2008 Mountain West Football
Can anyone stop BYU from a date in a BCS game? Find out below as the Info Plays team gives their 2008 Mountain West football predictions and rankings.
1.) BYU
The good news is that BYU is loaded with talent, including quarterback Max Hall, running back Harvey Unga and defensive end Jan Jorgensen. But there are key holes to fill at linebacker and their biggest league games are on the road. Still, anything less than a BCS game will be considered a disappointment in Provo.
2.) Utah
The Utes’ running game is on the way to recovery and their two-QB system maximizes talent. Some rebuilding up front on defense will be needed, and a season opener at Michigan likely won’t equal a good start for Utah. Last year’s injury woes at the kill positions should now reap benefits. The Utes will be back in a bowl for sure.
3.) TCU
The Horned Frogs featured their deepest stack of running backs ever. Some experience at quarterback and usual standouts on defense make TCU a tough out for any opponent. But there are big holes at defensive end. MWC teams are starting to figure out their defense as well. The weapons are there to have a better offense, and the defense will always keep TCU in the title hunt.
4.) New Mexico
QB Donovan Porterie is one of the league’s best. New Mexico’s defense features excellent cornerback play. The downside is that two all-league wide receivers are gone and the defense hasn’t been as dominant in the past few years. The Lobos always find a way to reload and they’re on solid footing with Rocky Long leading the way.
5.) Wyoming
The offensive line is more experienced and good competition at quarterback will be a benefit in the long haul. The defense has playmakers, but cornerbacks must emerge. Turnover-prone quarterbacks have been the team’s recent undoing so Wyoming will have to change that trend. The Cowboys are overdue for a bowl game, but it’s going to overtake the four teams you see we have listed ahead of them.
6.) Air Force
Troy Calhoun proved last season there is life after coach Fisher DeBerry. Four-year starting QB Shaun Carney is gone, just another position needed in a big rebuilding year for the Falcons. Their offense might need some time to get its footing, but Air Force’s early MWC schedule doesn’t benefit this rebuilding process for the Falcons.
7.) San Diego State
The Aztecs have a non-conference schedule that is much easier than usual, and this team worked to be more physical in the offseason. But uncertainty at quarterback and questions on defense offset the strides made under Chuck Long. There are no great expectations for SDSU, and the program’s struggles are still a mystery. This makes the Aztecs a scary darkhorse candidate in 2008.
8.) Colorado State
Steve Fairchild has the tools to oversee a return to a punishing running game. But there’s next to no experience at quarterback, their best receiver is gone and there are big questions at cornerback on defense. First-year coaches often surprise in this league, but a little patience will likely be needed here.
9.) UNLV
The Rebels have some standouts in wide receivers Casey Flair and Ryan Wolfe to go along with star running back Frank Summers. Beau Bell leaves a gaping hole at linebacker, though. UNLV has struggled to find healthy, capable QB play recently. Mike Stanford has recruited well in his four years, but a lack of results has the Rebels’ head man feeling the heat this season.
Get more information on the 2008 Mountain West Conference from Fantasy College Blitz here.
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