that period. The ironic thing is a lack of Locksley’s presence might actually help the Lobos.

The Lobos should enjoy this week because it is the only week they won’t lose a game this season.

Week Seven Schedule: Bye Week

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Mountain West Conference 2009 Power Rankings, Week Four

TCU looks to be the team to beat this season in the Mountain West Conference.

The Mountain West Conference ended up with some impressive wins in week four of the college football season. TCU beat Clemson on the road, and Utah took care of Louisville at home.

Week five features nothing but non-conference games for the conference. Of the seven games scheduled the Mountain West Conference teams should be favored in all but one of the games.

This is another important week for the Mountain West Conference in their quest for national respect. Four of the games pit Mountain West Conference teams against Western Athletic Conference teams. It is very important for Mountain West teams to win their games against other non-automatic qualifying conferences — if they want an automatic bid to the BCS in the future.

Here are the week four rankings.

1)TCU - (Last Week's Ranking 1)

TCU's defense is giving up just 245 yards a game, which ranks them 12th in college football. TCU is also ranked 21st in scoring defense, and 8th in sacks per game. TCU's defense is definitely the class of the Mountain West Conference. The offensive numbers for TCU are a little inflated at this point. Luckily, TCU's offense shouldn't have to score much to win this season with such a great defense.

After a big non-conference win over Clemson it is important for TCU not to overlook a much improved SMU team. If TCU is mentally prepared, then the Horned Frogs should win easily this weekend.

Week 5 Schedule: TCU @ SMU

2)BYU - (Last Week's Ranking 2)

It seems as if the Cougars were able to put their loss to Florida State behind them, as they took care of Colorado State at home. BYU only really played their best football in the first quarter and coasted the rest of the game.

BYU will face the fourth leading rusher in the nation this Friday, as Robert Turbin and Utah State come to Provo this Friday. Utah State is better than their 1-2 record. BYU could be in a dogfight if they overlook the Aggies.

Week 5 Schedule: Utah @ BYU

3)Utah - (Last Week's Ranking 6)

The Utes seemed to have righted their ship easily beating Louisville at home. Losing Matt Asiata for the season will really hurt the Utes as they start league play. Asiata was averaging the most yards per game of any Mountain West Conference running back. Eddie Wide did fill in well for the Utes gaining 129 against Louisville.

The bye week comes at the right time for the Utes so they can adjust their offense in preparation for conference play.

Week 5 Schedule: BYE

4)Air Force - (Last Week's Ranking 5)

Air Force's defense is very impressive this season. The Falcons have the 9th best scoring defense, and lead the nation in forced turnovers with 15. Air Force is one bad quarter away from being undefeated this season.

This Saturday's game at Navy will basically determine who will win the Commander and Chief Trophy. Air Force hasn't beat Navy since 2002. The Falcons will look to end their losing streak to Navy, and bring back the Commander and Chief Trophy to Colorado Springs.

Week 5 Schedule: Air Force @ Navy

5)Colorado State - (Last Week's Ranking 3)

Take away the first quarter of play last Saturday, and the Rams played even with BYU on the road. Colorado State proved they will be able to compete with any team in the conference this season. Nine wins this season for the Rams seems very doable.

Colorado State's game this weekend is the very interesting. Idaho, perennial dog of college football, already has more wins this season than their last two seasons combined. Colorado State needs to avoid being snakebit by a surprising Idaho team this weekend.

Week 5 Schedule: Colorado State @ Idaho

6)Wyoming - (Last Week's Ranking 8)

Wyoming continues to be a hard team to figure out. They did take advantage of UNLV's turnovers and come away with an impressive conference upset win. Yet, it is difficult to know which Wyoming team is going to show up to play each Saturday.

This weekend's game should be a gimmie for the Pokes, but you just don't know this season with Wyoming.

Week 5 Schedule: Wyoming @ Florida Atlantic

7)UNLV - (Last Week's Ranking 4)

This year's Rebel squad looks a lot like the squad from the last two years. UNLV has a ton of talent. It appears they are going to take the next step to compete in the conference every season. Yet, UNLV just doesn't win the games they are suppose to win. UNLV turned the ball over four times in their loss to Wyoming, including losing a fumble on the game tying field goal attempt with 1:19 left in the fourth quarter.

UNLV will now try to get back on track by playing win less in-state rival Nevada. A team the Rebels have lost to for four consecutive years in the annual Fremont Cannon game. The result of this week's game will be very telling about just how good the Rebels really are this season.

Week 5 Schedule: UNLV @ Nevada

8)San Diego State - (Last Week's Ranking 7)

The Aztecs continued to look good in stretches against Air Force. They still have a ways to go in order to be competitive in conference. If San Diego State put together a complete game, then they could surprise some teams later in conference play.

New Mexico State might be the worst 2-2 team in the country. This weekends game is really a must win for San Diego State.

Week 5 Schedule: New Mexico State @ San Diego State

9)New Mexico - (Last Week's Ranking 9)

The Lobos appear to be a train wreck this season. The team is losing, and members of their coaching staff are punching each other in meetings. The embarrassment will continue this Saturday.

New Mexico is ranked 107th in defensive yards allowed a game. They are playing Texas Tech who is ranked 13th in total offense a game. It isn't going to be a good day to be a Lobos fan.

Week 5 Schedule: New Mexico @ Texas Tech

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The Big Podcast Episodes 19, 20, 21,and 22: September 27 - October 3

Episode 19: BYU Football Recap

In episode 19 we discuss:

• BYU's win over Colorado State
• Improvements BYU needs to make
• BYU's drop in the polls
• Upcoming opponent Utah State

Download here (Right click and save as) or listen with the player below.



Episode 20: Mountain West Conference Recap

In episode 20 we discuss:

• UNLV's surprising loss
• TCU's position as the team to beat
• Important games this weekend

Download here (Right click and save as) or listen with the player below.



Episode 21: Utah Jazz Edition with Guest Katie Welling

In episode 21 we discuss:

• The Jazz reporting to camp
• What to expect from Carlos Boozer
• Which players should get playing time

Download here (Right click and save as) or listen with the player below.



Episode 22:Bonus Edition for September 27-October 3 (Exclusive to the Blog)

In the bonus content we discuss:

• Fantasy football
• TV talk
• NBC angers Mark

Download here (Right click and save as) or listen with the player below.

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Mountain West Conference 2009 Power Rankings Week 3

A tough weekend for the Mountain West Conference...

The Mountain West Conference had another chance to prove itself over the weekend; however, the conference was unable to hold the momentum created since the Sugar Bowl last season. Utah looked bad in their loss to Oregon, and BYU was humiliated at home against a suspect Florida State team. TCU beat bad Texas State team, while UNLV and Colorado State held on to beat the WAC teams they were suppose to beat. Wyoming was blanked by a very bad Colorado team.

The down weekend proved one thing about the Mountain West Conference, the national media will hold the conference to a higher standard. The Mountain West Conference not only needs to be better than some of the major conferences, the Mountain West Conference needs to be perfect. I thought Mark May of ESPN best expressed this sentiment of a higher standard when he wrote after this weekend's games, "All the talk about the Mountain West getting an automatic bid into the BCS can stop. The best two teams from the conference (BYU and Utah) fell flat on their faces to unranked opponents."

While TCU would object to not being included as the best team in the conference, May's logic is flawed. USC lost to an unranked team in the PAC-10, just like Utah; however, May isn't claiming all of USC's past success is void. Ranked teams loss to unranked teams all the time, Florida lost to an unranked Mississippi team last season.

Did the Mountain West Conference look good this weekend? No. Yet, a single poor weekend does not prove the opponents of including the Mountain West Conference in the BCS correct. The Mountain West Conference is better this season than ever before from top to bottom.

Here are the week 3 rankings:

1)TCU - The Horned Frogs will be put to their first real test of the season. It is not only important for TCU to win this weekend to continue their goal of a BCS birth, but it is also important for them to save the conference from another embarrassing loss. A win this weekend would prove what many thought going into this season, that TCU is the team to beat in the Mountain West Conference.

Week 4 schedule: TCU @ Clemson

2)BYU - Last season BYU wasn't able to recover from a bad loss to TCU on the road. This season BYU has to recover from one of the most embarrassing home losses in school history. Florida State exposed BYU's defense. BYU will face a stiff challenge this weekend in a surprisingly 3-0 Colorado State. If BYU allows the effects of their loss to Florida State to linger, then BYU could be in real trouble this weekend.

Week 4 Schedule: Colorado State @ BYU

3)Colorado State - The Rams are 3-0, but they are a very shaky 3-0. The win over Colorado doesn't look nearly as impressive. Weber State also gave Colorado State a scare in their second game. The Rams did take care of Nevada, benefiting from five Nevada turnovers. Colorado State could open some eyes as they start conference play against BYU this weekend.

Week 4 Schedule: Colorado State @ BYU

4)UNLV - The Rebels are a single poor defensive play away from being 3-0. The Rebels are explosive on offense, and their team is extremely athletic. The Rebels have also learned how to play in close games. Although they didn't come out on top against Oregon State, the Rebels did put together an impressive late drive to take the lead. They also engineered a game winning drive against Hawaii. The Rebels will try to continue their impressive start against Wyoming as they start conference play.

Week 4 Schedule: UNLV @ Wyoming

5)Air Force - The Falcons were good last year, but they are another improved team from last season. Air Force is notorious for fading down the stretch due to the fatigue their athletes experience from their additional military training. Air Force might be looking ahead to Navy game, and might be setting themselves up for a trap game against San Diego State this weekend.

Week 4 schedule: San Diego State @ Air Force

6)Utah - The Utes were sloppy against Utah State, bad against San Jose State, and awful against Oregon. This is a rebuilding year for Utah, and in order to have success they need a healthy Matt Asiata. The Utes do not seem as if they have not found a strong team personality this season. With Louisville coming into Rice-Eccles the Utes better find a personality before this Saturday, or else they could be facing another loss.

Week 4 Schedule: Louisville @ Utah

7)San Diego State - This is were the big gap occurs in the conference talent. The Aztecs are a long ways back of the Utes in the power rankings. The Aztecs look good in stretches, and might put together a complete game and surprise a conference opponent. San Diego State could sneak up on Air Force this weekend.

Week 4 Schedule: San Diego State @ Air Force

8)Wyoming - The Cowboys looked bad, in a game against a bad Colorado team. They will have their hands full this weekend taking on a good UNLV team.

Week 4 Schedule: UNLV @ Wyoming

9)New Mexico - The Lobos have 29 total points this season in three games. This weekends game against New Mexico State could be their only chance at victory this entire season. New Mexico State has only beat Prairie View A&M, by three points. Set your Tivos for this slug fest.

Week 4 Schedule: New Mexico State @ New Mexico

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Mountain West Conference 2009 Power Rankings Week 2

Here are the Mountain West power rankings for the second week of college football...

1)BYU - The Cougars did what they were suppose to do in their game against Tulane. BYU dominated Tulane from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. Tulane is not a good team, but BYU for the most part didn't play down to the level of Tulane. Florida State should be a marquee game for BYU, although it has lost a lot of its luster because of the Seminoles loss to Miami, and near loss to Jacksonville State.

Week 3 Schedule:Florida State at BYU

2)TCU - In their first game of their season TCU dominated Virginia. TCU only gave up seven first downs, with three of them coming in the fourth quarter when the game was basically over. TCU didn't get a real test of how good they will be this season against Virginia, and won't this week against Texas State.

Week 3 Schedule:Texas State at TCU

3)Utah - Turnovers really burned the Utes, and kept San Jose State in the game. This rash of turnovers by the Ute offense isn't a shock. The shocking thing about the Ute turnovers is the fact that new quarterback Terrance Cain isn't responsible for more. Cain played very well in the game, which is a great sign for the Utes. The first two games were suppose to solidify the offense and prepare the Utes for their games against Oregon and Louisville. Oregon will be looking at this game against Utah as a must win to salvage their non-conference portion of the season. This Saturday's game will be very revealing for Utah.

Week 3 Schedule:Utah at Oregon

4)Colorado State - Suddenly Colorado State's win over Colorado doesn't look as substantial after Toledo humiliated Colorado last weekend. Also shocking was the fact that Colorado State needed to come back from behind in the fourth quarter to beat Weber State. Colorado State has to hope that Weber State was just a let down game after beating Colorado, and that they will be ready to deal with a Nevada team coming off a bye week, looking for something to prove after getting humiliated by Notre Dame.

Week 3 Schedule:Nevada at Colorado State

5)UNLV - A pass interference call on Oregon State's final drive game the Beavers a new set of downs, and a chance to march down the field for the game winning field goal. UNLV had the game won and let it slip away. UNLV needs to learn how to play up to their potential. UNLV has the talent to compete in the Mountain West, but what they lack is consistency. Hawaii should be a win for the Rebels after dropping a close game against Oregon State.

Week 3 Schedule:Hawaii at UNLV

6)Air Force - For three quarters of the game Air Force was in control. Air Force was just not able to finish off Minnesota on the road. A Minnesota touchdown off a fumble recovery sealed the Falcon's defeat. A trip to New Mexico to take on a terrible New Mexico team to start conference play should help heal the Falcon's wounds.

Week 3 Schedule:Air Force at New Mexico

7)San Diego State - The Aztecs continue to look improved from previous seasons. Of course looking at the past few seasons for San Diego State that isn't saying very much. Aztecs should beat Idaho in a contest of two somewhat improved teams.

Week 3 Schedule:San Diego State at Idaho

8)Wyoming - The Cowboys nearly took a lead into halftime against Texas at home, but the Longhorns woke up and scored thirty-five unanswered points. Wyoming has another chance to take on a Big 12 school this week, and this time they might have a chance to win. Wyoming could really gauge where they are as a football program. They could also help to put a few final nails in Coach Hawkins coffin, if they go to Colorado and come home with a win.

Week 3 Schedule:Wyoming at Colorado

9)New Mexico - New Mexico is the only team in the conference without a win, and it might be a while before the Lobos get their first win. It is going to be a very long and dreadful season for the Lobos.

Week 3 Schedule:Air Force at New Mexico

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Mountain West Conference 2009 Power Rankings Week 1

Here are the Power Rankings after the first week of college football...

1)BYU - BYU is coming off a monster victory, which is not only big for BYU, but also the Mountain West Conference. With the victory over Oklahoma BYU is now the team to beat in the conference. Cougars are on the road again this week, playing in another massive stadium, the Superdome, but this time playing a weaker Tulane team. The only way that BYU runs into problems this week is if they are looking ahead to the home opener against Florida State.

2)Utah - Utah did what they needed to do in their opener. Cain played like a first time starter, and the defense did just enough to beat Utah State. Utah get another tune up game before the playing their bigger non-conference games with this weeks contest against San Jose State.

3)Colorado State - Nobody was expecting much out of Colorado State this season. Most people thought that maybe Colorado State could be a mid level team in the Mountain West Conference at best. Colorado State handled Colorado in their season opener. Colorado was lucky to get the final score within six points. Colorado State is continuing their resurgence, and climb back to being an elite team in the Mountain West Conference. Colorado State faces Ron McBride and Weber State this week, and should be able to cruise to a win at home.

4)TCU - I almost kept TCU out of the rankings this week, simply because they have not played this season. TCU should be one of the top teams in the conference, and the nation this season. For that reason TCU is fourth in the week 1 power rankings. TCU starts their season this week against Virginia, a team which is coming off a loss to Williams & Mary. Frogs should get the season going big this weekend.

5)Air Force - Wow! 72-0! Even for playing a Division II team 72-0 is a big win. Minnesota is going to be a much bigger challenge for Air Force this weekend.

6)UNLV - The Rebels cruised to an easy win over a lowly opponent. UNLV should show more this week as they face Oregon State at home.

7)Wyoming - Wyoming avoided embarrassment by holding on at home against Weber State. This week the Cowboys try to avoid embarrassment against Texas in Laramie. You want to talk about the Mountain West Conference shaking up the college football landscape, just imagine what would happen "if" Wyoming beat Texas. That is a seemingly unimaginable "if," but just imagine if you will.

8)San Diego State - The Aztecs actually jumped out to a big lead, but after a controversial non-fumble call San Diego State really faltered. San Diego State looks to be much better this year. The Aztecs get Southern Utah at home, and should get their first win of the year.

9)New Mexico - 606 yards of total offense. That is the amount of yardage that New Mexico gave up to Texas A&M in their opener. Things could get worse for the Lobos this week as Tulsa's high powered offense comes into University Stadium, and will likely leave New Mexico's defense in shambles. It could be a long season for the Lobos.

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