1. Utah (6-1 in conference, 9-2 overall) - Offense: The only issue is quarterback depth as the machine will break down if Alex Smith gets hurt. As long as he's healthy, there might not be any stopping the attack with a tremendous offensive line, loaded receiving corps and several good running back options. It'll be a shock it the Utes don't lead the Mountain West in offense.
Defense: The defense was tremendous last year and should be just as good this season with a strong group of players to build around. The safeties are outstanding with Eric Weddle moving over from corner to join all-star Morgan Scalley, and the outside linebackers will be great. The concern is at corner and middle linebacker, but these aren't horrible situations. The line will be among the best in the nation if Jason Kaufusi returns.
2. San Diego State (5-2, 7-4) - Offense: The offense rocked in 2002 and then was stuck in the mud last year. There's solid overall depth and excellent playmakers at running back and receiver, but things will go nowhere again unless there's more production from the quarterbacks. The offensive line is a bit of a question mark, but it could quickly turn into a major strength if the star JUCO transfers are as good as advertised.
Defense: Is it possible the Aztecs can switch to a 3-4? With one of the best defensive back sevens in America and four tremendous linebackers, it'll be a total shock if this isn't one of the nation's top ten statistical teams in total defense. The problem is on the line where there's no one on the end that'll scare anyone (at least not yet), and there's a drop-off in talent at tackle after the starters.
Five Most Important Conference Games
1. Utah at San Diego State, Oct. 30
2. Colorado State at Utah, Nov. 6
3. Colorado St at SD State, Oct. 16
4. BYU at Utah, Nov. 20
5. Utah at New Mexico, Oct. 2
Team that will surprise
San Diego State
Team that will disappoint
Air Force
Coach that must produce
Gary Crowton, BYU
Best head coach
Urban Meyer, Utah
The potentially huge Mountain West upset might be ... Wyoming over Utah, Nov. 13
The potentially worst Mountain West game might be ... Wyoming at San Diego St, Oct. 9
Best player no one pays attention to ... Utah G Chris Kemoeatu
3. Colorado State (5-2, 6-5) - Offense: The offense returns with most of the key parts intact, but is missing the one who made it all work with the graduation of QB Bradlee Van Pelt. WR David Anderson and tackles Erik Pears and Mike Brisiel are among the best in the conference at their positions, and RB Marcus Houston could be an all-star if he can stay healthy and be consistent. It'll all come down to the play of QB Justin Holland. If he has a big year, the Ram attack will be devastating.
Defense: The defense didn't play like it as supposed to last year giving up too many big plays, yards and points considering the experience and talent the Rams had. Now it'll be a work in progress with many good prospects, but few proven playmakers.
T4. BYU (4-3, 4-7) - Offense: Who would've ever thought the day would come when a BYU offense would average 16.3 points per game. The offense moved the ball, but didn't score prompting major panic from everyone around the program. Things will still be a work in progress as the coaching staff searches for the right combination at every position with several prospects to choose from. The hope is for the newcomers to provide a major upgrade at receiver, while a quarterback, most likely Matt Berry, emerges from the pack to provide a spark. The running backs are talented, but can't be counted on to stay healthy.
Defense: Defensive coordinator Bronco Mendenhall has made the defense one of the most intense and productive in the country only allowing 306 yards per game last year. The trick will be to do it with a far less experienced team as most of the back eight (the Cougars have a 3-3-5 alignment) needs to learn on the fly. The line has four great players led by star end Brady Poppinga ensuring that the run defense will once again be strong.
T4. New Mexico (4-3, 6-6) - Offense: There are some key losses on the offensive line, receiver and quarterback, but the replacements are more talented than the former starters; they just need experience. The running game will be among the best in America with two star running backs in DonTrell Moore and D.D. Cox along with a tremendous pair of fullbacks. If the passing game is a little more effective than it was last year, this will be an efficient offensive machine.
Defense: The whole will be better than the sum of the parts. Last year's veteran defense was amazing against the run, but horrible against the pass. It'll be asking too much for this group to improve much in either aspect with little returning experience and no size whatsoever. Under defensive coordinator Osia Lewis, this D will blitz from all angles and won't lack for aggressiveness, but there should be a drop-off in overall production.
6. UNLV (3-4, 5-6) - Offense: For several reasons, UNLV's offense has had a hard time playing up to its athleticism and talent level. The parts are there for a good season led by veteran QB Kurt Nantkes throwing to all-star candidate WR Earvin Johnson. The running backs are deep and talented working behind a strong, experienced line.
Defense: The potential is there for the defense to rock if the corners play better and the line holds its own. The Rebels will switch to a 3-4 playing into their strength at linebacker. The recruiting class was almost all about defense showing a commitment to being better, but the current players in place will be fine.
T7. Air Force (1-6, 4-7) - Offense: It's reloading time once again for Air Force as the entire offensive line needs to be replaced and QB Chance Harridge will be sorely missed. On the plus side, the running backs and receivers are good enough to carry things for a while and the offense will run well as always because of the system, but the players aren't there to expect an explosion.
Defense: This will be a typical Falcon defense of overachievers with little talent compared to some of the Mountain West contenders. There's a little bit of returning production just about everywhere, but it'll be up to career reserve players to shine. The front seven has more beef than usual and the secondary will be fine. There has to be a pass rush generated from somewhere.
T7. Wyoming (2-5, 5-7) - Offense: It'll be interesting to see how the Cowboy offense adjusts. The problem over the years has been running the ball, but now there's a deep group of backs with star JUCO transfer Joe Harris ready to be a star. The offensive line stunk last year, but it was young and returns five starters. The passing attack needs Corey Bramlet to play like his brother Casey did, while the good young receivers have to shine right away.
Defense: The defense improved a bit last year and should be even stronger this season with six starters returning (not including injured safety Jay McNeal). The front seven needs to be more physical against the run helped by an experienced linebacking corps. The secondary is the concern as the loss of McNeal means there's little experience. There's no defensive back depth whatsoever needing JUCO transfers to step in and be ready to roll.
Defense: The defense was tremendous last year and should be just as good this season with a strong group of players to build around. The safeties are outstanding with Eric Weddle moving over from corner to join all-star Morgan Scalley, and the outside linebackers will be great. The concern is at corner and middle linebacker, but these aren't horrible situations. The line will be among the best in the nation if Jason Kaufusi returns.
2. San Diego State (5-2, 7-4) - Offense: The offense rocked in 2002 and then was stuck in the mud last year. There's solid overall depth and excellent playmakers at running back and receiver, but things will go nowhere again unless there's more production from the quarterbacks. The offensive line is a bit of a question mark, but it could quickly turn into a major strength if the star JUCO transfers are as good as advertised.
Defense: Is it possible the Aztecs can switch to a 3-4? With one of the best defensive back sevens in America and four tremendous linebackers, it'll be a total shock if this isn't one of the nation's top ten statistical teams in total defense. The problem is on the line where there's no one on the end that'll scare anyone (at least not yet), and there's a drop-off in talent at tackle after the starters.
Five Most Important Conference Games
1. Utah at San Diego State, Oct. 30
2. Colorado State at Utah, Nov. 6
3. Colorado St at SD State, Oct. 16
4. BYU at Utah, Nov. 20
5. Utah at New Mexico, Oct. 2
Team that will surprise
San Diego State
Team that will disappoint
Air Force
Coach that must produce
Gary Crowton, BYU
Best head coach
Urban Meyer, Utah
The potentially huge Mountain West upset might be ... Wyoming over Utah, Nov. 13
The potentially worst Mountain West game might be ... Wyoming at San Diego St, Oct. 9
Best player no one pays attention to ... Utah G Chris Kemoeatu
3. Colorado State (5-2, 6-5) - Offense: The offense returns with most of the key parts intact, but is missing the one who made it all work with the graduation of QB Bradlee Van Pelt. WR David Anderson and tackles Erik Pears and Mike Brisiel are among the best in the conference at their positions, and RB Marcus Houston could be an all-star if he can stay healthy and be consistent. It'll all come down to the play of QB Justin Holland. If he has a big year, the Ram attack will be devastating.
Defense: The defense didn't play like it as supposed to last year giving up too many big plays, yards and points considering the experience and talent the Rams had. Now it'll be a work in progress with many good prospects, but few proven playmakers.
T4. BYU (4-3, 4-7) - Offense: Who would've ever thought the day would come when a BYU offense would average 16.3 points per game. The offense moved the ball, but didn't score prompting major panic from everyone around the program. Things will still be a work in progress as the coaching staff searches for the right combination at every position with several prospects to choose from. The hope is for the newcomers to provide a major upgrade at receiver, while a quarterback, most likely Matt Berry, emerges from the pack to provide a spark. The running backs are talented, but can't be counted on to stay healthy.
Defense: Defensive coordinator Bronco Mendenhall has made the defense one of the most intense and productive in the country only allowing 306 yards per game last year. The trick will be to do it with a far less experienced team as most of the back eight (the Cougars have a 3-3-5 alignment) needs to learn on the fly. The line has four great players led by star end Brady Poppinga ensuring that the run defense will once again be strong.
T4. New Mexico (4-3, 6-6) - Offense: There are some key losses on the offensive line, receiver and quarterback, but the replacements are more talented than the former starters; they just need experience. The running game will be among the best in America with two star running backs in DonTrell Moore and D.D. Cox along with a tremendous pair of fullbacks. If the passing game is a little more effective than it was last year, this will be an efficient offensive machine.
Defense: The whole will be better than the sum of the parts. Last year's veteran defense was amazing against the run, but horrible against the pass. It'll be asking too much for this group to improve much in either aspect with little returning experience and no size whatsoever. Under defensive coordinator Osia Lewis, this D will blitz from all angles and won't lack for aggressiveness, but there should be a drop-off in overall production.
6. UNLV (3-4, 5-6) - Offense: For several reasons, UNLV's offense has had a hard time playing up to its athleticism and talent level. The parts are there for a good season led by veteran QB Kurt Nantkes throwing to all-star candidate WR Earvin Johnson. The running backs are deep and talented working behind a strong, experienced line.
Defense: The potential is there for the defense to rock if the corners play better and the line holds its own. The Rebels will switch to a 3-4 playing into their strength at linebacker. The recruiting class was almost all about defense showing a commitment to being better, but the current players in place will be fine.
T7. Air Force (1-6, 4-7) - Offense: It's reloading time once again for Air Force as the entire offensive line needs to be replaced and QB Chance Harridge will be sorely missed. On the plus side, the running backs and receivers are good enough to carry things for a while and the offense will run well as always because of the system, but the players aren't there to expect an explosion.
Defense: This will be a typical Falcon defense of overachievers with little talent compared to some of the Mountain West contenders. There's a little bit of returning production just about everywhere, but it'll be up to career reserve players to shine. The front seven has more beef than usual and the secondary will be fine. There has to be a pass rush generated from somewhere.
T7. Wyoming (2-5, 5-7) - Offense: It'll be interesting to see how the Cowboy offense adjusts. The problem over the years has been running the ball, but now there's a deep group of backs with star JUCO transfer Joe Harris ready to be a star. The offensive line stunk last year, but it was young and returns five starters. The passing attack needs Corey Bramlet to play like his brother Casey did, while the good young receivers have to shine right away.
Defense: The defense improved a bit last year and should be even stronger this season with six starters returning (not including injured safety Jay McNeal). The front seven needs to be more physical against the run helped by an experienced linebacking corps. The secondary is the concern as the loss of McNeal means there's little experience. There's no defensive back depth whatsoever needing JUCO transfers to step in and be ready to roll.
