Category: Air Force

Who Will Play In Mountain West Title Game?

Who Will Play In Mountain West Title Game? Four teams in the mix for the championship. Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire It couldn’t be made easy The Mountain West has been wild this year with some unexpected results, and the biggest being UNLV having …

Who Will Play In Mountain West Title Game?

Four teams in the mix for the championship.

Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire

It couldn’t be made easy

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The Mountain West has been wild this year with some unexpected results, and the biggest being UNLV having the inside track to hosting the Mountain West title game.

First off, no school has clinched and there are four schools remaining in the mix. UNLV is the leader with one loss and then Air Force, San Jose State, and Boise State all have two losses each.

The way the Mountain West tiebreakers work, it could come down to the computer ratings, if there is a three-way tie. These are the old BCS computers that the league usses.

The tiebreaker scenarios are a bit contradictory and BJ Rains of Bronco Nation News confirmed via the league that if there is a three-team tie for first and second, is decided by those composite computer rankings if the teams didn’t play head to head.

This would come into play if Boise State and UNLV end up with two losses because the Broncos and Rebels did not play each other.

The games of note this next weekend are Boise State hosting Air Force Friday afternoon and then on Saturday it is San Jose State traveling to UNLV.

There are quite a few scenarios for who can be in the title game.

UNLV scenarios:

For UNLV it is as simple as win and they get in and likely host whoever they face. If the Rebels lose to San Jose State they are still likely in title game and host as well.

If UNLV loses and Air Force beats Boise State, then it goes straight to computers due to three-way tie among San Jose State, Air Force and UNLV as those schools are 1-1 against each other. Rebels are still likely to be in the top two and be in the championship.

If UNLV loses but the Broncos win, that would then mean two losses among Boise State, San Jose State and the Rebels. Since UNLV did not play Boise State the record amongst those teams is not used in the min-round robin format. It goes to computer rankings, unless the Rebels are ranked in the College Football Top 25. That seems unlikely.

At this moment on Sunday night, not all computer rankings are out and the Rebels have a huge lead as Jay Tust points out.

Those numbers all but assure that UNLV is in regardless. It could be close if San Jose State upsets the Rebels and Boise State wins as that win over the Rebels is much better than the Air Force win that the Broncos can earn.

Boise State Scenarios:

Boise State must win in any of these scenarios to make the title game. The Broncos are playing for a title with them winning and UNLV winning. This is the only 100% for sure option to make it to the title game.

The other scenario is a win, a San Jose State win over UNLV and then it goes to computers for who is the second team. Broncos are currently second in the composite rankings. There is a chance that the Spartans jump the Broncos but the gap is wide and favors Boise State.

San Jose State Scenarios

San Jose State must defeat UNLV and that would create a 1-1 record among Rebels, Falcons, and Spartans for first place. Then it goes to the composite computer rankings. The Spartans are third at the moment and a Falcons win over the Broncos likely would get San Jose State into the title game, due to San Jose State being higher ranked over Air Force now and that is before a potential Spartans win.

If Boise State tops Air Force the tie breaker goes directly to computer rankings. The Broncos likely hold the edge, as the do now, but who knows how the computers will figure themselves as there are games on each teams schedule that could impact these numbers.

Air Force Scenario

Air Force has a clear path. If they win against Boise State and UNLV beats San Jose State then it’s a Rebels vs. Falcons rematch.

Now, if the Falcons win and UNLV loses it would create a three-way tie among Air Force, San Jose State, and UNLV.

Since not all three played in the regular season it then goes to computer rankings to determine the champion. UNLV seems safe even in a loss, so it would come down to Falcons vs. Spartans in the computer ratings.

Most likely scenario is UNLV in the championship game and hosting against Boise State. The Broncos are a sizable 6.5-point favorite at home against the Falcons.

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UNLV Rebels gain sole possession of 1st place in Mountain West

With a 31- 27 win over Air Force, the UNLV Rebels are now in sole possession of first place in the Mountain West. 

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With a 31- 27 win over Air Force, the UNLV Rebels are now in sole possession of first place in the Mountain West. 

”What a great performance by our kids,” Barry Odon said in a press conference. “We started the game extremely well. Then they made some adjustments and were having success. We made some adjustments there in the second quarter and then at halftime.  Staying in the arena is something we’ve talked about since we got started – let’s go 60 minutes and play one play at a time – and tonight was a really great test of that for everybody in the organization. I’m so happy for our guys, our team and our university to get that win.”

Early in the first quarter, Jayden Maiava threw a 78-yard touchdown pass to Ricky White, giving UNLV a 7-0 lead.

 

Later in the quarter, with the Rebels driving to try to go up by double digits, Maiava threw an interception, and the Falcons’ momentum swung to Air Force. After the interception, the Falcons went on to score 24 unanswered points.

Air Force led 27-14 at halftime but did not score another point. The Rebels outscored the Falcons 17-0 to win.

After giving up 200-plus yards rushing in the first half, the Rebels did a better job controlling their rushing attack in the second half.

Despite throwing two interceptions, freshman quarterback Jayden Maiava improved to 7-1 as a starting quarterback, finishing 15 of 29 for 339 yards and two touchdowns.

Ricky White caught eight passes for 169 yards and a touchdown, and Kaleo Ballungay caught two for 90 yards and a score.

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Defensively, the Rebels were led by a pair of linebackers. Marsel McDuffie totaled 15 tackles (10 solo) and a forced fumble, while Jackson Woodard added nine stops and had a critical quarterback sack in the game-winning stand.

“On defense, Coach (Mike) Scherer and his staff did an unbelievable job,” Odom said. “The kids showed toughness, resolve, and resilience, overcoming some penalties and adversity.”

Air Force vs. UNLV: How the Falcons can beat UNLV

Air Force vs. UNLV: How the Falcons can beat UNLV The Rebels are Coming to the Springs Full of Confidence Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire Can the Falcons regain form against UNLV with a spot in the Conference Championship on the line? WEEK 12: Air …

Air Force vs. UNLV: How the Falcons can beat UNLV

The Rebels are Coming to the Springs Full of Confidence

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

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Can the Falcons regain form against UNLV with a spot in the Conference Championship on the line?

WEEK 12: Air Force Falcons 8-2 (5-1) vs. University of Nevada Las Vegas Rebels 8-2 (5-1)

WHEN: Saturday, November 18th — 1:30 P.M. MT/ 12:30 P.M. PT

WHERE: Falcon Stadium (Colorado Springs, CO)

WEATHER: Sunshine and some clouds. High 62F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.

TV: CBS Sports Network
Carter Blackburn (play-by-play), Randy Cross (analyst)

RADIO: KVOR AM 740 in Colorado Springs, 104.3 the Fan in Denver, SIRIUS XM 380, SXM 970
Jim Arthur (play-by-play), Jesse Kurtz (analyst)

SERIES RECORD: Air Force leads the series record 17-6

WEBSITES: UNLVRebels.com, the official UNLV athletics website | GoAirForceFalcons.com, the official Air Force athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): UNLV | Air Force

SP+ PROJECTION: Air Force by 7.2

FEI PROJECTION: Air Force by 4.1

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTIONS: Air Force has a 79.31% win probability (31.96- 21.13)

It’s hard to believe we have arrived at Senior night already, as many Falcon players will take the field in front of their home crowd for the last time in their careers on Saturday. And what a special senior class this is, winning 31 games against just 11 losses in their tenure to date. The stakes for this team could not be any higher in their final game at Falcon Stadium in 2023.

Despite two absolute clunkers in as many weeks against Hawai’i and Army, the Falcons are still in the driver’s seat for a place in the Mountain West Conference Championship game in December thanks to their historic 8-0 start to the season. Though much has changed since those first eight games.

The Air Force list of injuries (should they “officially” share it) would be very lengthy. In fact, half of its’ starting roster would have been impacted by injury at this point, really testing their depth and mettle. Noone is going to feel sorry for the Falcons though, especially not the UNLV Rebels who are trying to put together a historic season of their own.

These are not your Rebels of old. Barry Odom has done a fantastic job turning what’s been a basement dweller into a Bonafide Conference Contender in his first season. Troy Calhoun on the other hand is trying to rally his team, injury ravaged as it is, and capture their first Conference Championship.

A third loss in a row would significantly complicate those aspirations for the Falcons. If they want to keep those hopes alive, they need to play much better in every aspect of the game against one of, if not the top team in the Conference.

HERE’S HOW AIR FORCE CAN BEAT UNLV

While it’s Air Force that usually imposes their will with a dominant ground attack, it’s the Rebels who are featuring a deep rushing attack of their own with Vincent Davis, Ja’Den Thomas, and Donavyn Lester all amassing more than 400 yards on the ground this year. The quarterback is also very much a threat on the ground, they need to account for Jayden Maiava too. As a team, they are averaging just under 200 yards per game on the ground.

The Falcons are going to need to keep that ground game in check if they want to win this game. If they aren’t able to mitigate damage on the ground, it could open up a host of problems as arguably the most dangerous player in the Conference, Ricky White looms on the outside.

Despite injuries to the defensive line and linebacker (spur), they still have the personnel to do it; especially between that core of Alec Mock, Jonathan Youngblood and Peyton Zdroik. These guys are going to be key in trying to keep UNLV unbalanced on offense.

Speaking of the run game, Air Force finds themselves in unfamiliar territory, no longer being the nation’s leading rush offense, as that belongs to Liberty. It’s no coincidence as the offense has been stuck in neutral for the past two weeks. Much of their drop off in production has to be attributed to their recent loose handling of the football.

Ten turnovers in their last two outings made for irrecoverable damage to their gameplan. They have put the ball on the ground 17 times this season, recovering seven of them. Their first interception of the year didn’t come until the week 10 game against Army. Between Zac Larrier, Jensen Jones and Ben Brittain, they’ve thrown four since then. That rate of turnover is not Falcon football, and it is certainly not winning football.

So, while injuries certainly have created some adversity, they’ve not been responsible for 10 turnovers in two games. Everyone is dealing with some level of attrition at this part of the season. Due to the rigors placed on these Cadet-Athletes, I would say Air Force is to anticipate such challenges more than most at this juncture. Whoever’s called upon to contribute Saturday, has to protect the football. It has got to be a point of emphasis if they want to beat a really good opponent.

The final area that really needs to find its way again is the kicking game. Specifically, Matthew Dapore and the field goal unit. Dapore has showed the potential of an All-Conference kicker but over the past few weeks has struggled with consistency. In a game where points are going to be critical and the margin for error minimal, they need that steady leg variety of Dapore back.

There are a lot of questions at key positions this week, especially on offense. One thing we know, next man up is not just a fashionable statement in Colorado Springs. This team has proven they can win with it at the core of their DNA.

Injuries or not, that 8-0 team is in the Air Force locker room. The past two weeks have been ugly, but those two performances constitute not the 2023 Air Force Falcons. This is still a very dangerous team that is more than capable of winning a Conference Championship if and when they get back to their game. Their game is meticulous to the details, stifling defense, and a relentless rushing attack that keeps the ball from you, not the other way around. That team has Air Force on the brink of a Conference Championship, despite what happened the previous two weeks.

After losing despite being 20+ point favorites, this week’s line looks right. UNLV is not going to like playing at altitude.

Air Force 24 –  UNLV 21

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How UNLV can Beat Air Force: Preview, Predictions, How To Stream

In a battle for first place in the Mountain West, UNLV will travel to take on Air Force.

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WEEK 12: UNLV Rebels (8-2-6, 5-1 MW) Air Force Falcons (8-2, 5-1 MW)

WHEN: Saturday, November 18th – 12:30 pm PT/1:30 pm MT

WHERE: Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, Colorado

TV: CBSSN

STREAM: Get a free trial with FuboTV

RADIO: : ESPN 1100 AM & 100.9 FM (Russ Langer, Caleb Herring & Steve Cofield)

SERIES RECORD: Air Force leads 18-6 and has won the last five meetings

LAST WEEK: UNLV beat Wyoming 34-14, while Air Force Lost to Hawaii 27-13

In a battle for first place in the Mountain West, UNLV will travel to take on Air Force. The Rebels have won five of their first six league outings for the first time since finishing 5-1 in Big West in 1994. The Rebels have shattered program records for 40+point games for both consecutive outings (four) and in a season (six) while scoring at least 24 points in eight straight games for the first time since they moved to Division One in 1978. UNLV’s current total of 31 rushing touchdowns is second in the nation behind only USC (32) and the most for a Rebel team since running in 34 in 1975.

UNLV is tied for sixth nationally in turnover margin at plus-10 — powered by 13 interceptions (T7th nationally). The Rebels sit fifth nationally in third-down conversion rate at 53.8%, and their 84 third-down conversions are eight more than any other team. 

Slow Down The Run

When facing the Air Force, you must slow down their outstanding rushing attack. The Falcons average 275.9 rushing yards per game. They run the triple option, which is hard to stop.

Emmanuel Michel leads them in rushing with 733 yards, and quarterback Zac Larrier adds 5779 yards on the ground.

UNLV must play a sound, disciplined defense. The front seven must maintain gap control and not overcommit. Tackling will also be essential. You cannot miss tackles against Air Force; they will make you pay for it.

Run The Ball

The Rebels like to run the football; they average 195.7 yards per game. The Rebels have three running backs who have rushed for over 400 yards: Vincent Davis Jr. (553), Jai’Den Thomas (420), and Donavyn Lester (418). Also, Thomas has nine touchdowns, Lester eight, and Davis four. But the Falcons have the Mountain West Conference’s best defense and only give up 86 yards per game. So something will have to give. The Rebels will need success running the ball to keep the Falcons offense off the field.

Maiava Must Make Plays

With the Falcons’ outstanding rush defense, the Rebels must make plays in the passing game. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has yet to be asked to do much this season, but this may change on Saturday. Since taking over the starting quarterback job from Doug Brumfield, Maiava has passed for 2,060 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions. If Maiava can make plays in the passing game, it could help the Rebels win.

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The Falcons’ attempt to stop the run could leave receiver Ricky White one-on-one with defenders. White leads UNLV with 62 catches for 1,020 yards and six touchdowns.

Prediction

Air Force is a favorite by three. UNLV wins a tough battle 21-20

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Week 11 Mountain West Football Bowl Projections

Week 11 Mountain West Football Bowl Projections Highly unlikely there is a NY6 bowl team Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire Can anyone surprise with two games left? There could be as many as eight Mountain West teams that are bowl eligible. …

Week 11 Mountain West Football Bowl Projections

Highly unlikely there is a NY6 bowl team

Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire

Can anyone surprise with two games left?

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There could be as many as eight Mountain West teams that are bowl eligible. Currently, there are four teams that have six wins to get to a bowl game, and then three others that seem all but locked up with five wins.

Those teams are Boise State, Utah State, and San Jose State. Then there is Colorado State with four wins, however, the Rams get to play Nevada at home and then Hawaii on the road. Those seem like winnable games but ESPN’s Football Power Index give Colorado State just a 28.5% chance to win out.

If all eight teams do get to six wins, they will be bowling. The big question is if the Rams can join the other teams.

BOWL LINEUP

– Famous Idaho Potato Bowl vs MAC
– Gronk LA Bowl vs Pac-12
– New Mexico Bowl vs Conference USA
– Barstool Arizona Bowl vs MAC
– EasyPost Hawai’i Bowl vs American Athletic

Mountain West has an affiliation to fill if needed …
– Guaranteed Rate Bowl vs Big Ten or Big 12

To be determined among the Group of Five conferences … as other options
– Duluth Trading Co. Cure Bowl Pool vs. Pool
– Frisco Bowl Pool vs. Pool
– RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl Pool vs. Pool
– SERVPRO First Responder Bowl AAC vs. Pool

Preseason Projection | Week 0 | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10

There is no New Year’s Six bowl bid and that likely will stick. The only team ever to get to a big time bowl game from the non-power conference was Boise State back in 2014.

In the pursuit of bowl eligibility, the Mountain West teams closely eye DraftKings Sportsbook insights. With eight potential qualifiers, attention turns to critical games for Colorado State. As the bowl lineup takes shape, the Mountain West’s affiliation adds intrigue to matchups like the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, creating anticipation for diverse postseason scenarios.

New Mexico Bowl

Saturday, December 16, 2023
5:45 pm ET, ESPN
University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM
Bowl Ties: Conference USA vs Mountain West
Matchup: Air Force vs. New Mexico State

LA Bowl

Saturday, December 16, 2023
7:30 pm ET, ABC
SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Bowl Ties: Mountain West vs Pac-12
Matchup: UNLV vs. UCLA

Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl

Tuesday, December 19, 2023
9:00 pm ET, ESPN
Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX
Bowl Ties: Group of Five vs Group of Five
Matchup: Wyoming vs. SMU

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Saturday, December 23, 2023
3:30 pm ET, ESPN
Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID
Bowl Ties: MAC vs Mountain West
Matchup: Boise State vs. Bowling Green

EasyPost Hawaii Bowl

Saturday, December 23, 2023
10:30 pm ET, ESPN
Clarence TC Ching Athletics Complex, Honolulu, HI
Bowl Ties: American Athletic vs Mountain West
Matchup: Utah State vs. Rice

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

Tuesday, December 26, 2023
5:30 pm ET, ESPN
Gerald R Ford Stadium, University Park, TX
Bowl Ties: AAC vs Pool
Matchup: San Jose State vs. Texas State

Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl

Saturday, December 30, 2023
4:30 pm ET, Barstool
Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ
Bowl Ties: MAC vs Mountain West
Matchup: Fresno State vs. Miami (OH)

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Week 11 Mountain West Football Recap; Coaching Updates

Week 11 Mountain West Football Recap; Coaching Updates A lot of changes happened and could be more. Contact/Follow @MWCwire Coaching news highlights the week. Jeremy and Josh are back to do not just a quick recap of Week 11 of Mountain West play but …

Week 11 Mountain West Football Recap; Coaching Updates

A lot of changes happened and could be more.

Contact/Follow @MWCwire

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Coaching news highlights the week.

Jeremy and Josh are back to do not just a quick recap of Week 11 of Mountain West play but also the news of two openings within the Mountain West with San Diego State and Boise State now being open.

You can find the Mountain West Wire podcast below or subscribe to the show via TuneIn, Spotify, iTunes, and more. Listen in, subscribe and rate it and let us know what you think!

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Week 10 Mountain West Football Power Rankings

Week 10 Mountain West Football Power Rankings A new No. 1 team! Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire A few changes this week With Air Force’s loss to Army this past week they are no longer the top team in the Mountain West rankings. However, they …

Week 10 Mountain West Football Power Rankings

A new No. 1 team!

Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire

A few changes this week

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With Air Force’s loss to Army this past week they are no longer the top team in the Mountain West rankings. However, they are still leading the standings with zero conference losses and on track to make it to the title game.

The race between two through four will be up for grabs and there could be a change depending on the Friday night game between UNLV who is hosting Wyoming. This is really an elimination game for both teams due to the tiebreakers of the Rebels losing to Fresno State.

The bottom is taking a turn as well with San Diego State and New Mexico losing games.

Week 10 is in the books and the changes heading into Week 11 of games.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2

Air Force at Hawaii: How the Falcons can beat the Rainbow Warriors

Air Force at Hawaii: How the Falcons can beat the Rainbow Warriors The Falcons Are Looking To Stay Perfect In Conference Play Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire Can Air Force Rebound After a Week 10 Letdown? WEEK 11: Air Force Falcons 8-1 (5-0) vs. …

Air Force at Hawaii: How the Falcons can beat the Rainbow Warriors

The Falcons Are Looking To Stay Perfect In Conference Play

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

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Can Air Force Rebound After a Week 10 Letdown?

WEEK 11: Air Force Falcons 8-1 (5-0) vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 3-7 (1-4)

WHEN: Saturday, November 11th — 10:00 P.M. MT/ 9:00 P.M. PT

WHERE: Clarence T.C. Ching Complex ( Honolulu, O‘ahu)

WEATHER: Mainly clear skies. Low 74F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph.

TV: Spectrum- Kanoa Leahey (play-by-play), Rich Miano (analyst), Jordan Helle (sidelines)

RADIO: KVOR AM 740 in Colorado Springs, 104.3 the Fan in Denver, SIRIUS XM 380, SXM 970
Jim Arthur (play-by-play), Jesse Kurtz (analyst)

SERIES RECORD: Air Force leads the series record 14-7-1

WEBSITES: HawaiiAthletics.com, the official Hawaii athletics website | GoAirForceFalcons.com, the official Air Force athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): Hawaii | Air Force

SP+ PROJECTION: Air Force by 22

FEI PROJECTION: Air Force by 20.6

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTIONS:

Exactly one week after the most disappointing outings in recent memory, Air Force has an opportunity to get off the mat and realize a new mission. The Kuter trophy, which is awarded to the winner of the Hawaii versus Air Force game is hardly a consolation for fumbling away the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. Yes, (bad) pun intended.

However, it’s much more than just the trophy that is at state on the island Saturday night. While winning the CiC outright is no longer possible, something the Falcons have never done in their history is still very much alive and in front of them. A Mountain West Conference Championship.

You would think the season was over for Air Force after last week’s stumble. They fell out of the College Football Playoff rankings just as soon as they entered, dropped to the rear of the race for a New Years Six Bowl bid and yet they’ve lost just one game all year, none of which have come in Conference play. The only team in the entire Mountain West that can say that.

If Air Force wants to reinforce how much those games against military brethren mean, they cannot allow Army to beat them twice this year by not showing up at Hawaii on Saturday.

HERE’S HOW AIR FORCE CAN BEAT THE RAINBOW WARRIORS

While I fancy myself more of a New Testament guy, an Old Testament verse is most apropos for Saturday; Vengeance is mine saith (Air Force).

It’s almost eerie how similar Hawaii and Army are as it relates to their disparate comparisons to Air Force in nearly every significant team statistical category. None of that mattered last week, as the Falcons took a season’s worth of miscues and bundled them into a single gift-wrapped package delivered to Mile High Stadium.

That is why for week 11 against the Rainbow Warriors, we are going to simplify the blueprint to victory. Be the Air Force team from the first 10 weeks of the season.

Get a ground game established behind that elite offensive line. Even if that means an exercise of patience. The dive will feed the pitch, the pitch will feed the dive. A steady diet of Emmanuel Michel, Owen Burk and John Lee Eldridge II will lead to the ultimate demise of Hawaii. Continue working in Dane Kinamon, and the offense only becomes more dynamic.

This is an opponent surrendering 176 yards on the ground and 34 points per game. That presents nearly ideal as a rebound candidate. If the Falcon defense can continue their high level of play, Bo Richter and crew are going to make it a long night for Brayden Schager and the Hawaii offense. Which in turn will make for an even longer night for their overextended and fatigued defense.

And after three weeks of struggling in the kicking game, now would be a good time to see Matthew Dapore get back to form that resembled an All-Conference kicker. Air Force has been and can be a complete football team.

The road ahead is a difficult one for a team that has ambitions of a Conference Championship. With games against Boise State and UNLV looming, they cannot look past this week’s opponent. This truly is a ‘get right game’ for the Falcons.

No better time to shake off the seasons first loss and regain form, than a convincing win in paradise.

Back to basics.

Protect the ball. Run the ball. Sing second.

Air Force 35 –  Hawaii 17

A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL YOU MILITARY VETERANS

It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to write about a team of young men that I feel are representing all that is best in us as people. And it is with immense respect and a heart full of gratitude that I express my sincerest thanks to all the Veterans out there providing a way of life that I am able to enjoy because of the sacrifices you make. On behalf of my family and so many others, Thank you.

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Week 10 Mountain West Football Bowl Projections

Week 10 Mountain West Football Bowl Projections Falcons loss stings Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire How many bowl teams this week? With Air Force falling from the ranks of the undefeated, they are falling from the perch of a New Year’s Six …

Week 10 Mountain West Football Bowl Projections

Falcons loss stings

Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire

How many bowl teams this week?

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With Air Force falling from the ranks of the undefeated, they are falling from the perch of a New Year’s Six bowl game. That loss to Army was bad and it doesn’t help that Zac Larrier is hurt with his knee injury and wearing a giant brace.

Falcons can get back into the G5 race but they must win out. So, for this week they are dropping quite a bit from the New Year’s Six bowl game.

There is one new team in the mix this week for bowl games but you will need to click through to find out who that is.

BOWL LINEUP

– Famous Idaho Potato Bowl vs MAC
– Gronk LA Bowl vs Pac-12
– New Mexico Bowl vs Conference USA
– Barstool Arizona Bowl vs MAC
– EasyPost Hawai’i Bowl vs American Athletic

Mountain West has an affiliation to fill if needed …
– Guaranteed Rate Bowl vs Big Ten or Big 12

To be determined among the Group of Five conferences … as other options
– Duluth Trading Co. Cure Bowl Pool vs. Pool
– Frisco Bowl Pool vs. Pool
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College Football Playoff Rankings: Has Fresno State Done Enough To Crack The Top 25?

With Air Force’s loss to Army, the door is open for the Bulldogs to find a path to a New Year’s Six bowl… if the committee likes them.

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College Football Playoff Rankings: Has Fresno State Done Enough To Crack The Top 25?

With Air Force’s loss to Army, the door is open for the Bulldogs to find a path to a New Year’s Six bowl… if the committee likes them.

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Can the ‘Dogs get their due?

Saturday proved to be a pretty good day for the Fresno State Bulldogs. They reclaimed the Milk Can trophy from rival Boise State, watched the Air Force Falcons trip up against Army, and generally saw their overall resume improve across the Mountain West football landscape.

With the next set of College Football Playoff rankings set to drop soon, could Tuesday be even better? Here is how the Mountain West’s two contenders stack up:

Fresno State Bulldogs (8-1)

SP+ rank: 46 | FEI rank (through Week 9): 40 | Sagarin rank: 53 | Strength-of-schedule rank (per Sagarin/Sports Reference): 99/124

Best three wins: vs. UNLV (7-2), at Utah State (4-5), vs. Boise State (4-5)

Best three opponent wins: Purdue over Virginia Tech (4-5) on the road, Arizona State over Washington State (4-5) at home, Boise State over Wyoming (6-3) at home

The case for the Bulldogs: While the schedule had been pretty light overall, the Bulldogs may get a good bit of credit for taking down Boise State, a team whose record may be skewed at least a little by hard luck in close games. Wyoming’s victory over New Mexico on Saturday also softens Fresno State’s one loss a bit, as the Cowboys are now bowl eligible, while wins by Utah State and UNLV only help.

The case against the Bulldogs: It may end up being that Fresno State isn’t getting enough help from their opponents. The three opponents on the Bulldogs’ non-conference schedule — Purdue, Arizona State, and Kent State — have three combined FBS wins between them, exactly the kind of haplessness that could slow the Bulldogs’ ascension into the New Year’s six race.

Air Force Falcons (8-1)

SP+ rank: 39 | FEI rank (through Week 9): 43 | Sagarin rank: 50 | Strength-of-schedule rank (per Sagarin/Sports Reference): 126/125

Best three wins: vs. Wyoming (6-3), at San Jose State (4-5), at Navy (3-5)

Best three opponent wins: Wyoming over Texas Tech (4-5) at home, San Diego State over Ohio (6-3) at home, Colorado State over Boise State (4-5) at home

The case for the Falcons: Air Force did get some bits of good news with regard to the opponents they have beaten. Wyoming is bowl eligible, Utah State moved one step closer to bowl eligibility with a win over San Diego State, and Sam Houston State tallied their first win of the year (albeit against 2-6 FCS Kennesaw State).

The case against the Falcons: Of the teams nominally in the conversation for the Group of 5’s New Year’s Six bowl bid, Air Force’s loss to 3-6 Army is easily the worst one overall. Considering they’d just squeaked in to the initial rankings as it was, we may not seem them there again unless they win out and claim the Mountain West crown.

How do these Mountain West teams stack up against everyone else in the hunt? Read on to learn more.

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