2023 Mountain West Title Game: Boise State Opens As Three-Point Favorite

2023 Mountain West Title Game: Boise State Opens As Three-Point Favorite Broncos are small favorite on the road Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire These teams are going in opposite directions, sorta. The Mountain West title game is set with Boise State …

2023 Mountain West Title Game: Boise State Opens As Three-Point Favorite


Broncos are small favorite on the road


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These teams are going in opposite directions, sorta.

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The Mountain West title game is set with Boise State traveling to UNLV next Saturday with a berth to the LA Bowl on the line. Now that the computers broke the tie we can now get into the odds of the game.

The Broncos have been playing extremely well under interim coach Spencer Danielson who took over for the fired Andy Avalos. They throttled Utah State by 35 points and defeated a good, yet depleted, Air Force team, 27-19.

UNLV has not been as great the past month. They lost a chance to clinch a title game berth in a heartbreaking 31-24 loss to Fresno State. Then against San Jose State on the final weekend of the season, the Rebels couldn’t keep up after a slow start and fell, 37-31.

The first oddsmakers on this game have Boise State a small three-point lead via Super Book Sports.

That line makes sense with how these two teams have played. Boise State is really good when both running backs Ashton Jeanty and George Holani are healthy. That duo is one of the best in the country when they are clicking.

UNLV does have the best wide receiver and it is not close with Ricky White and their freshman QB Jayden Maiava is playing a bit better than Taylen Green.

We will follow this line all week to see how it moves, but part of the Boise State getting this early betting edge does have some to do with the familiarity of the Broncos program.

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Mountain West Championship Game Is Set Between Boise State Travels To UNLV

Mountain West Championship Game Is Set Between Boise State Travels To UNLV Computers made the choice and we have to deal with it. Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire Rebels are a first time title game participant The three-way tie was broken between San …

Mountain West Championship Game Is Set Between Boise State Travels To UNLV


Computers made the choice and we have to deal with it.


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Rebels are a first time title game participant

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The three-way tie was broken between San Jose State, Boise State, and UNLV with use of the old BCS computer formulas. Those numbers chose Boise State to travel to Las Vegas to face the UNLV Rebels.

San Jose State is arguably playing the best football while riding a six-game winning streak, but their slow start to the first half of the season did them no favors. Neither did blowing a 27-7 lead over Boise State in league play.

The title game is spoken for and it has a lot of story lines with the Rebels being one of the best stories in college football. After decades of being a bad football team with a once in a decade bowl appearance, the Rebels are on the cusp of a double-digit winning season.

The last Rebel team to win nine games, one has to look all the way back to the 1979 season when UNLV was an independent as they went 9-1-2. The 1984 team featuring Randall Cunningham initially had a better record at 11-2 with a conference title and California Bowl win. However, those wins plus some in 1983 are now considered forfeits due to using academically intelligible players.

Boise State is making a run at a conference title is nothing new, but they are doing it so with interim head coach Spencer Danielson. The school parted ways with Andy Avalos a few weeks ago. It would be something for Boise State to win the conference title with an interim coach.

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Mountain West Championship Game Will Be Decided By Computer Ratings

Mountain West Championship Game Will Be Decided By Computer Ratings San Jose State, Boise State, UNLV are tied Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire It come down to computer ratings There is chaos among the Mountain West for what teams will play in the …

Mountain West Championship Game Will Be Decided By Computer Ratings


San Jose State, Boise State, UNLV are tied


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It come down to computer ratings

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There is chaos among the Mountain West for what teams will play in the Mountain West title game. Boise State won on Friday to put them in a great position to make the Mountain West title game.

Then on Saturday, had UNLV won they would have been guaranteed to be in the title game against San Jose State or Boise State. Well, the Spartans are the best playing team of late in the conference, upset the Rebels in Las Vegas by a score of 37-31.

San Jose State has won six games in a row.

With the Rebels, Broncos, and Spartans all at two losses and the conference and with San Jose State and Boise State not playing each other, the Mountain West will use “selective computer ratings” to determine its championship game matchup.

“The computer rankings will identify the two highest-ranked tier teams to participate in the championship game,” the league said “Once those two teams are identified the head-to-head result will determine the host.”

The computer ratings are not publicly known, but it has been the old BCS computers. The Mountain West used those metrics in 2017 to determine who would host between Boise State and Fresno State. That year saw some controversy as the Bulldogs beat the Broncos the week before but had to play on the road in Boise.

Using the old BCS computers, the rankings are as follows via Brett McMurphy of The Action Network leading up to this weekends games.

No. 35 UNLV
No. 63 Boise State
No. 71 San Jose State

Scenario outcomes:

UNLV looks safe to be in the championship game, even with the loss to the Spartans. If San Jose State is No. 1 or No. 2, they would host for defeating the Rebels.

If it is Boise State vs. UNLV then it is computer ratings and those favor the Rebels and then likely host.

Boise State and San Jose State are hoping that the computer ratings like their final game and can be No. 2 to be in the title game.

Our best assumption is that it will be UNLV hosting Boise State for the title game.

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San Jose State at UNLV: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

San Jose State at UNLV: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction A place in the championship game still in play Follow @MWCwire Two evenly matched teams meet in season finale — WEEK 13: San Jose State Spartans at UNLV Rebels WHERE: …

San Jose State at UNLV: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction


A place in the championship game still in play


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Two evenly matched teams meet in season finale

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WEEK 13: San Jose State Spartans at UNLV Rebels

WHERE: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada

WHEN: Saturday, November 25, 2023 – 3:00pm EST (12:00pm PST)

TV: The game will be streamed live on Mountain West Network 

STREAMING: Fans can sign up to receive a free one-week trial of Fubo, by following this link.

RADIO: ESPN 1100AM & 100.9 FM

SERIES RECORD: This will be the twenty-eighth meeting between San Jose State and Utah State. San Jose State currently leads the series with a record of 20-6-1.

WEBSITES: sjsuspartans.com is the San Jose State University Athletics official website |   unlvrebels.com is the official UNLV Athletics website.

GAME NOTES (PDF):  San Jose State |  UNLV

ODDS: UNLV Rebels by -2.5

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTION: UNLV by -9.11

This Saturday afternoon, it comes down to this: If the Rebels win, they will host the championship game against the winner of Boise State and Air Force. According to CBS Sports, if San Jose State wins, that will create a three-way tie among UNLV, San Jose State and the winner of Boise State and Air Force, and the participants will be determined by computer rankings, a composite average of selected computer rankings to determine the spots.

Both teams are coming into this contest on winning streaks, with the Rebels having won three in a row and the Spartans a winner of their last five. Expect both teams to show those pedigrees this week with a spot in the championship game on the line. 

Although the Spartans have won the last three contests by a combined 101-44, if this season has shown anything it is that this Rebels team is built differently, going 9-2 on the year. This will be an interesting contest in all phases, and special teams play may well play a part in determining the winner.

Statistically, the teams match up relatively well; San Jose State ranks 41st in total defense to UNLV’s 39th ranked offense. Conversely, the Spartans’ 54th rank in total offense will match up with the Rebels’ 76th rank in total defense. Both teams also rank near one another in time of possession, which should play out as a back-and-forth affair.

HERE IS WHY THE SPARTANS WILL WIN AGAINST THE REBELS

Coming into this game, the Spartans’ running game has been rounding into form to say the least, led by running backs Kairee Robinson and Quali Conley (two of the top five rushing leaders in conference) and even quarterback Chevan Cordeiro. If San Jose State can run the ball – without the predictability of running on first down – there will be an opportunity to control the clock and keep UNLV’s high-powered offense on the sidelines.

From there, Spartans should be willing to go to play-action or even a trick play or two to keep the ball as they see fit. UNLV’s front seven will pose arguably the toughest test to date but Cordeiro has proven resilient, and the team has relied on that determination well. 

Prediction

Based on the statistics, expect a closely contested game between two teams willing to take shots down the field if the opportunities are there. At this point in the season, both teams realize what the stakes are and will be willing to risk a spot in the championship game to get there. Expect a few trick plays, but otherwise a game effort from both teams this Saturday afternoon.

San Jose State 30, UNLV 27




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Utah State at San Jose State Recap: Spartans Silence Aggies

Utah State at San Jose Recap: Spartans Silence Aggies Spartans never trailed as Cordeiro leads to second in-conference win >/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire Conley, Robinson lead rushing attack for Spartans

New Mexico Guard Jaquan Lyle Seen in …

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1360 tag=16543673]Utah State at San Jose Recap: Spartans Silence Aggies



Spartans never trailed as Cordeiro leads to second in-conference win




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Conley, Robinson lead rushing attack for Spartans


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<h1>New Mexico Guard Jaquan Lyle Seen in Boot, Status Unknown</h1>

 

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<b>Lyle was seen in a boot during the New Mexico Football Game on Saturday</b>

 

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>/Follow</em> <a href=”https://twitter.com/JeremyMauss?lang=en”>@JeremyMauss</a> &amp; <a href=”htttq4qtps://twitter.com/mwcwire?lang=en”>@MWCwire</a>

<h2>Lyle’s status is currently unknown at this time</h2>

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In a game with early turnovers and big plays, San Jose State was able to remain poised and put together an effort to stay ahead of the Aggies for much of the game. What started as a typical football game eventually became a strong effort by the home team to overwhelm a visiting Utah State squad.

In its opening drive, San Jose State drove down the field for an early 7-0 lead after Quali Conley scored on a ten-yard run. On the ensuing kickoff, Utah State fumbled the ball, setting up the Spartans at the Aggies’ 15-yard line. But Spartan Quarterback Chevan Cordeiro fumbled the ball right back to Utah State a few plays later. 

From there, on Utah State’s first drive, Utah State quarterback threw an interception, once again setting up the Spartans on a short field. However, Kairee Robinson fumbled the ball right back to the Aggies, and the Aggies escaped early troubles without giving up any points.

After the teams exchanged touchdowns – and the score now 14-7 – San Jose State missed on a 48-yard field goal, setting up the Aggies with good field position. The Aggies took advantage of the field position and tied the game at 14 with a strong 25-yard touchdown reception from McCae Hillstead to Micah Davis.

The teams exchanged punts to close out the second quarter and headed into halftime 14-14.

Utah State ended up punting on its drive to open the third quarter. San Jose State took advantage and Quali Conley started the second half as he opened the first, with a touchdown, putting the lead back with the Spartans, 21-14. Utah State went for it on their own 33-yard line on 4th down but could not convert. Cordeiro continued with his feet and through the air to find Charles Rogers for a ten-yard touchdown reception, extending the Spartans lead to 28-14.

To open the fourth quarter, the Spartans punted, and the Aggies looked like they might have one last gasp at getting back into the game. But two plays later, Hillstead threw his second interception on a bad route by his wide receiver. The turnover set up the Spartans at the Aggies’ 27-yard line. Three plays later, Cordeiro found Nick Nash on a 29-yard touchdown reception, to make the score 35-14.

Late in the fourth quarter, the teams exchanged touchdowns once again, but by then the score was already out of reach for Utah State. The Spartans in fact continued to call running plays just to primarily burn the clock, but still managed to score one more time as well, with the final score 42-21. 

Keys to the Game:

To start the second half tied at 14, Utah State had to be feeling good to get past its early miscues and ready to be competitive moving forward. But after an early punt on its first second half drive, San Jose State scored three touchdowns unanswered, and by the time Utah State got back on the scoreboard, the game was out of reach. 

Final Thoughts: 

San Jose State continues to put forth an effort that no matter the turnover or mistake in play, the Spartans are ready to play and look for ways to win. From last week’s game after a letdown in Boise State to early turnovers in this game, the resilience the Spartans show this season is impressive.

Player of the Game:

Chevan Cordeiro showed all the talent a mobile quarterback can have and the impact to move the chains one would expect to see. From three passing touchdowns to 53 yards rushing, Cordeiro proved to have just enough to work with on multiple drives to keep the Spartans busy – time of possession for San Jose State was almost a two-to-one margin – while sidelining the Utah State offense.

Next Up:

The Spartans will head out on the road to play at Hawaii next week, in a bit of a Homecoming for quarterback Chevan Cordeiro. The Aggies will have a bye week then continue their conference play at San Diego State next Saturday.

 

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San Jose State at Boise State: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

Both Spartans, Broncos Looking for Key Conference Win Spartans Looking for First Conference Win of Season Follow @MWCwire San Jose State at Boise State: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction San Jose State at Boise State: Keys to a …

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1360 tag=16543673]Both Spartans, Broncos Looking for Key Conference Win


Spartans Looking for First Conference Win of Season


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San Jose State at Boise State: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction


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San Jose State at Boise State: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

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WEEK 6: San Jose State Spartans at Boise State Broncos

WHERE: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho

WHEN: Saturday, October 7, 2023 – 8:00pm EST (5:00pm PST)

TV: The game will be televised live on CBS Sports Network 

STREAMING: Fans can sign up to receive a free one-week trial of Fubo, by following this link.

RADIO: ESPN 1100AM & 100.9 FM

SERIES RECORD: This will be the sixteenth meeting between San Jose State and Boise State. The Spartans have won the most recent meeting, back in 2020.

WEBSITES: sjsuspartans.com is the San Jose State University Athletics official website |  broncosports.com is the official Boise State Athletics website.

GAME NOTES (PDF): San Jose State | Boise State

ODDS: Boise State Broncos by -9.5

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTION: Boise State by 9.59

For San Jose State, the Spartans are still grinding through a tough part of their schedule, despite coming off a bye week. Having faced ranked opponents USC and Oregon State to open the season, then picked up a win against FCS Cal Poly before falling to Toledo and Air Force, two unranked teams but a combined 9-1 thus far in the season. 

Now, with two weeks to prepare for the Boise State Broncos, a critically needed win for San Jose State would go a long way to saving this season after a tough 1-4 start to the Spartans season, including an 0-1 start in conference play.

Of course, the Broncos will be looking for a win in their own right, as they are currently 2-3 on the season, 1-0 in conference, coming off a 34-31 win over San Diego State and a 35-32 loss to Memphis. Boise State Head Coach Andy Avalos, in his weekly press conference, talked about getting a key early victory in conference (against the Aztecs), working with two quarterbacks (Taylen Green and Maddux Madsen) to develop a game plan week after week, and continuing to get more players involved in the running and receiving depth.

Conversely, the Spartans will need to continue to exploit advantages on the offensive and defensive lines regardless of who the Broncos have on the field. Chevan Cordeiro will be tasked to continue to make plays as a mobile quarterback, to include tight ends and wide receivers for big plays downfield, or possibly scramble when necessary.

HERE IS WHY THE SPARTANS WILL WIN AGAINST THE BRONCOS

This is a game where San Jose State’s offense needs to shine. If the Spartans can keep their wide receivers involved in the passing game early and often, San Jose State will be able to stay ahead of Boise State, on the field and on the scoreboard. San Jose will also need to maximize their effort in the running game, with Kairee Robinson and Quali Conley, to not only move the chains but to keep the Broncos offense sidelined as well. 

Boise State currently ranks 49th nationally and the Spartans rank 86th in passing offense, so this might be a game where the offenses trade shots up and down the field.

The continuation of play action and run/pass options that will be what San Jose State will need to get the Broncos playing from behind. Look for San Jose State to spread the field where possible, especially across midfield, where the tight ends and wide receivers can work in space. From there, the offense can take a few shots down the field. For what it’s worth, don’t count on too many penalties in this one either; both teams are among the least penalized teams this season.

Every trip into the red zone will be critical, as the Spartans have allowed opponent’s points on 17 of 18 trips this season. The Spartans will need to focus on their red zone defense and time of possession to limit the Broncos’ offensive opportunities.

Prediction

Expect another physical game for San Jose State, possibly limited but looking for play action and a consistent rushing game from the Spartans. Expect both teams to challenge offensively, albeit by different means – can Chevan Cordeiro outplay a quarterback tandem from the Broncos? Which running game will establish itself first? Consider that if the Spartans offensive line can control the line of scrimmage, there’s a legitimate chance at an upset on the road.

San Jose State 27, Boise State 21

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Why The UNLV Rebels Can Win, How To Watch, Odds, Prediction

The UNLV Rebels open up Mountain West play against the Hawaii Warriors on Saturday at home.

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WEEK 5: UNLV Rebels 3-1 vs. Hawaii Warriors Cowboys 2-3,

WHEN: Saturday, September 30, 1 PM PT

WHERE:  Allegiant Stadium; Las Vegas, NV

TV: Spectrum Pay-Per-View (Hawaii only) and Silver State Sports and Entertainment Network (southern Nevada only) or Team 1 Sports app

RADIO: The Hawaii broadcast can be found and streamed on ESPN Honolulu or the Sideline Hawaii app, which is available on Google and Apple). The UNLV broadcast can be found on ESPN 1100 AM and 100.9 FM.

SERIES RECORD: Hawaii leads the all-time series, 19-13. In the last meeting on November 19, 2022, the Warriors defeated the Rebels, 31-25, in Honolulu.

LAST GAME : Hawaii defeated New Mexico State at home, 20-17, while UNLV beat UTEP on the road, 48-20.

WEBSITES:  HawaiiAthletics.com, the official Hawaii athletics website | UNLVRebels.com, the official UNLV athletics website

GAME NOTES: Hawaii | UNLV

ODDS:  UNLV -11

Hawaii vs. UNLV: Why The Warriors Can Win, How To Watch, Odds, Prediction

The UNLV Rebels open up Mountain West play against the Hawaii Warriors on Saturday at home. UNLV has started strong this season but has lost the last four out of five Golden Pineapple games.

Execute the quick passing game

Both quarterbacks for the Rebels, Doug Brumfield and Jayden Maiava, do a great job quickly getting the ball out of their hands. Getting the ball out fast does not allow the pass rush to be effective and could serve as an extension to the running game. Look for the Rebels to get the ball into the hands of Ricky White, then with the Go-Go offense.

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Running the ball

Both Vincent Davis Jr. and Jai’Den Thomas have 2011 yards rushing, Thomas with seven rushing touchdowns. The Rebels have run the ball 159 times this season and passed 114 times. Running the ball wears the defense down and keeps the opposing offense off the field. Limiting the opposing team’s possession is always a good thing. The Rebels do an excellent job of converting on third downs with a 52.4 third conversion percentage.

Ability to force turnovers

The Rebels defense has forced nine turnovers so far this season, but they also have given up a lot of big plays this season; they must keep that under wraps Saturday. But their ability to force turnovers can create extra opportunities for their offense. Hawaii will look to pass the ball down the field, so there will be plays to be made for the Rebels’ defense.

Prediction

UNLV has been playing well this season, but Hawaii can put up points if UNLV is not careful. But the Rebels will score points and force a couple of turnovers to take home the Victory.

UNLV 38-21

Three Players to Watch on UNLV Defense

If the UNLV Rebels want to improve on a 5-7 record, along with their offense, UNLV will need to improve on defense. Last season the Rebels gave up 28.5 points per game and 157.5 rushing yards per game.

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If the UNLV Rebels want to improve on a 5-7 record, along with their offense, UNLV will need to improve on defense. Last season the Rebels gave up 28.5 points per game and 157.5 rushing yards per game.

That is not a good defense; new Rebels head coach Barry Odom is a defensive guy who has hired Mike Scherer to try to improve the defense.

Defensive Tackle Naki Fahina

Senior defensive tackle Naki Fahina will be counted on to help stop the run. The Rebels will need to win at the line of scrimmage, and Fahina will help them do that. Fahina is 6-3 300 pounds and will need to stay healthy.

Odom has brought in other big bodies to help Fahina and the rest of the defensive linemen slow down opposing teams rushing attacks.

“I’m going to try to do everything I can to establish the line of scrimmage,” Odom told the Las Vegas Sun. “On defense, to be able to stop the run, that starts up front. I think if you have that ability within your program, the depth that that looks like, then your program takes off a little bit quicker.”

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Linebacker Jackson Woodard

Jackson Woodard is a linebacker transfer from Arkansas, and he has experience in the system that Odom and Scherer want UNLV to run. He has taken the liberty of teaching his UNLV teammates the defense.

Woodard played in 13 games totaling seven tackles; he will play a much more significant role with the Rebels and be the quarterback of the defense.

Cornerback Cameron Oliver

Cornerback Cameron Oliver led UNLV in interceptions with three last season. Oliver will be entering his third year as a starter. Odom likes to run DB heavy scheme that will give the Rebels a lot of speed on the field, and they can play fast.

Creating turnover will be a big part of the Rebels’ defense. If UNLV can be better on both sides of the ball, they will be a fun and exciting team to watch.

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Mountain West Football Media Predicts 2023 Order Of Finish

Now that divisions are a thing of the past, the Mountain West football media predicts who will rise to the top two in 2023.

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Mountain West Football Media Predicts 2023 Order Of Finish


Now that divisions are a thing of the past, the Mountain West football media predicts who will rise to the top two in 2023.


Contact/Follow @MattK_FS & @MWCwire

A new environment means a new outlook.

Mountain West football media days began this morning at Circa Resort and Casino with the announcement of how the conference’s media projects the 2023 season will play out.

For the first time since 2012, conference play will take place without divisions, which means that Boise State and Air Force being predicted to play for the Mountain West championship in December is a groundbreaking forecast.

  1. Boise State (28 first-place votes) — 433 points
  2. Air Force (two first-place votes) — 364 points
  3. Fresno State (five first-place votes) — 351 points
  4. San Diego State (one first-place vote) — 338 points
  5. San Jose State — 293 points
  6. Wyoming — 281 points
  7. Colorado State — 201 points
  8. Utah State — 194 points
  9. UNLV (one first-place vote) — 177 points
  10. Hawaii — 102 points
  11. Nevada — 92 points
  12. New Mexico — 60 points

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Boise State is projected to come out on top for the tenth straight year, but Air Force’s road to that number-two spot may be a tough one since they’re separated from the fourth-place Aztecs by just 26 points.

Mountain West Football: MWwire’s 2023 Preseason Projected Order Of Finish

There also appears to be more of a difference in opinion than in years past, as well, with five different teams earning at least one first-place vote. The biggest surprise in that group is UNLV, predicted to finish ninth overall but with a new head coach in Barry Odom who comes into the job with expectations of a breakthrough.

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Mountain West Football: How I Voted On The Official Preseason Ballot

After ten years of writing about Mountain West football, here are my first picks for the official all-conference team and order of finish.

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Mountain West Football: How I Voted On The Official Preseason Ballot


After ten years of writing about Mountain West football, here are my first picks for the official all-conference team and order of finish.


Contact/Follow @MattK_FS and @MWCwire

Breaking it all down.

Last week here at Mountain West Wire, we unveiled our staff’s picks for the preseason all-conference team and projected order of finish in a post-divisions world. As the person who has put those together since our site’s launch in 2017, I can tell you that getting a sense of what everyone else is thinking ahead of another college football season is one of the most satisfying conversations of the entire calendar year, but having the opportunity to contribute to the Mountain West’s official predictions for the first time, after a decade of writing about football across the conference, was a real privilege.

It also opened my eyes to just how different our process is compared to that of the Mountain West: For instance, if memory serves, the official All-Mountain West ballot had just six quarterbacks to choose from while the one I created for our writers this year has 15. I always put every feasible option on the table for every position and, thankfully, no one so far has been crippled by choice paralysis, but it did help me understand how our choices can sometimes differ from the conference media at large.

With that in mind, here are the players I picked for the official ballot, as well as my sense of how the Mountain West will shake out in 2023.

Note: Players are listed by order of priority at each position, as per the regulations of the official voting process.

All-Mountain West Offense

QB – Taylen Green, Boise State
RB – George Holani, Boise State
RB – John Lee Eldridge III, Air Force
WR – Tory Horton, Colorado State
WR – Justin Lockhart, San Jose State
WR – Terrell Vaughn, Utah State
TE – Treyton Welch, Wyoming
OL – Thor Paglialong, Air Force
OL – Cade Beresford, Boise State
OL – Garrett Curran, Boise State
OL – Eliki Tanuvasa, Hawaii
OL – Frank Crum, Wyoming

You may recall that, in the conversation about last year’s all-conference ballot, it was revealed that former Boise State quarterback Hank Bachmeier was not a voting option because he had not received any kind of postseason accolade the previous year, in keeping with that program’s protocols for this annual exercise. Every team’s justification for putting forth nominees (or not) is surely a little bit different, but it did lead to some mild disappointment on my part that a pair of Air Force offensive linemen for whom I would have voted, Wesley Ndago and Kaleb Holcomb, were unavailable.

Beyond the offensive line, where Wyoming center Nofoafia Tulafono was a painful cut, I didn’t really feel a lot of angst when making my other choices. I think Green has the capacity to be special — more on that in a minute — and I’m confident that Lockhart and Vaughn will be able to step up as their team’s respective top pass catchers.

All-Mountain West Defense

DL – Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State
DL – Cole Godbout, Wyoming
DL – DeVonne Harris, Wyoming
DL – Jordan Bertagnole, Wyoming
LB – Cody Moon, San Diego State
LB – Easton Gibbs, Wyoming
LB – DJ Schramm, Boise State
LB – Levelle Bailey, Fresno State
DB – Camby Goff, Air Force
DB – Trey Taylor, Air Force
DB – Chigozie Anusiem, Colorado State
DB – Morice Norris Jr., Fresno State

In spite of the significant number of departures across the conference on this side of the ball, it wasn’t all that hard to pick out whom I thought would be the best of the best when all is said and done. Wyoming’s defensive line could be absurd if everyone stays healthy and the Mountain West is still flush with talented linebackers.

One player whom I think is a significant omission from the ballot is Fresno State cornerback Cam Lockridge; he would’ve had my vote if he was present, though that would’ve presented the problem of selecting among five players for four spots. Norris would be my pick as the conference’s top flex piece — your nickelbacks, AZTECs, LOBOs, and so on — which might come as a surprise to many. Just watch, though, because I think he’ll be a key cog in that Bulldogs secondary.

All-Mountain West Special Teams

PK – Jonah Dalmas, Boise State
P – Jack Browning, San Diego State
PR – Tory Horton, Colorado State
KR – Christian Washington, New Mexico

Though we won’t ever know the exact results, I suspect the voting for kicker and punter will be decided by a very close margin because while the Mountain West isn’t quite as stacked with specialists as in other recent years, it’s not hard to make a case for the likes of Nevada’s Brandon Talton, New Mexico’s Aaron Rodriguez, or Wyoming’s John Hoyland.