Think before you print Doofus - I went from 3 wins to 10 wins in 2017 Only because Chris is annoying - here is the Mountain West predictions. He likely doesn't realize that his favorite MWC team, New Mexico State, is no longer in the MWC. It left the conference in 2014.
But first, Berg upbraided me for a most egregious error in the SEC preview. In it, I said that “becoming only the third Power 5 team to go from less than 5 wins to 10 in a single season (Stanford 1940 and Auburn 2013)” neglecting MSU’s turnaround from 3 wins in 2016 to 10 wins in 2018. I have sent the author of the quote a correction. They have sheepishly not responded. Cowards! I will own up to my mistakes. I hope they do too.
It’s no longer the Wacky WAC. The remnants of the WAc formed the Mountain West with a reputation of wide open offenses. Not any more. 20 years later no less than three teams finished both the 2017 and 2018 football seasons ranked in the Top 25 in overall defense: San Diego State (#11), Boise State (#22) and Wyoming (#23) in 2017; and last year Fresno State (#17), Wyoming (#19), and San Diego State (#21).
And football investors should note that the Mountain West is 17-7 ATS in season openers.
But first, Berg upbraided me for a most egregious error in the SEC preview. In it, I said that “becoming only the third Power 5 team to go from less than 5 wins to 10 in a single season (Stanford 1940 and Auburn 2013)” neglecting MSU’s turnaround from 3 wins in 2016 to 10 wins in 2018. I have sent the author of the quote a correction. They have sheepishly not responded. Cowards! I will own up to my mistakes. I hope they do too.
It’s no longer the Wacky WAC. The remnants of the WAc formed the Mountain West with a reputation of wide open offenses. Not any more. 20 years later no less than three teams finished both the 2017 and 2018 football seasons ranked in the Top 25 in overall defense: San Diego State (#11), Boise State (#22) and Wyoming (#23) in 2017; and last year Fresno State (#17), Wyoming (#19), and San Diego State (#21).
And football investors should note that the Mountain West is 17-7 ATS in season openers.
Mosese Fifita anchors the DL but how in the world does he fit in a cockpit? Air Force – Vegas Win Total - 6.5 – Back to back 5-7 seasons makes for some unhappy flyboys. And only one of those ten wins came against a Div 1A team with a winning record. The losses were painfu tool, five of the losses were by a TD or less.
It’s a service academy, they are going option right, option left, option up the middle, repeat. The run game was fine. It was third in the nation and the time of possession was good enough holding the ball for 34 minutes. It’s just that the opposing team would get the ball and rip the secondary to shreds.
The offense will be even better running this year. The top six running backs return along with four starters on the OL. As far as WR who cares. The are just decoys who block downfield.
The run defense will be fine again. They only allowed one 200 yard game, to Army naturally. The DL returns 3 starters and the 3-4 LBs return 3 as well. They will need to generate more than 20 sacks on the season to relieve the beleaguered secondary.
The Cadets will keep games close with their time of possession game plan and this time win a few close games to make a bowl.
It’s a service academy, they are going option right, option left, option up the middle, repeat. The run game was fine. It was third in the nation and the time of possession was good enough holding the ball for 34 minutes. It’s just that the opposing team would get the ball and rip the secondary to shreds.
The offense will be even better running this year. The top six running backs return along with four starters on the OL. As far as WR who cares. The are just decoys who block downfield.
The run defense will be fine again. They only allowed one 200 yard game, to Army naturally. The DL returns 3 starters and the 3-4 LBs return 3 as well. They will need to generate more than 20 sacks on the season to relieve the beleaguered secondary.
The Cadets will keep games close with their time of possession game plan and this time win a few close games to make a bowl.
Curtis Weaver is the star of the defense Boise State – Vegas Win Total - 10.0 – Boise loves being the big fish in the small aquarium. The last time a Broncos football team failed to win 8 games in a season was 1998. And they don’t mind playing in bigger ponds either. BSU has knocked off six of their last ten Power Five foes.
The offense will need a retooling. Brett Rypien is off to play with the Broncos. The competition to replace him is a hot mess. The only QB with any meaningful snaps in summer camp tore his ACL. Star RB Alexander Mattison, is gone too to the Vikings. But at least there is some experience in his backups.
The OL should be the strength. All five starters return. The run game should be punishing again and hopefully, the keep the sacks down from last year. 32 was far too many for a team of Boise caliber.
The defense was a little off from Boise standards finishing 39th overall, 30th in points allowed. 10 of the 13 tacklers return. LB/DE Curtis Weaver is the star after leading the team in sacks and tackles for loss last year. The DL will be solid. The secondary keep teams out of the end zone but needs to improve on the 15 picks.
It’s Boise State, even with the issues at QB and RB, they’ll get their 10 wins. They’ve reached that three of the last four years (going just 9-4 in 2015). The schedule almost guarantees it. Only four opponents had winning records last year (investors note: BSU is 75-2 SU against teams at .500 or less) and the Broncos miss playing San Diego State and Fresno State.
Investors Note: The smurf turf is costing bettors big time. They are 16-35 when laying points at home since 2010
The offense will need a retooling. Brett Rypien is off to play with the Broncos. The competition to replace him is a hot mess. The only QB with any meaningful snaps in summer camp tore his ACL. Star RB Alexander Mattison, is gone too to the Vikings. But at least there is some experience in his backups.
The OL should be the strength. All five starters return. The run game should be punishing again and hopefully, the keep the sacks down from last year. 32 was far too many for a team of Boise caliber.
The defense was a little off from Boise standards finishing 39th overall, 30th in points allowed. 10 of the 13 tacklers return. LB/DE Curtis Weaver is the star after leading the team in sacks and tackles for loss last year. The DL will be solid. The secondary keep teams out of the end zone but needs to improve on the 15 picks.
It’s Boise State, even with the issues at QB and RB, they’ll get their 10 wins. They’ve reached that three of the last four years (going just 9-4 in 2015). The schedule almost guarantees it. Only four opponents had winning records last year (investors note: BSU is 75-2 SU against teams at .500 or less) and the Broncos miss playing San Diego State and Fresno State.
Investors Note: The smurf turf is costing bettors big time. They are 16-35 when laying points at home since 2010
Collin Hill should be back to full strength but it may not make a difference Colorado State - Vegas Win Total - 3.5 - Mike Bobo’s neuropathy problems were nothing compared to what the Rams suffered through last year. After he went 7-6 his first two years, CSU stumbled to 3-9.
The offense moved the ball, through the air at least, but couldn’t get the biscuit into the basket as the scored their fewest points since 2012. Quarterback Collin Hill is back to full strength after battling knee injuries Hill missed the second half of 2016, all of 2017, and a good chunk of 2018 after a couple of different ACL tears. It will be a small miracle if he makes it through the season unscathed.
All-Mountain West receiver Preston Williams is gone, but Warren Jackson, Nate Craig-Myers and tight end Cameron Butler provide a good foundation on the outside.
But the running game needs to step up. It rushed for 1,267 (123rd overall) scoring only eight touchdowns with three coming in the loss to Wyoming. The backs are there, but the talent maybe lacking. The OL returns only two starters so the rushing attack will continue to flat line.
The defense was flat out awful finishing 111th or worse in every meaningful category. The secondary was constantly torched for big plays and they only picked off seven passes while giving up 30 TDs. The run defense was no better, got getting gouged for over 200 YPG. Making matters worse is an experience issue with four of the top six tacklers gone.
Bobo should quickly find out whether or not this team has improved since 2018. Colorado State plays Colorado, Arkansas, Toledo, Utah State and San Diego State before the midway point of the ’19 season. I don’t he like what he finds. Bobo is headed for next year’s hot seat.
Investors Note - The Rams are 0-23 SU all-time versus ranked opponents. The are also 5-14 ATS.
The offense moved the ball, through the air at least, but couldn’t get the biscuit into the basket as the scored their fewest points since 2012. Quarterback Collin Hill is back to full strength after battling knee injuries Hill missed the second half of 2016, all of 2017, and a good chunk of 2018 after a couple of different ACL tears. It will be a small miracle if he makes it through the season unscathed.
All-Mountain West receiver Preston Williams is gone, but Warren Jackson, Nate Craig-Myers and tight end Cameron Butler provide a good foundation on the outside.
But the running game needs to step up. It rushed for 1,267 (123rd overall) scoring only eight touchdowns with three coming in the loss to Wyoming. The backs are there, but the talent maybe lacking. The OL returns only two starters so the rushing attack will continue to flat line.
The defense was flat out awful finishing 111th or worse in every meaningful category. The secondary was constantly torched for big plays and they only picked off seven passes while giving up 30 TDs. The run defense was no better, got getting gouged for over 200 YPG. Making matters worse is an experience issue with four of the top six tacklers gone.
Bobo should quickly find out whether or not this team has improved since 2018. Colorado State plays Colorado, Arkansas, Toledo, Utah State and San Diego State before the midway point of the ’19 season. I don’t he like what he finds. Bobo is headed for next year’s hot seat.
Investors Note - The Rams are 0-23 SU all-time versus ranked opponents. The are also 5-14 ATS.
Jared Rice is one of the few bright spots on the Bulldog offense Fresno State – Vegas Win Total - 8.0 – Give a tip of the helmet to Jeff Tedford. Fresno State ended the season ranked for the first time since 2004 and became the first team ever to have back to back 10 win seasons after back to back double digit losses (check that one out Berg).
The strength of Fresno State’s 2019 squad is once again on defense. The defense led the way last year. Thy led the Mountain West and finished 17th in the nation in total defense, and allowing a minuscule 14 points per game. , It will be the strength again this year, returning six starters, including linebacker Mykal Walker, S Juju Hughes and CB Jaron Bryant. However, linebacker Jeffrey Allison and safety Mike Bell declared early for the NFL Draft leaving some big shoes to fill. Two starters return for a secondary that had 19 picks including stars S Juju Hughes and CB Jaron Bryant.
Only three starters are back on offense and none of them is QB Marcus McMaryion, who was 21-4 as a starter. On top of it all, OC Kalen DeBoer left the program for Indiana. The running game gets the key parts back with Ronnie Rivers and Jordan Mims. But the receivers are missing outside one the of the best catching TEs in the game, Jared Rice, a likely 3rd round pick. And with a new QB getting his feet wet, the defense will have to carry the load again in 2019.
The schedule is favorable, six of the first seven games are against teams that didn’t go bowling (though one is a road game at USC) and there’s no Boise State from the Mountain Division. FSU will compete for the West division title but 10 wins for a third year is a long shot.
The strength of Fresno State’s 2019 squad is once again on defense. The defense led the way last year. Thy led the Mountain West and finished 17th in the nation in total defense, and allowing a minuscule 14 points per game. , It will be the strength again this year, returning six starters, including linebacker Mykal Walker, S Juju Hughes and CB Jaron Bryant. However, linebacker Jeffrey Allison and safety Mike Bell declared early for the NFL Draft leaving some big shoes to fill. Two starters return for a secondary that had 19 picks including stars S Juju Hughes and CB Jaron Bryant.
Only three starters are back on offense and none of them is QB Marcus McMaryion, who was 21-4 as a starter. On top of it all, OC Kalen DeBoer left the program for Indiana. The running game gets the key parts back with Ronnie Rivers and Jordan Mims. But the receivers are missing outside one the of the best catching TEs in the game, Jared Rice, a likely 3rd round pick. And with a new QB getting his feet wet, the defense will have to carry the load again in 2019.
The schedule is favorable, six of the first seven games are against teams that didn’t go bowling (though one is a road game at USC) and there’s no Boise State from the Mountain Division. FSU will compete for the West division title but 10 wins for a third year is a long shot.
Cole McDonald led the MWC in passing Hawaii - Vegas Win Total - 5.5 - Meet one of the most experienced squads in college football this season - 9 starters are back on each side of the ball, Led by gunslinger QB Cole McDonald – ranked 1st in passing yards in the MWC and 8th overall in the nation – and a front wall that brings back all five starters from 2018, the Rainbows bring back the best talent Nick Rolovich has had in his three years in Honolulu.
Cole McDonald was fantastic throwing for close to 4,000 yards and 36 TDs. As great as that was there is rumors that he may share snaps with touted RS freshman Chevan Cordeiro, who hails from the same high school (St. Louis) that produced Marcus Mariota and Tua Tagalaivoa. Cordeiro opened eyes when he came off the bench, throwing 3TDs in the 4th quarter in a comeback win over Wyoming.
Leading receiver John Ursua was one of the few departures, leaving early for the NFL, but the receiving corps will be fine. Cedric Byrd returns with his 79 grabs and nine scores along with JoJo Ward’s 51 grabs.
The running game may have been along for the ride, but at least most of the top parts are back. Dayton Furuta averaged close to five yards per carry, and the quicker Fred Holly led the team with 468 yards and four scores.
Now about that defense. It was typically Hawaiian. Giving up 440 YPG and now it loses star LB Jahlani Tavai to the Detroit Lions (I’m actually optimistic that he will work out). The pass rush fizzled over the second half of the season, but the parts are there get into the backfield.
The secondary only came up with five interceptions last season and was one of the worst in the nation. Four starters return though so things should improve.
The run defense got ripped apart for 200 rushing yards or more six straight games to close out the regular season, allowing 20 TDs over that span. But, again 9 starters return. Things should improve.
Hawaii is coming off the program’s first winning season since 2010 and could take another step forward into contention for the West Division title in ’19. With Fresno State and San Diego State coming to Honolulu in 2019, Hawaii has a good shot at knocking off both teams and contending for the West Division title.
Investors note: Hawaii is 0-9-1 ATS as a favorite under Nick Rolovich.
Cole McDonald was fantastic throwing for close to 4,000 yards and 36 TDs. As great as that was there is rumors that he may share snaps with touted RS freshman Chevan Cordeiro, who hails from the same high school (St. Louis) that produced Marcus Mariota and Tua Tagalaivoa. Cordeiro opened eyes when he came off the bench, throwing 3TDs in the 4th quarter in a comeback win over Wyoming.
Leading receiver John Ursua was one of the few departures, leaving early for the NFL, but the receiving corps will be fine. Cedric Byrd returns with his 79 grabs and nine scores along with JoJo Ward’s 51 grabs.
The running game may have been along for the ride, but at least most of the top parts are back. Dayton Furuta averaged close to five yards per carry, and the quicker Fred Holly led the team with 468 yards and four scores.
Now about that defense. It was typically Hawaiian. Giving up 440 YPG and now it loses star LB Jahlani Tavai to the Detroit Lions (I’m actually optimistic that he will work out). The pass rush fizzled over the second half of the season, but the parts are there get into the backfield.
The secondary only came up with five interceptions last season and was one of the worst in the nation. Four starters return though so things should improve.
The run defense got ripped apart for 200 rushing yards or more six straight games to close out the regular season, allowing 20 TDs over that span. But, again 9 starters return. Things should improve.
Hawaii is coming off the program’s first winning season since 2010 and could take another step forward into contention for the West Division title in ’19. With Fresno State and San Diego State coming to Honolulu in 2019, Hawaii has a good shot at knocking off both teams and contending for the West Division title.
Investors note: Hawaii is 0-9-1 ATS as a favorite under Nick Rolovich.
Gabriel Sewell is a tackling machine Nevada – Vegas Win Total - 6.5 – Nevada returned to it’s roots going from the Air Raid to Air Pistol. While it’s nowhere near the Chris Ault and Colin Kaepernick attack from 10 years ago, no one in Reno is complaining after an 8-win season last year, And with OC Matt Mumme and QB coach Timmy Chang calling the shots it should continue to roll.
Ty Gangi and his over 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns is gone. Backup Cristian Solano has the early edge for the starting nod but is being pushed by former Florida Gator Malik Henry.
Nevada lost leading receiver McLane Mannix to Texas Tech, but this is still a deep corps with the next seven top receivers returning. The rushing trio of Toa Taua, Kelton Moore and Devonte Lee are the headliners of the deep group of running backs that should get past the 2,000-yard mark – the ground game went for 1,976 last season with 24 touchdowns. The OL gets its all star OTs back but needs to replace the interior.
Four of the top five tacklers are gone, but leading tackler Gabriel Sewell returns as the highlighter at middle linebacker. The DL should shine. There’s beef up the middle. But the secondary lost Nephi Sewell to Utah and its two starting CBs to graduation.
There’s too many holes on the defense and the schedule is tougher this year. Replacing Oregon State with Purdon't is no fun. And keep an eye on a revenge game from San Diego State. Nevada will make a bowl by the skin of their teeth.
Investors Note: Nevada has made a fortune for bettors at home. They are 8-2 ATS in Reno.
Ty Gangi and his over 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns is gone. Backup Cristian Solano has the early edge for the starting nod but is being pushed by former Florida Gator Malik Henry.
Nevada lost leading receiver McLane Mannix to Texas Tech, but this is still a deep corps with the next seven top receivers returning. The rushing trio of Toa Taua, Kelton Moore and Devonte Lee are the headliners of the deep group of running backs that should get past the 2,000-yard mark – the ground game went for 1,976 last season with 24 touchdowns. The OL gets its all star OTs back but needs to replace the interior.
Four of the top five tacklers are gone, but leading tackler Gabriel Sewell returns as the highlighter at middle linebacker. The DL should shine. There’s beef up the middle. But the secondary lost Nephi Sewell to Utah and its two starting CBs to graduation.
There’s too many holes on the defense and the schedule is tougher this year. Replacing Oregon State with Purdon't is no fun. And keep an eye on a revenge game from San Diego State. Nevada will make a bowl by the skin of their teeth.
Investors Note: Nevada has made a fortune for bettors at home. They are 8-2 ATS in Reno.
Elijah Lilly has a bit of a burst New Mexico - Vegas Win Total - 5.0 - Bob Davie is a dead man walking. He’s coming off a pair of 3-9 seasons, and suspended 30 days over sexual allegations last season. Davie is counting on new coordinators on both sides of the ball and an infusion of junior college players to provide an immediate fix. Replacing coordinators and pounding the JUCO circuit is a sign of desperation.
The Lobos suffered a major blow with QB Tevaka Tuioti got knocked out for the year early on. If he can stay healthy, Tuioti is the guy. The OL could open holes or keep opponents out of the backfield but four starters return so there should be improvement. There’s not much in the RB position nor in the WRs though Elijah Lilly has some talent. The offense will continue to stall.
The defense could use your thoughts and prayers. It was 119th last year and now loses its best eight tacklers and ten of its top eleven. There’s JUCO replacements all over the field. They can’t do much worse but it’s a real crap shoot how they will come together.
Most of the attention with the schedule focuses upon a September 14 trip to Notre Dame, with Davie certain to be a substantial underdog as he returns to South Bend for the first time since being dismissed by the Fighting Irish after the 2001 season. After that, as bad as the Lobos will be there are some winnable games – home games with Sam Houston State, and New Mexico State, and road games at Liberty and San Jose State. They may even get an upset somewhere but reaching five wins is a stretch let alone a bowl. Just keep an eye out of the team gives up on Davie midseason.
Investors Note: Along with the slide in the record is a slide for Lobo backers. UNM is 8-16 ATS and has lost six straight ATS as home chalk and 1-8 ATS at home overall.
Weird Stat - The Lobos are 1-13 SU and 3-11 ATS in Game Eleven of the season since 2005. Game 11 this year is home versus Utah State.
The Lobos suffered a major blow with QB Tevaka Tuioti got knocked out for the year early on. If he can stay healthy, Tuioti is the guy. The OL could open holes or keep opponents out of the backfield but four starters return so there should be improvement. There’s not much in the RB position nor in the WRs though Elijah Lilly has some talent. The offense will continue to stall.
The defense could use your thoughts and prayers. It was 119th last year and now loses its best eight tacklers and ten of its top eleven. There’s JUCO replacements all over the field. They can’t do much worse but it’s a real crap shoot how they will come together.
Most of the attention with the schedule focuses upon a September 14 trip to Notre Dame, with Davie certain to be a substantial underdog as he returns to South Bend for the first time since being dismissed by the Fighting Irish after the 2001 season. After that, as bad as the Lobos will be there are some winnable games – home games with Sam Houston State, and New Mexico State, and road games at Liberty and San Jose State. They may even get an upset somewhere but reaching five wins is a stretch let alone a bowl. Just keep an eye out of the team gives up on Davie midseason.
Investors Note: Along with the slide in the record is a slide for Lobo backers. UNM is 8-16 ATS and has lost six straight ATS as home chalk and 1-8 ATS at home overall.
Weird Stat - The Lobos are 1-13 SU and 3-11 ATS in Game Eleven of the season since 2005. Game 11 this year is home versus Utah State.
The SDSU running game is in good hands with Juwan Washington San Diego State – Vegas Win Total - 8.0 – Rocky Long ball is simple - pound the ball down your throat and back it up with a tough-as-nails defense. It’s resulted in 8 bowl trips in eight seasons, after SDSU had been bowling just three times in 23 previous years. It works. Fans are a little concerned though. After three consecutive double-digit win seasons, the Aztecs somehow managed to slip to 7 wins, dropping their final four games of the season.
The primary reason for the drop off was the offense. It finished 111th in the nation and scored just under 21 points per game. The normally amazing running game wasn’t there, the passing game wasn’t efficient, and in all, the team scored 21 points or fewer six times and put up more than 30 just once.
So it looks like Long may tweak Rocky ball a little bit but moving the QB out from under center and use more of the field.
The running game will return to form. Juwan Washington was banged up throughout last season, but he still scooted for 999 yards and ten scores. Back up Chase Jasmin ran for 592 yards and five scores. Three starters return on the OL led by All-MW C Keith Ismael,
The passing game fell off the map. Sr. QB Ryan (don't call me Spiro) Agnew returns after replacing Christian Chapman when he got banged up. Agnew only completed 52% of his passes. As a result, too many drives stalled. SDSU finished 110th in 3rd down conversions. There’s not much in the WRs depth chart. The Aztecs are going to rely on the run even more than normal this year.
The calling card for Rocky’s teams has usually been on defense with his favored 3-3-5 alignments that date to his years as HC at New Mexico, where Brian Urlacher was once a featured performer. The defense has continued to shine, ranking 21st overall a year ago. The run defense was excellent finishing #1 in the MWC and #7 overall. Five starters an six of the top eight tacklers are back this year. The DL will be a bit of a concern, having to replace three starters. Rocky has gone the JUCO route here. But the LBs and secondary are going to be excellent. They need to generate more turnovers though. Last year the forced a meager 15.
The schedule is favorable. Of the five road games, only one is against a team that went bowling last year. They miss Boise State from the Mountain division and the key game for the West title, versus Fresno State is home. IF Agnew can get his completion rate up the Aztecs will win the West division and knock on the door for 10 wins again.
Investors Note: SDSU has tailed off at SDCCU. They are 2-12 ATS when laying points at home
The primary reason for the drop off was the offense. It finished 111th in the nation and scored just under 21 points per game. The normally amazing running game wasn’t there, the passing game wasn’t efficient, and in all, the team scored 21 points or fewer six times and put up more than 30 just once.
So it looks like Long may tweak Rocky ball a little bit but moving the QB out from under center and use more of the field.
The running game will return to form. Juwan Washington was banged up throughout last season, but he still scooted for 999 yards and ten scores. Back up Chase Jasmin ran for 592 yards and five scores. Three starters return on the OL led by All-MW C Keith Ismael,
The passing game fell off the map. Sr. QB Ryan (don't call me Spiro) Agnew returns after replacing Christian Chapman when he got banged up. Agnew only completed 52% of his passes. As a result, too many drives stalled. SDSU finished 110th in 3rd down conversions. There’s not much in the WRs depth chart. The Aztecs are going to rely on the run even more than normal this year.
The calling card for Rocky’s teams has usually been on defense with his favored 3-3-5 alignments that date to his years as HC at New Mexico, where Brian Urlacher was once a featured performer. The defense has continued to shine, ranking 21st overall a year ago. The run defense was excellent finishing #1 in the MWC and #7 overall. Five starters an six of the top eight tacklers are back this year. The DL will be a bit of a concern, having to replace three starters. Rocky has gone the JUCO route here. But the LBs and secondary are going to be excellent. They need to generate more turnovers though. Last year the forced a meager 15.
The schedule is favorable. Of the five road games, only one is against a team that went bowling last year. They miss Boise State from the Mountain division and the key game for the West title, versus Fresno State is home. IF Agnew can get his completion rate up the Aztecs will win the West division and knock on the door for 10 wins again.
Investors Note: SDSU has tailed off at SDCCU. They are 2-12 ATS when laying points at home
San Jose State settled on Josh Love as their QB. Too bad he's not that good San Jose State - Vegas Win Total - 4.0 – The other Spartans are a complete and utter mess. The offense finishing last in the Mountain West in total yards 120th in the nation, and was dead last in the nation in rushing. There were only four runs all season of more than 20 yards!
But at least they settled on a QB. Five different Spartans threw a pass last year. Josh Love was the most effective of the bunch which isn’t saying much. There’ not much in the WRs either with leading receiver TE Josh Oliver gone. The returners are young and not productive.
The good news for the running game is that four starters return on the OL. They may start opening up holes for bruiser 226 pound Tyler Nevens and shifty Brendan Manigo.
The defense was as bad as the offense in 2018, ranking in triple digits nationally in every relevant stat category, including a woeful 127th in pass D and 126th on overall D. SJSU’s scoring defense wasn’t much better at 36.6 ppg ranking 115th. Four of the five tacklers return so there is some hope. But there are holes in theDL, LB and secondary. None of the units will be special.
From 2 wins in 2017 to 1 in 2018 are there any wins 2018? Maybe, they play Northern Colorado and Tulsa and it depends on how bad New Mexico and UNLV are. SJSU maxes at two wins and the Spartans start looking for a new HC.
But at least they settled on a QB. Five different Spartans threw a pass last year. Josh Love was the most effective of the bunch which isn’t saying much. There’ not much in the WRs either with leading receiver TE Josh Oliver gone. The returners are young and not productive.
The good news for the running game is that four starters return on the OL. They may start opening up holes for bruiser 226 pound Tyler Nevens and shifty Brendan Manigo.
The defense was as bad as the offense in 2018, ranking in triple digits nationally in every relevant stat category, including a woeful 127th in pass D and 126th on overall D. SJSU’s scoring defense wasn’t much better at 36.6 ppg ranking 115th. Four of the five tacklers return so there is some hope. But there are holes in theDL, LB and secondary. None of the units will be special.
From 2 wins in 2017 to 1 in 2018 are there any wins 2018? Maybe, they play Northern Colorado and Tulsa and it depends on how bad New Mexico and UNLV are. SJSU maxes at two wins and the Spartans start looking for a new HC.
QB Armani Rogers is a game changer when running the ball. Not so much when passing. UNLV - Vegas Win Total - 4.0 – Is this finally the breakout season for HC Tony Sanchez and the Rebs. Sanchez seat is red hot after going 16-32 under his watch, never making a bowl. The only reason he is around is because he is backed by former Station Casino and UFC owners, the deep-pocketed Fertitta clan.
The hope is that program transformational QB Armani Rogers stays healthy. He’s an electric runner, gaining 1,345 yards on the ground with 16 rush TDs despite missing eight games across the past two seasons.
His passing accuracy, however, has gotten progressively worse, completing only 44.4% of his passes. The aerial attack for the Rebs took another hit when last year’s top receiver, Brandon Pressley (35 catches), went down with a torn ACL in the spring. The next four top receivers are back along with TE Giovanni Fauolo, but they rarely see the ball.
The run game loses 1,000-yard RB Lexington Thomas which hurts, so junior Charles Williams will need to be ready to take on a bigger role. There’s no depth though as no other running back on the roster gained a yard last season.
A veteran OL, featuring nine players with starting experience, should be one of the MW’s best.
Of bigger concern for Sanchez is the defense. UNLV ranked last in points allowed in the MW and a poor 120th nationally at 37.8 ppg. Chronically inept and constantly giving up big plays, especially an oft-burned secondary that conceded a whopping 29 TD passes and almost 270 yards pg a year ago. There’s hope. Six starters and five of the top eight tacklers return. The linebackers should be the best unit. The Rebels get back junior Farrell Hester in the middle, and senior Javin White is back as the team’s leading tackler making 74 stops.
Sanchez went JUCO hunting for the secondary as three transfers are likely to start.
UNLV likes to schedule Power 5 teams and this year decided to play the smart schools, Northwestern and Vandy. With Rogers likely to go down with another injury, the path to 6 wins and a bowl is pretty much non-existent. Not with Boise, SDSU and Hawaii doming to town. Even a home game with Arkansas State is not a gimme. The trip to Fresno is a likely loss too. UNLV will stay home watching the Knights hockey games and Sanchez will look for another high school coaching position.
Give Sanchez credit though he makes backers happy. Despite his SU record he is 14-7 ATS on the road. Strangely he is 6-10 ATS at home
The hope is that program transformational QB Armani Rogers stays healthy. He’s an electric runner, gaining 1,345 yards on the ground with 16 rush TDs despite missing eight games across the past two seasons.
His passing accuracy, however, has gotten progressively worse, completing only 44.4% of his passes. The aerial attack for the Rebs took another hit when last year’s top receiver, Brandon Pressley (35 catches), went down with a torn ACL in the spring. The next four top receivers are back along with TE Giovanni Fauolo, but they rarely see the ball.
The run game loses 1,000-yard RB Lexington Thomas which hurts, so junior Charles Williams will need to be ready to take on a bigger role. There’s no depth though as no other running back on the roster gained a yard last season.
A veteran OL, featuring nine players with starting experience, should be one of the MW’s best.
Of bigger concern for Sanchez is the defense. UNLV ranked last in points allowed in the MW and a poor 120th nationally at 37.8 ppg. Chronically inept and constantly giving up big plays, especially an oft-burned secondary that conceded a whopping 29 TD passes and almost 270 yards pg a year ago. There’s hope. Six starters and five of the top eight tacklers return. The linebackers should be the best unit. The Rebels get back junior Farrell Hester in the middle, and senior Javin White is back as the team’s leading tackler making 74 stops.
Sanchez went JUCO hunting for the secondary as three transfers are likely to start.
UNLV likes to schedule Power 5 teams and this year decided to play the smart schools, Northwestern and Vandy. With Rogers likely to go down with another injury, the path to 6 wins and a bowl is pretty much non-existent. Not with Boise, SDSU and Hawaii doming to town. Even a home game with Arkansas State is not a gimme. The trip to Fresno is a likely loss too. UNLV will stay home watching the Knights hockey games and Sanchez will look for another high school coaching position.
Give Sanchez credit though he makes backers happy. Despite his SU record he is 14-7 ATS on the road. Strangely he is 6-10 ATS at home
After a terrific sophomore season, Jordan Love became a real live pro prospect. Utah State – Vegas Win Total - 7.0 - USU decided to go full Michael J Fox and back to the future with the (re)hiring of former HC Gary Andersen. When last seen with the Utags, he was wrapping up an 11-2 season and bowl win over Toledo back in 2012. Back then He inherited a team that was 3-9 and had not had a winning season since 1975 to the promised land.
There won’t be a turnaround this time around. Utah State just finished an another 11-2 campaign scoring a whopping 47.5 points per game. His job will be to keep that going.
It’s a tall order. The offense returns only two starters. The OL loses 4 starters and the running game will be missing its top back Darwin Thomas who left early for the NFL.
The good news is that one of the returning starters is one of better QBs in college ball. Jordan Love returns after setting five school records in 2018, for TD passes and yards. A big (6’4”) smart, quick decision maker, he completed 64% of his throws for 3,567 yards and 32 touchdowns with just six picks. He just didn’t make big mistakes. Expect more of the same.
The defense is in better shape with 7 starters returning. The pass rush was good, the run defense was terrific, and the secondary was among the best in the Mountain West. The defense, Andersen’s forte, will be the strength this year rather than the offense.
We will know if Utah State is rebuilding or reloading when they travel to Wake Forest to open the season. There are three killer road games at San Diego State, Fresno and LSU and a home date against Boise.
There’s too many holes to fill to win double digits again but the Aggies should challenge for the MWC Mountain title. That home date with Boise could decide it.
There won’t be a turnaround this time around. Utah State just finished an another 11-2 campaign scoring a whopping 47.5 points per game. His job will be to keep that going.
It’s a tall order. The offense returns only two starters. The OL loses 4 starters and the running game will be missing its top back Darwin Thomas who left early for the NFL.
The good news is that one of the returning starters is one of better QBs in college ball. Jordan Love returns after setting five school records in 2018, for TD passes and yards. A big (6’4”) smart, quick decision maker, he completed 64% of his throws for 3,567 yards and 32 touchdowns with just six picks. He just didn’t make big mistakes. Expect more of the same.
The defense is in better shape with 7 starters returning. The pass rush was good, the run defense was terrific, and the secondary was among the best in the Mountain West. The defense, Andersen’s forte, will be the strength this year rather than the offense.
We will know if Utah State is rebuilding or reloading when they travel to Wake Forest to open the season. There are three killer road games at San Diego State, Fresno and LSU and a home date against Boise.
There’s too many holes to fill to win double digits again but the Aggies should challenge for the MWC Mountain title. That home date with Boise could decide it.
Xazavian - try and find a key chain with that name on it. Wyoming - Vegas Win Total - 5.5 – Wyoming comes into the season with a bit of a chip on its shoulder. After starting 2-6 they won four straight to become bowl eligible only to find no suitors.
Give old, conservative HC Craig Bohl some credit, however, for at least getting the Cowboys to the brink of a bowl bid. Bohl, a Nebraska boy, still employs a stodgy, throwback offense full of deep handoffs, looking like it was designed by Bob Devaney. The late-season surge mostly coincided with true frosh QB Sean Chambers taking over at QB; Chambers, gained 329 YR in less than four full games. Therein lies the Cowboy dilemma; in an era of turbo-charged offenses, Bohl is driving a jalopy, as the Cowboys tossed just 8 TDP all of 2018, and their 125th passing ranking beat out land locked triple option teams.
The Cowboys need replace last year’s top MW rusher, Nico Evans (1325 YR), though all-name soph Xazavian Valladay (5.6 ypc in limited work behind Evans LY) should become Wyoming’s latest 1000-yard RB.
When Bohl does decide to pass he’ll be missing his top two yardage WRs, but Raghib Ismail – yes, his son – is back along with leading pass catcher Austin Conway
The defense was outstanding last year ranking 18th overall nationally, and returns a few key playmakers, especially at the OLB spots. Sr. MLB Logan Wilson led the team with 103 tackles a year ago, and OLB Cassh Maluia was credited with six tackles for loss. There is plenty of experience on the corners, with Srs. Antonio Hull and Tyler Hall both returning starters. That said, The pass rush was lacking, and now the line has to replace all-star Carl Granderson on the outside and starting NT Sidney Malauulu.
It's time for Wyoming to step up and start beating the big boys. Out of the last two seasons and 13 regular season wins, only one came against a team that finished with a winning record. There’s at least six wins on a slate that features Texas State, Idaho, Tulsa, UNLV, New Mexico, Colorado State and Air Force. The Cowboys become bowl eligible and actually go to a bowl this year.
Give old, conservative HC Craig Bohl some credit, however, for at least getting the Cowboys to the brink of a bowl bid. Bohl, a Nebraska boy, still employs a stodgy, throwback offense full of deep handoffs, looking like it was designed by Bob Devaney. The late-season surge mostly coincided with true frosh QB Sean Chambers taking over at QB; Chambers, gained 329 YR in less than four full games. Therein lies the Cowboy dilemma; in an era of turbo-charged offenses, Bohl is driving a jalopy, as the Cowboys tossed just 8 TDP all of 2018, and their 125th passing ranking beat out land locked triple option teams.
The Cowboys need replace last year’s top MW rusher, Nico Evans (1325 YR), though all-name soph Xazavian Valladay (5.6 ypc in limited work behind Evans LY) should become Wyoming’s latest 1000-yard RB.
When Bohl does decide to pass he’ll be missing his top two yardage WRs, but Raghib Ismail – yes, his son – is back along with leading pass catcher Austin Conway
The defense was outstanding last year ranking 18th overall nationally, and returns a few key playmakers, especially at the OLB spots. Sr. MLB Logan Wilson led the team with 103 tackles a year ago, and OLB Cassh Maluia was credited with six tackles for loss. There is plenty of experience on the corners, with Srs. Antonio Hull and Tyler Hall both returning starters. That said, The pass rush was lacking, and now the line has to replace all-star Carl Granderson on the outside and starting NT Sidney Malauulu.
It's time for Wyoming to step up and start beating the big boys. Out of the last two seasons and 13 regular season wins, only one came against a team that finished with a winning record. There’s at least six wins on a slate that features Texas State, Idaho, Tulsa, UNLV, New Mexico, Colorado State and Air Force. The Cowboys become bowl eligible and actually go to a bowl this year.
