Mountain West Football: Players Of The Month For August/September

With the first several chapters of the 2023 season in the books, who have been Mountain West football’s biggest standouts so far?

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Mountain West Football: Players of the Month For August/September


With the first several chapters of the 2023 season in the books, who have been Mountain West football’s biggest standouts so far?


Contact/Follow @MattK_FS & @MWCwire

The small-sample elite.

Note: Players below are presented in alphabetical order.

Offensive Players of the Month

1. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, New Mexico

The Lobos’ lead running back has a strong case as the biggest individual surprise of the young season, posting 420 rushing yards at 6.77 yards per carry with seven touchdowns in five games. According to Pro Football Focus, he also ranks second among Mountain West running backs with 26 missed tackles forced on just 62 attempts and first with a 92.1 overall grade. He’s a definite keeper.

2. Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State

Horton has picked up where he left off last season in a big way, leading the nation with 11.3 receptions and 135 receiving yards per game through four contests. He’s also scored six times in the last three games and posted an overall PFF grade of 90.0, second among conference pass catchers, helping establish the Rams’ offensive potency with a new quarterback and emerging playmakers in tow.

3. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Perhaps no player in the conference has meant as much to his offense as the sophomore Texan means to the Broncos. He currently leads the Mountain West with 165.3 all-purpose yards per game and the entire FBS with 12 total touchdowns in just five games, so while Boise State clearly has a number of issues to sort out, getting the ball to #2 should remain a priority while they do so.

4. Zac Larrier, QB, Air Force

Through five games, Larrier has achieved a rare combination of efficiency and explosiveness, especially among Falcons quarterbacks of recent vintage. His 362 rushing yards currently rank fifth among all players in the Mountain West and first among FBS QBs, but he’s also connected on 14-of-19 throws for 410 yards, a staggering 21.6 yards per attempt, and accounted for six total touchdowns (three rushing, three passing). It’s little wonder, then, that PFF has given him the highest grade among all Mountain West quarterbacks to date at 82.6.

Defensive Players of the Month

1. Mohamed Kamara, DE, Colorado State

Kamara entered 2023 as arguably the conference’s premier pass rusher and nothing he’s done in four games has dissuaded anyone of that notion. Besides leading the Mountain West with 6.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss and forcing two fumbles, PFF credits Kamara with 13 quarterback hurries (third in the conference) and 12 stops for good measure.

2. Ike Larsen, S, Utah State

Larsen has continued to be a man of impeccable timing in the young season. His 36 total tackles put him in a tie for second among Mountain West defensive backs, but it’s the highlight plays — the pick-six against Idaho State and the two blocked kicks, including the game-saving play in a Week 5 road win over UConn — that have made him one of the most valuable defenders anywhere in the conference from day one.

3. Bo Richter, DE, Air Force

The Mountain West’s best defense has shined on every front thus far, but few individuals have stood out like Richter. Though he’s tallied 14 total tackles, PFF credits the senior with 16 quarterback hurries, seventh among all FBS defenders, and only one missed fumble to go along with his 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and one forced fumble.

4. Noah Tumblin, CB, San Diego State

The Aztecs secondary has been busy throughout 2023 to date, so you might be forgiven for not noticing that Tumblin is in the midst of a breakout season. Not only does he lead all Mountain West defensive backs with a 85.5 overall PFF grade and a 88.7 grade in coverage, Tumblin currently paces the conference with ten passes defended (eight pass breakups, two interceptions) and has only missed one tackle in six games.

Week 3 Mountain West Football Power Rankings

Week 3 Mountain West Football Power Rankings Then there were two Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire Some separation is happening Non-conference play is basically coming to an end for the Mountain West, and soon we can tell who is better with …

Week 3 Mountain West Football Power Rankings


Then there were two


Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire

Some separation is happening

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Non-conference play is basically coming to an end for the Mountain West, and soon we can tell who is better with actual head-to-head matchups.

Before that happens there are eight non-conference matchups this week and they could impact the rankings despite none being against Power 5 opponents as there were seven last week.

It is still early and we are figuring out who is good and not so good. Right now it looks like Air Force and Fresno State are leading the way, as they are the top two teams this week.

Before we get to the rankings, here are a few ways our staff voted.

Week 3 Mountain West Football In Five Words

Week 3 Mountain West Football In Five Words A quick synopsis in five words Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire Short and quick recap The Mountain West had an interesting week with some big wins and very close losses. There was a shutout of a …

Week 3 Mountain West Football In Five Words


A quick synopsis in five words


Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire

Short and quick recap

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The Mountain West had an interesting week with some big wins and very close losses.

There was a shutout of a Power 5 wins and two close defeats with Colorado State nearly upsetting Colorado, and the same for Kansas vs. Nevada which saw the Wolf Pack losing by just a touchdown.

Air Force: Falcons are legit conference contenders

Boise State: First win of the year

Colorado State: Inserts many loud screaming noises

Fresno State: Bounce back win over Arizona State

Hawaii: Oregon is just damn good

Nevada: Two chances couldn’t do it

New Mexico: Offense started to show life

San Diego State: The chainsaw was the winner

San Jose State: Can’t have a pick six

UNLV: A comeback that seemed unlikely

Utah State: McCae Hillstead is the guy

Wyoming: Gotta play all four quarters

In addition these quips, we asked our readers about how they feel in GIF format.

 

 

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Mountain West Football: Week 3 Winners And Losers

Fresno State, UNLV, and Chevan Cordeiro are among the biggest winners and losers from Week 3 of Mountain West football action.

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Mountain West Football: Week 3 Winners And Losers


Who came out ahead and who left something to be desired across the Mountain West in Week 3 of the college football season?


Contact/Follow @MattK_FS & @MWCwire

Encouragements and letdowns from the week that was.

Conference play and heated rivalries and Power 5 victories, oh my! There was a little bit of everything on the table for fans across the Mountain West on Friday night and Saturday, though some results were certainly sweeter or more bitter to swallow than others.

Here are the winners and losers from Week 3 of Mountain West football.

Winners

1. Fresno State

Yes, Arizona State was short-handed but, man, that was a beatdown. The Bulldogs forced eight turnovers and had five sacks while Mikey Keene had 32-of-49 for 281 yards and two touchdowns in a 29-0 win.

Newcomers and veterans alike contributed on both sides of the ball: On offense, Erik Brooks had over 100 receiving yards for the second time in three games while Jalen Moss and Jaelen Gill each hauled in a touchdown pass. Defensively, Carlton Johnson intercepted three different ASU quarterbacks while Kemari Munier-Bailey forced a fumble and picked up a second that was put on the turf by Morice Norris Jr.

There’s still room for improvement since the Sun Devils managed six sacks of their own and the Bulldogs had only 22 points on seven red zone trips, but Fresno State is currently one of nine FBS teams (and the only Group of 5 team) with two Power 5 wins on the resume at this juncture. It’s hard to ask Jeff Tedford’s team for more than they’ve given through three weeks.

2. UNLV

On a weekend where multiple Mountain West teams disappointed, the Rebels survived a serious gut check at home against Vanderbilt on Saturday, falling behind 17-0 before scoring 30 unanswered points in the second and third quarters and surviving a late Commodores rally to walk away with a 40-37 victory.

That the Rebels did so without quarterback Doug Brumfield, who took an early beating and missed most of the game with injury, and linebacker Jackson Woodard, who was called for targeting and ejected in the second quarter, makes the win all the more impressive. Backup signal-caller Jayden Maiava stepped in to complete 19-of-33 passes for 261 yards and a touchdown, and he got lots of help from Ricky White (120 yards on seven receptions after halftime) down the stretch. Jerrae Williams continued his strong early-season play with eight tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown while Johnathan Baldwin added a key interception. Fred Thompkins and Cameron Oliver each added two TFLs and a sack, as well.

In all, it was an early defining moment for UNLV head coach Barry Odom, whose team now looks well-positioned to make a run and establish themselves as contenders with several winnable games over the next month.

3. Air Force linebacker Alec Mock

If you’re looking for an early leader in the race for defensive player of the year, Mock has already built an impressive candidacy in just three games. On Friday against Utah State, the senior linebacker led the Falcons with 11 tackles and added two sacks and a forced fumble that led to a first-quarter touchdown.

While it’s still very early, it’s perhaps noteworthy that, according to Pro Football Focus, the only Mountain West player with a higher overall grade in the young season is fellow Air Force linebacker Bo Richter. Things will get tougher for the Falcons as they head deeper into conference play while also preparing for both Army and Navy, but it’s a very good sign for their conference championship hopes that the middle of the defense looks as good as it ever has in recent memory.

Losers

1. Colorado State

The Rams always seem to find groundbreaking new ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the Rocky Mountain Showdown and, following a week of (mostly) manufactured drama leading up to kickoff, Saturday night was no different. Despite finishing the game neck and neck with Colorado on a yards-per-play basis, converting 50% of 20 third-down opportunities, sacking Shedeur Sanders four times, and posting nine tackles for loss, sloppiness betrayed Colorado State in a 43-35 double-overtime defeat.

Never mind the pre-game heat on the field, 17 penalties for 187 yards is just the most extreme example of something that has been a problem in Fort Collins for a little while: The Rams had four games with at least ten flags last year, as well. They also turned the ball over four times, including twice in the red zone, while allowing too many big plays to Sanders in the second half (six chunk plays totaling 144 passing yards).

The silver lining is that the passing game finally came to life with Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, who had a few big-time throws en route to a 34-47-367-3-3 performance, but a lack of discipline is going to kneecap the team’s promise this fall if they can’t iron things out.

2. San Jose State quarterback Chevan Cordeiro

Cordeiro is a good, but not great, quarterback. Great quarterbacks find ways to close out games and the Spartans needed more than they got from their senior down the stretch against Toledo.

After starting the game 15-of-20 for 155 yards and a touchdown, Cordeiro faltered in the second half and finished 9-of-21 with 73 yards. He also threw a pick-six to Chris McDonald Sr. that proved to be the difference in a 21-17 loss to the Rockets. Granted, he didn’t have a lot of help from a running game that managed only 3.1 sack-adjusted yards per attempt and an offensive line that coughed up five sacks, but it was one of the weekend’s more disappointing performances when you consider the game was right there for the taking.

3. New Mexico’s defense

Speaking of disappointments, the Lobos defense was a total letdown in the Rio Grande Rivalry against New Mexico State, allowing 8.8 yards per play while mustering only two tackles for loss in a 27-17 defeat at home to their rivals.

Perhaps the performance shouldn’t have come as a total shock since NMSU had already averaged at least 6.7 YPP in each of their previous three games, but the Aggies made the most of limited opportunities and gashed the Lobos over and over with 288 total yards of offense on 12 chunk plays, accounting for 72.5% of their overall yardage on 26.7% of their plays. Pro Football Focus noted that the Lobos also had nine missed tackles as a unit on Saturday, so while all isn’t lost just yet, the pressure is on to tighten things up against a very beatable UMass team on the road next week before conference play kicks into gear.

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Wyoming Crumbles in Fourth Quarter, Texas Prevail 31-10

The Wyoming Cowboys football team was unable to come out of Austin, Texas with an upset victory over the No. 4 Texas Longhorns.

Cowboys Crumble in Fourth Quarter, Longhorns Prevail


Wyoming Cowboys fall to No. 4 Texas 31-10 after 21-point final quarter by Longhorns


Contact/Follow @KayceeClark & @MWCwire

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Heading into the fourth quarter, Wyoming had battled toe-to-toe with the fourth ranked team in the country, tied at 10. However, quickly Texas would score 21 points to take control of the game and prevent Wyoming from seeing their first ever victory over an AP top-10 team.

The Wyoming Cowboys began the showdown without starting quarterback Andrew Peasley, who was suited up but stood on the sidelines. Instead, sophomore Evan Svoboda began the game.

With his first snaps of the season, Svoboda handed the ball off to another Cowboy making his first appearance of the season, Harrison Waylee, who took the ball for a 62-yard rushing touchdown giving Wyoming a 7-0 lead.

Texas would answer back after a three and out by both teams with a field goal after a near interception by Wyoming in the endzone. The Bert Auburn 37-yard field goal would cut the Pokes lead, 7-3 in the first.

Ending the first quarter and into the start of the second, Texas would drive 90 yards, taking over eight minutes of the clock to score their first touchdown with a one-yard touchdown to defensive lineman Byron Murphy II to take a 10-7 lead.

The remaining time in the second quarter would see only 50 yards of offense by both teams and the halftime score would be 10-7, Texas leading. The Cowboys had stunned the Austin crowd with more yards than the Longhorn, 163-120, and a better 3rd down conversion rate at three for eight compared to zero for six.

Opening the second half, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, and running back Jonathon Brooks would take the Longhorns to Wyoming’s 28-yard line before a Sebastian Harsh sack that knocked them out of field goal range.

The Pokes would answer with a 77-yard, 10-minute drive to Texas’ 19-yard line and tie the game at 10 with a 36-yard field goal from the Red Shoe, John Hoyland, right before the end of the third quarter.

At this point, Wyoming had outgained the Longhorns by 50 yards with 225 total yards compared to 175. A surprising outcome, the game wouldn’t favor the Cowboys the rest of the way.

Ewers and the Longhorn offense would quickly flip the momentum in the fourth, beginning with a quick pass to Xavier Worthy and a 44-yard touchdown to give Texas the lead only 48 seconds into the quarter.

After a Wyoming three and out, a 61-yard rush by Brooks gave Texas the opportunity for a five-yard touchdown rush by Ewers to extend their lead to 14.

15 seconds later, Svoboda would throw an interception to Jerrin Thompson who returned it for a touchdown. Texas would take a 21-point lead.

Wyoming would force a fumble, recovered by Tyrecus Davis, with just under six minutes left in the game but not able to add any more points before the conclusion of the game.

Svoboda finished 17 for 28 with 136 yards and the interception. Waylee’s first appearance as a Cowboy concluded with 110 yards and the touchdown. Wyatt Wieland snagged 62 yards through the air.

Defensive lineman Harsh recorded the only sack in the game and only tackles for loss with two.

Ewers would only throw for 131 yards, but the Longhorns would combine for 185 rushing yards led by Brooks with 164 yards.

Up Next

The Wyoming Cowboys will host Appalachian State next Saturday, Sept. 23 with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m. MT.

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Week 3 Mountain West Football Picks

Week 3 Mountain West Football Picks Out staff picks their games Contact/Follow @MWCwire What picks do you trust Week 3 is here and it starts Friday night with a conference game between Utah State at Air Force. Then on Saturday there is a boatload of …

Week 3 Mountain West Football Picks


Out staff picks their games


Contact/Follow @MWCwire

What picks do you trust

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Week 3 is here and it starts Friday night with a conference game between Utah State at Air Force. Then on Saturday there is a boatload of games against Power 5 teams.

Our staff makes some picks and we may, or may not, be right.

FRIDAY: Utah State at Air Force (-10), 8 p.m. ET, TV: CBS Sports Network or stream with a free trial at FuboTV

Jeremy: SU: Air force | ATS: Utah State

Brandon: SU: Air Force | ATS: Utah State

Sean: SU: Utah State | ATS: Utah State

Andrew: SU: Air Force | ATS: Utah State 

Michael: SU: Air Force | ATS: Utah State

Phil: SU: Air Force | ATS: Air Force

Erik: SU: Air Force | ATS: Air Force

LaMarr: SU: Air Force | ATS: Air Force

Kaycee: SU: Air Force | ATS: Utah State

Josh F: SU: Air Force | ATS: Utah State

TJ: SU: Air Force | ATS: Utah State

North Dakota at Boise State (NL), 12 p.m. ET, TV: FS1, or stream with a free trial at FuboTV

Jeremy: SU: Boise State

Brandon: SU: Boise State | ATS: Boise State

Sean: SU: Boise State | ATS: Boise State

Andrew: SU: Boise State

Michael: SU: Boise State 

Phil: Boise State

Erik: Boise State

LaMarr: Boise State

Kaycee: SU: Boise State

Josh F: Boise State

TJ: Boise State

San Diego State at Oregon State (-24.5), 3:30 p.m. ET, TV: FS1, or stream with a free trial at FuboTV

Jeremy: SU: Oregon State | ATS: Oregon State

Brandon: SU: Oregon State | ATS: San Diego State

Sean: SU: Oregon State | ATS: San Diego State

Andrew: SU: Oregon State | ATS: Oregon State

Michael: SU: Oregon State | ATS: San Diego State

Phil: SU: Oregon State | ATS: San Diego State

Erik: SU: Oregon State | ATS: Oregon State

LaMarr SU: Oregon State | ATS: San Diego State

Kaycee: SU: Oregon State | ATS: Oregon State

Josh F: SU: Oregon State | ATS: Oregon State

TJ: SU Oregon State | ATS: Oregon State

Vanderbilt at UNLV (+4.5) 7 p.m. ET, TV: CBS Sports Network, or stream with a free trial at FuboTV

Jeremy: SU: UNLV | ATS: UNLV

Brandon: SU: UNLV | ATS: UNLV

Sean: SU: Vanderbilt | ATS: Vanderbilt 

Andrew: SU: UNLV | ATS: UNLV

Michael: SU: Vanderbilt | ATS: Vanderbilt

Phil: SU: Vanderbilt | ATS: Vanderbilt 

Erik: SU: UNLV | ATS: UNLV

LaMarr: SU: Vanderbilt | ATS: Vanderbilt

Kaycee: SU: Vanderbilt | ATS: UNLV

Josh F: SU: UNLV | ATS: UNLV

TJ: SU: UNLV | Vanderbilt

San Jose State at Toledo (-7), 7 p.m. ET, TV: ESPN+

Jeremy: SU: San Jose State | ATS: San Jose State

Brandon: SU: San Jose State | ATS: San Jose State

Sean: SU: Toledo | ATS: San Jose State

Andrew: SU Toledo | ATS: Toledo

Michael: SU: Toledo | ATS: San Jose State

Phil: SU: Toledo | ATS: San Jose State

Erik:SU: San Jose State | ATS: San Jose State

LaMarr SU: Toledo | ATS: San Diego State

Kaycee: SU: San Jose State | ATS: San Jose State

Josh F: SU: San Jose State | ATS: San Jose State

TJ: San Jose State | ATS: San Jose State

Wyoming at Texas (-29.5), 8 p.m. ET, TV: Longhorn Network

Jeremy: SU: Texas | ATS: Wyoming

Brandon: SU: Texas | ATS: Wyoming

Sean: SU: Texas | ATS: Wyoming

Andrew: SU: Wyoming | ATS: Wyoming

Michael: SU: Texas | ATS: Wyoming

Phil: SU: Texas | ATS: Texas

Erik: SU: Texas | ATS: Texas

LaMarr: SU: Texas | ATS: Wyoming

Kaycee: SU: Texas | ATS: Wyoming

Josh F: SU: Texas | ATS: Wyoming

TJ: SU: Texas | ATS: Wyoming

Hawaii at Oregon (-37.5), 8 p.m. ET, TV: Pac-12 Network or stream with a free trial at FuboTV

Jeremy: SU: Oregon | ATS: Oregon

Brandon: SU: Oregon | ATS: Oregon

Sean: SU: Oregon | ATS: Hawaii

Andrew: SU: Oregon | ATS: Oregon

Michael: SU: Oregon | ATS: Oregon

Phil: SU: Oregon | ATS: Oregon

Erik: SU: Oregon | ATS: Oregon

LaMarr: SU: Oregon | ATS: Oregon

Kaycee: SU: Oregon | ATS: Oregon

Josh F: SU: Oregon | ATS: Oregon

TJ: SU: Oregon | ATS: Oregon

New Mexico State at New Mexico (-1.5), 8 p.m. ET, TV: Mountain West Network

Jeremy: SU: New Mexico | ATS: New Mexico

Brandon: SU: New Mexico | ATS: New Mexico

Sean: SU: New Mexico | ATS: New Mexico

Andrew: SU: New Mexico | ATS: New Mexico

Michael: SU: New Mexico | ATS: New Mexico

Phil: SU: New Mexico | ATS: New Mexico

Erik: SU: New Mexico | ATS: New Mexico

LaMarr: SU: New Mexico | New Mexico

Kaycee: SU: New Mexico | ATS: New Mexico

Josh F: SU: New Mexico State | ATS: New Mexico State

TJ: SU: New Mexico | ATS: New Mexico 

Colorado State at Colorado (-23), 10 p.m. ET, TV: ESPN or stream with a free trial at FuboTV

Jeremy: SU: Colorado | ATS: Colorado

Brandon: SU: Colorado | ATS: Colorado  State

Sean: SU: Colorado | ATS: Colorado

Andrew SU: Colorado | ATS: Colorado 

Michael: SU: Colorado | ATS: Colorado State

Phil: SU: Colorado | ATS: Colorado 

Erik: SU: Colorado | ATS: Colorado

LaMarr: SU: Colorado | ATS: Colorado

Kaycee: SU: Colorado | ATS: Colorado

Josh F: SU: Colorado | ATS: Colorado State

TJ: SU: Colorado | ATS: Colorado 

Fresno State at Arizona State (+3), 10:30 p.m. ET, TV: FS1 or stream with a free trial at FuboTV

Jeremy: SU: Fresno State | ATS: Fresno State

Brandon: SU: Fresno State | ATS: Fresno State

Sean: SU: Fresno State | ATS: Fresno State

Andrew: SU: Fresno State | ATS: Fresno State

Michael: SU: Arizona State | ATS: Arizona State

Phil: SU: Fresno State | ATS: Fresno State

Erik: SU: Fresno State | ATS: Fresno State

LaMarr SU: Fresno State | ATS: Fresno State

Kaycee: SU: Fresno State | ATS: Fresno State

Josh F: SU: Fresno State | ATS: Fresno State

TJ: SU: Fresno State | ATS: Fresno State

Kansas at Nevada (+28), 10:30 p.m. ET, TV: CBS Sports Network or stream with a free trial at FuboTV

Jeremy: SU: Kansas | ATS: Kansas

Brandon: SU: Kansas | ATS: Kansas

Sean: SU: Kansas | ATS: Kansas

Andrew: SU: Kansas | ATS: Nevada

Michael: SU: Kansas | ATS: Kansas

Phil: SU: Kansas | ATS: Kansas

LaMarr: SU: Kansas | ATS: Kansas

Erik: SU: Kansas | ATS: Kansas

Kaycee: SU: Kansas | ATS: Kansas

Josh F: SU: Kansas | ATS: Kansas

TJ: SU: Kansas | ATS: KansasAdvertisement

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

San Jose State at Toledo: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction Spartans non-conference schedule concludes on the road Contact/Follow @MWCwire Two Teams Looking For Second Consecutive Win San Jose State at Toledo: Keys to a Spartans …

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


Spartans non-conference schedule concludes on the road



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Two Teams Looking For Second Consecutive Win

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

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WEEK 3: San Jose State Spartans at Toledo Rockets

WHERE: Glass Bowl, Toledo, Ohio

WHEN: Saturday, September 16, 2022 – 7:00pm EST (4:00pm PST)

TV: ESPN+ 

RADIO: ESPN 1100AM & 100.9 FM

SERIES RECORD: This will be the second meeting between San Jose State and Toledo. The Spartans lost that initial game by the score of 27-25 in 1981.

WEBSITES: sjsuspartans.com is the San Jose State University Athletics official website |  utrockets.com/ is the official University of Toledo Athletics website.

GAME NOTES (PDF):  San Jose State | Toledo

ODDS: Toledo Rockets by -7.5

Occasionally non-conference games are scheduled to fill in a team’s overall schedule. Other times, like this game between the Spartans and the Rockets, the coincidences are too bold between San Jose State and Toledo to ignore. 

Like that both started on the road against Power 5 opponents, each losing competitive matchups. Despite questions of letdown spots, both Toledo and San Jose State answered with decisive wins of 71-3 and 59-3 respectively. And now meeting up for a crucial spot before conference play kicks off, both teams look similar on the field even further.

With both teams looking for a second non-conference win, two teams that are this evenly matched should bring an entertaining game on Saturday. For a closer look at how the Spartans can get the victory, here are three keys for San Jose State’s game plan:

Fight Fire with Fire

Both teams coming off big wins, Toledo and San Jose State both will be coming in looking to continue their winning ways, but only one will be able to. That said, both teams will rely on mobile, dual-threat quarterbacks and a strong rushing game to keep opposing defenses guessing. And both teams will bring a “bend-but-don’t-break” defense opportunistic enough to make a big play but will still allow their fair share of points.

This early in the season, the struggles on third down have plagued the Spartans for much of the season as well, as San Jose State currently ranks 84th nationally with a 37.8 percent conversion rate. The Spartans defense will need to tighten on third downs, as the Rockets rank number two nationally in the same third down conversion rate (at just over 65 percent).

Rely On Big Plays

Both teams are capable of going to big plays in a game like this, and if the defenses are willing to bring pressure, we should expect both offenses to take their shots as well. Stats are slightly skewed because of the Spartans’ extra game but both teams are hovering around 500 yards passing (San Jose State’s Chevan Cordeiro at 546; Toledo’s Dequan Finn’s 462; both have passed for five touchdowns each). 

It should be interesting to see how both teams adapt to the pressure brought by each side, because both teams have mobile quarterbacks and big receivers that can make plays all over the field. 

Dominate Time of Possession

As cliche as it may appear, if one team can extend their time of possession, where both teams are so evenly matched, that could prove the advantage needed for a big non-conference win. Both teams are coming off games where the running game played a big part of their respective victories. Additionally, both teams have shown an ability to control time of possession, albeit just barely (Toledo using 32 minutes, Spartans using 31 minutes).

Run-pass options and play-action should be able to limit both defenses’ success, but the team that can find their success in the running game will be the one to get the upper hand first.

Prediction

Simply put, the winner here, this early in the season, could be looking back on this game as the one that got them to a bowl bid. The teams match up well, but the one that can connect on big plays will be the one to take the next step towards the all-important six victories.

Expect an exciting close game, with enough scoring to keep things interesting throughout. Both quarterbacks will be featured prominently and should be able to offer enough big plays on both sides of the ball for an exciting finish.

San Jose State 34, Toledo 31
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Fresno State vs Arizona State: Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

The Bulldogs head to Arizona State for their first regular season meeting since 1941. Here’s how to watch and what to watch for. Contact/Follow @Tj_Nijjar and @MWCwire The Dogs hit the road Fresno State looks to knock off another Power 5 opponent as …

The Bulldogs head to Arizona State for their first regular season meeting since 1941. Here’s how to watch and what to watch for.

Contact/Follow @Tj_Nijjar and @MWCwire

The Dogs hit the road

Fresno State looks to knock off another Power 5 opponent as they face Arizona State for the first time since 2018, which was in the Las Vegas Bowl game. This will be the second time Fresno State has played at Arizona State in program history, the first time is dating back to the 1933 season.

Game: Fresno State vs. Arizona State

Where: Mountain America Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

TV: FS1

Streaming: Fubo TV with a free trial

Series Record: Arizona State leads 3-1

Websites: gobulldogs.com

Game Notes:  Fresno State | Arizona State

Odds: -3

Players to Watch

Cam Lockridge

The Bulldogs No.1 CB will have a big test on Saturday when he will be lining up against Junior WR Elijah Badger. Badger caught 70 passes for over 850 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Badger has gotten off to a slow start this season but with TE Jalin Conyers out for this game the Sun Devils will be looking to get Badger the ball more. Cam has gotten off to a rusty start this season already allowing two touchdowns so far, after only allowing three all last season. Lockridge did sit out the second half last week due to violating team rules and it almost cost the Dogs. The Bulldogs will need Cam to step up this weekend and make Badger a non-factor for the Sun Devils Offense.

 

Mikey Keene:

Keene returns home to Arizona where he grew up and played his High School football at Chandler High, just less than 20 miles from ASU. Keene said when ASU didn’t recruit him just “kinda of dealt with it”.  Now Keene will get a shot to take down the team that he grew up watching in person and the team that passed up on him.

Keene looking to bounce back after a off game throwing for 233 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and completing 23 out of 39 passes. If the Dogs are going to have any chance of knocking off ASU they need Keene to play more clam and smarter. Mikey had a couple of overthrows and missed a couple of open receivers in last week’s game which could have helped put Eastern Washington away earlier if those passes were made. Keene has to be the difference maker for the Dogs to come out with a win just like he was in week 1 in the win at Purdue. Can Keene shake off last week’s performance and put up another eye-catching performance on the road?

 

Keys to the Game:

Fresno State O-Line

Bulldogs O-Line is going to be the biggest key for the Dogs. Can this line be more physical and win the trenches vs……….. a very physical ASU D-line? The Bulldogs gave up three sacks last week and two to Purdue. The difference between those games? Penalties! Four out of the seven penalties the Dogs had were on the offensive line last week. The week before that? The Bulldogs had just one on the offensive line.  Going into another great atmosphere the O-line has to be more disciplined and give Mikey Keene more time in the pocket to make a play!

 

Kicking game:

This game is shaping up to be a close one just like last week. K Dylan Lynch had a chance to end the game in regulation but missed a 25-yard field goal. The week before Lynch missed a 20-yard field goal toward the end of the first half. So far the Bulldogs have been able to escape from these missed kicks but as we saw last year in the game against Oregon State the missed kicks cost the Bulldogs.

Punter Carson King has also shanked a couple of punts this season. In a game where flipping the field will be key to helping the Bulldogs’ defense find success, King has to do a better job at pinning teams back. The kicking game will be a very underrated key for the Bulldogs in this game. The game could come down to one of these two legs.

Prediction:

This game will be a fun one. Will ASU play two quarterbacks as transfer Drew Pyne is cleared to play? What type of Fresno State team will we see? Which team can protect the ball and be more physical at the line of scrimmage?

This game should be another close one for the Dogs but this time the offense will prevail and Mike Keene will make a play late to help the Bulldogs get this one.

Fresno State 28, Arizona State 21

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Boise State vs. North Dakota: Game Preview, How To Watch, Picks

Boise State vs. North Dakota: Game Preview, How To Watch, Picks Broncos should get its first win Contact/Follow @MWCwire & @erik_smiley54 First time FCS foe Week 3: North Dakota Fighting Hawks vs. Boise State Broncos WHEN: Saturday, September 16, …

Boise State vs. North Dakota: Game Preview, How To Watch, Picks


Broncos should get its first win


Contact/Follow @MWCwire & @erik_smiley54

First time FCS foe

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Week 3: North Dakota Fighting Hawks vs. Boise State Broncos

WHEN: Saturday, September 16, 2023, 10:00 AM MT/ 11:00 AM CT

WHERE: Albertson’s Stadium, Boise, ID

TV: FS1

STREAM: Get a free trial with FuboTV

SERIES: This is the first meeting between the two teams.

LAST GAME: Boise State lost at home against UCF 16-18, and North Dakota won against Northern Arizona 37-22.

Boise State kicks off the Mountain West slate of games early on Saturday with a 10 AM MT kickoff against FCS North Dakota. North Dakota comes in ranked 13th in the FCS with a 2-0 record and the best offense at the FCS level. The Broncos are looking to get their season back on track after going 0-2 with losses to Washington and UCF. Boise State has struggled defensively, allowing 549 yards per game, but tightened up against UCF, only allowing 18 points.

Keys to Victory:

Keep the Kicker Involved.

This is meant defensively, but this is an area where Boise State has a clear edge with Jonah Dalmas and James Ferguson-Reynolds. North Dakota’s Brady Stevens has a career-long of 42 yards but has hit on less than 60% of his 24 career attempts. Their punter, Redshirt Freshman Luke Silvernale, has also had his struggles, averaging 30 yards per kick on the season. 

Keep Schuster Running.

After the past two games, this seems counterintuitive. North Dakota’s Tommy Schuster is not a running quarterback, however.  He is mobile and moves well in the pocket, but he is far from being able to gouge the defense with his legs. Schuster has completed over 75% of his passes on the season, with most of them being within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. Getting him uncomfortable will allow the secondary to keep tighter coverage and increase the chance for turnovers.

Win the Ground Game.

The Broncos run game carried them last week, with Ashton Jeanty being the main contributor in the absence of George Holani. North Dakota is led by back Gaven Ziebarth and Isaiah Smith.  Ziebarth is a very “north-south” runner who will try to make his own hole if one is not produced for him, while Smith has a little more lateral speed and can bounce to the outside if need be. 

Both backs are used at almost a 50-50 split in carries.  Smith is used more in the passing game, but at only 4 catches on the year, he doesn’t seem to be a big threat.  Clearly, the Broncos have the edge even if Holani is held out for this game. Jeanty is the leading receiver and rusher on the season and has the ability to score anytime the ball is in his hands.

Prediction.

This has all the ingredients to be either a three or four touchdown victory or a nail-biter. One thing for certain is if the offense can finally gel, and with the talent and speed that they have, points should not be an issue.

The question is if the defense continues to be as porous as they have been. If that answer is yes, the Fighting Hawks could put 30-plus points on the board. This will be the best defense North Dakota has seen all year by a wide margin, so I think they will struggle with the pressure and, outside of a couple of 50-50 shots, will not be able to find consistent space to operate in. Boise wins big and gets their first win of the season.

Boise State 54, North Dakota 17

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Week 3 2023 Mountain West Football: Best Bets

We got some conference action plus more chances for a ranked upset. Here’s how the MW shakes out in Week 3.

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Week 3 2023 Mountain West Football: Best Bets


A look at the Mountain West betting odds for Week 3


Contact/Follow @J0shFr3d & @MWCwire

What are the oddsmakers saying about these match ups?

Late in the week we will look at odds and recent lines and make our best picks and bets. Odds courtesy of Vegas Insider.

We went 7-4 in week two and are 19-7 on the year. Slowly coming back down to earth. Let’s see if we can’t reverse the trend this week.

Utah State @ Air Force (-9.5, O/U 46.5)

The over in an academy game? Yes. This matchup has gone over the 46 points mark in every matchup bar one. And that one was a 42 point total. Air Force gets their first true defensive test of the year. Utah State meanwhile gets a chance to show everyone they are for real.

Pick: Over

North Dakota @ Boise State (No Line)

It’s the start of the Boise State revenge tour. The Broncos have looked oddly pedestrian the first two weeks of the year. North Dakota is running into a potential buzzsaw. Or we could see North Dakota give Boise State a scare. Doubtful, but anything is possible.

Pick: Boise State

San Diego state @ #16 Oregon sTate (-24.5, O/U 48.5)

There looked to be good things coming for the Aztecs this year. They thought they had found their QB in Jalen Mayden, but the San Diego State offense hasn’t looked as good as advertised. The defense hasn’t been great either, though it has kept them in games. The Beavers are looking to add another check mark to their resume.

Pick: Over

Vanderbilt @ UNLV (+4.5, O/U 59.5)

This is the trap game of the week for the Mountain West. We don’t actually know what the Rebels are going to bring to the table this season. And Vanderbilt’s performance against Hawai’i doesn’t inspire confidence in them to cover either. Under all the way.

Pick: Under

San Jose State @ Toldeo (-7.5, O/U 57.5)

I don’t know man. This just feel disrespectful to the Spartans. Yeah, Toldeo barely lost to Illinois, but Illinois laid an egg against Kansas. San Jose State has had to run through two Pac-12 schools that are on one so far this year. This should be a better indicator of where they stand and the cover seems real.

Pick: San Jose State +7.5

Wyoming @ #4 Texas (-29.5, O/U 49.5)

Whelp, good luck Wyoming. This is probably somewhat of a let down game for Texas after their win over Alabama last week. But it still won’t be close. The over feels safer because we could see Texas just relax and run their offense and keep everything in front of them on defense.

Pick: Over

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