Mountain West Underrated Teams
Last year added some interest to the Mountain West. San Diego State made a big statement against Arizona and Stanford. Boise State ran over Oregon early in a bowl game before holding them off in the end. They also fended off an upset by making a big comeback against Colorado State. Fresno State surprised everyone and almost won the conference title. UNLV upset Fresno State and nearly went bowling before Nevada won their last 3, including preventing the Rebels from going and taking the Pack's cannon along with it. San Jose State, UNLV, and Nevada are expected to have lights-out offenses, while Hawai'i's new quarterback Cole McDonald can carry the load. Boise State is poised to have a big year and maybe seek a playoff spot, but Wyoming, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Air Force will try throwing a wrench into Boise's season. My Mountain pick is Boise State because I already discussed the reason for it. My West pick is UNLV because their offensive improvement should nab them one more win for a bowl bid.
BOISE STATE
Is their any question that I'm picking against the Broncos for the division and conference title? I can’t really see it happening unless Fresno State can once again play like they did in the regular season finale…OR maybe San Diego State's running back Juwan Washington and quarterback Christian Chapman has a breakout year. Even though the Broncos are indefinitely favored, don’t underestimate Troy, San Diego State, Fresno State, or even Air Force (look at their previous matchups). Boise State will keep up with Oklahoma State now that Mason Rudolph and James Washington are gone. If they don’t slip up with their quarterback, the Broncos can yet again win their conference and play in a New Years’ Six Bowl.
UNLV
I heard good things about UNLV’s offense. I also saw some of quarterback Armani Rogers and receiver Kendal Keys and heard about running back Lexington Thomas. There’s optimism on offense, but their defense needs to be addressed, but they do return seven starters and defensive coordinator Tim Skipper coached linebackers at Florida. Now that’s a positive. Last season, they were one win away from getting a bowl bid, but my alumni school Nevada spoiled their chance along with maintaining the cannon. Their schedule is a bit friendly, which means they have a chance of going bowling for the first time in 5 years.
