Tag: Mountain West Conference

2023-24 Conference bowl records and bowl standings

Here are the updated bowl standings for each conference this college football bowl season.

Bowl season is the time of the year for the final bragging rights for the college football season. Conferences go toe-to-toe across the bowl season with bowl tie-ins lining up some good matchups and lining up for some terrific banter between fan bases. But which conference gets the ultimate bragging rights at the end of the bowl season? That’s what we are looking to find out.

We will be keeping tabs on every bowl game result, tracking each conference’s overall bowl record, and breaking down each conference’s records against individual conferences. This will be updated on a daily basis throughout the bowl season, so feel free to come back and check out the latest breakdown.

Here is the updated look at the conference bowl standings as of Jan. 9, based on total wins first and win percentage second.

Conference W L
Big Ten 6 4
PAC 12 5 4
Big 12 5 4
SEC 5 4
ACC 5 6
Sun Belt Conference 5 6
American Athletic Conference 3 3
Mountain West Conference 3 4
Conference USA 2 2
MAC 2 4

 

Oregon State, Washington State 2024 football schedule finalized with Mountain West

Oregon State and Washington State have their 2024 football schedules.

As the Pac-12 Conference is about to end, the only programs left will be Oregon State and Washington State until they find a new home.

The Pac-2, as many call it, will play a schedule against the Mountain West Conference teams, and that schedule was officially released on Thursday.

Each MWC team will play one game against either the Cougars or Beavers next season in a scheduling alliance. Nicole Auerbach of The Athletic reported the detailed schedule:

Oregon State will play Air Force, Colorado State, Nevada, San Diego State, San Jose State and UNLV. Washington State will face Boise State, Fresno State, New Mexico, Utah State, Wyoming, and Hawaii in the 2024 season.

Oregon State and Washington State have preserved their in-state rivalries against Oregon and Washington, respectively. They will also play each other in the 2024 season.

Oregon State is also playing Cal and Purdue next year. Washington State is playing Portland State and Texas Tech in addition to the Mountain West teams mentioned above. Wazzu had previously scheduled games against two other Mountain West teams, San Diego State and San Jose State, before this new scheduling alliance with the MWC.

A lot of questions have surfaced about what Washington State and Oregon State do next, but until they find a new conference, this will be how they schedule enough games to last as a program for the next two years, at least.

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MWC Commissioner Gloria Nevarez discusses Mountain West merger with ‘Pac-4’

Gloria Nevarez gave a revealing interview to On3 Sports about the #Pac12 – #MountainWest merger and a lot more.

A few days ago, we explored the possibility that the Pac-12 and the Mountain West might merge.

We wrote that if the Pac-12 and Mountain West do merge, it should be handled from the Mountain West side of things:

“If we are to consider the idea that the Pac-12 will retain its name (like the label on a soup can) and its Power Five/NCAA Tournament status, the man who presided over an unquestioned disaster, who failed at the task he was hired to perform (getting the media rights deal done) — should not be allowed to handle merger negotiations.

“George Kliavkoff needs to resign. People who made a mess don’t get to clean it up. Others do.”

Eric Prisbell of On3 Sports interviewed Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez.

She could be the person who makes a Pac-12/MWC merger come true.

Below are the various portions of Nevarez’s comments to Eric Prisbell:

Pac-12 and Mountain West merger: Will it happen, and how will it happen?

The Pac-4 and Mountain West could merge, but will all Mountain West schools be included? So many questions exist.

Will the Pac-12, which is really now a Pac-4, merge with the Mountain West? A lot of people are talking about it, and it is a possibility. However, we have numerous headaches and questions to sort through.

Will Stanford University even want to be in the Mountain West? Start there. Stanford would definitely prefer to go to the Big Ten. However, does the Big Ten want Stanford?

Follow-up question: Does the Big Ten want Stanford enough to also invite California, or does the Big Ten want Stanford, but not enough to invite the Cardinal alone, without Cal, and then find a 20th member elsewhere (possibly Florida State or North Carolina from the ACC)?

Another big question: Does the Big 12, which reportedly is considering further expansion to 18 schools, want Oregon State? The Beavers would love to go to the Big 12, but the Big 12 has to want them.

These questions are the beginning of a long and difficult process for schools without a lot of leverage as a Pac-4 merger with the Mountain West is discussed.

There is significant backroom chatter surrounding this. We’ll give you a sample below, accompanied by reportage from the San Diego Tribune and reactions from people in both conferences:

Every FBS conference realignment change in 2024

Happy realignment day! Every FBS conference alignment change in 2024 and what’s coming in 2025 and beyond.

Today is the start of the month of July. For many, that means a jump on the July 4th festivities with fireworks and firing up the grills for some burgers and hot dogs. But today is a milestone day for college athletics as it marks the beginning of the new fiscal years for conferences. And with that comes a flurry of official conference realignment changes for the upcoming college athletics calendar.

The Big Ten is not making any changes this year, but the one-year countdown to the additions of USC and UCLA from the Pac-12 is now officially underway. The highest profile changes this year will take place in the Big 12 as the conference adds four new members and begins the final year with Oklahoma and Texas before the Sooners and Longhorns ride off to the SEC a year from now.

To keep you updated on all of the changes we are about to see in college football this fall, here is a look at the conference alignment changes going down effective today.

The Mountain West Should Invite North Dakota State To The Conference

Examining possible additions to the Mountain West Conference.

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The Mountain West Should Invite North Dakota State To The Conference

The Conference Will Likely Need To Add Another School

Contact/Follow @michaelbraydaly & @MWCwire

Could North Dakota State Be Added In The Future?

With the recent news of San Diego State reportedly looking at resigning from the Mountain West in June 2024, the conference will need to find a suitable replacement for the Aztecs.

If San Diego State leaves, the Mountain West will need to fill the void of losing a strong basketball and football program. One potential option for the Mountain West could be adding a dominant FCS school for football with a strong track record in basketball. North Dakota State would be a terrific option to join a Group of Five football conference and a competitive mid-major basketball conference.

Regardless of who eventually joins the Mountain West, it will be difficult to fully replace a mainstay like San Diego State. North Dakota State would be able to fit the conference’s geographic landscape. Not only would North Dakota State’s location work for both sides, but the program’s dominant football team would seamlessly elevate to the Mountain West.

In the FCS, North Dakota State has captured nine national football championships since 2011. In 2022, North Dakota State came up short of winning its 10th national championship, but the Bison reached the national championship game against South Dakota State.

North Dakota State is a football powerhouse in the FCS and would be able to transition to the Mountain West Conference in football. The school also has direct ties to the Mountain West. Craig Bohl, who is currently Wyoming’s head coach, was previously North Dakota State’s head coach from 2003 to 2013. It would set up an interesting storyline to have North Dakota State potentially face its former head coach.

San Diego State ‘Intends To Resign From Mountain West,’ Per Reports

The Bison would be able to bring NFL Draft prospects to the conference. Currently, there are 17 former North Dakota State players in the NFL. The Mountain West would benefit from a school that generates solid professional players. Former North Dakota State offensive lineman Cody Mauch was one of 10 FCS players drafted in 2023. Mauch was also the first FCS player selected in this year’s NFL Draft.

Football would be the biggest selling point for North Dakota State to join the Mountain West Conference, but the school would be a willing competitor in men’s basketball. As a Summit League member, North Dakota State reached the NCAA Tournament four times in program history.

In order for North Dakota State to join a Group of Five football conference and a high-end mid-major basketball conference, they will need to receive a formal invitation to join the conference. The Mountain West could decide to add a notable brand in the FCS like North Dakota State to its conference. Other schools like South Dakota State and Sacramento State could also be potential options for the Mountain West. However, it will be difficult to select any other FCS school over North Dakota State.

If the Mountain West has any doubts about adding an FCS school to the conference, look no further than James Madison’s success in football in the Sun Belt Conference in 2022. James Madison finished with an 8-3 record in its first season as an FBS program.

North Dakota State would be able to adjust to a competitive FBS conference. It will be up to the Mountain West to extend the invite to North Dakota State.

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One very good piece of news for USC basketball: Mountain West misery

Over the past two weeks, the Mountain West has gone from a likely 5-bid NCAA Tournament league to a 3-bid league.

The USC Trojans are in bubble trouble. They’re one of the first four teams out of the NCAA Tournament in ESPN’s latest bracketology forecast. This is what happens when a team loses to Oregon State, the ultimate bubble sin. USC committed a big no-no, and as a result, a team which was a No. 10 seed for the Big Dance is now on the wrong side of the cut line.

To be clear, USC has a lot of work to do. It starts with going at least 3-1 in these next four games against non-NCAA Tournament teams (Cal, Stanford, Colorado, Utah). USC will then need to beat Arizona State for sure, and it might need to beat Arizona as well. USC will need to win at least one game in the Pac-12 Tournament as well. Life just became a lot more difficult as a result of the OSU loss.

However, USC also needs help on the bubble. National results in other conferences need to give USC more margin for error. Is that happening? Generally, yes … and the Mountain West Conference is a great example.

In the past two weeks, Utah State and New Mexico have lost multiple games. Utah State failed to get a quality win at home versus San Diego State. It then lost at San Jose State. New Mexico has been blown out by Air Force and Wyoming in consecutive games. The Lobos’ profile took two massive hits, and what’s worse for the Mountain West is that with New Mexico’s NET ranking plunging, the other teams which beat UNM will also suffer in the NET rankings and the other metrics college basketball bracketologists are studying every day.

The Mountain West appeared to be a five-bid NCAA Tournament league two weeks ago. Now? Probably only three bids will come from the MWC.

USC might be able to jump into one of those last two slots, quite possibly at the First Four in Dayton.

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Transfer Profile: 5 things to know about Oregon newest DB Evan Williams

Evan Williams is more than just Bennett’s younger brother. He comes to Eugene as one of the best safeties in the Mountain West.

Perhaps it was destiny, common sense or a little of both. But when Fresno State safety Evan Williams announced he was transferring, Eugene popped up as an obvious landing spot.

Williams made it official when he told the world he was coming to Oregon to play for the Ducks, following in the footsteps of his older brother Bennett Williams, who put a bow on his Oregon career in 2022.

Evan is much more than Bennett’s younger brother. He is one of the Mountain West’s best defenders over the last two seasons. Oregon’s secondary is looking to improve, and it just added one of the best safeties on the West Coast.

With the quarterback talent in the conference, the Ducks will need all the secondary talent they can get, and adding another Williams brother will go a long way toward competing for a Pac-12 title.

Are you looking to know more about Williams and what he brings to the Ducks? We’ve got you covered.

Potential Candidates For UNLV’s Next Head Coach

Listing potential replacements for Marcus Arroyo at UNLV.

Potential Candidates For UNLV’s Next Head Coach

UNLV Fired Head Coach Marcus Arroyo On Monday

Contact/Follow @Michaelbraydaly & @MWCwire

The next head coach will try to build off UNLV’s momentum in 2022

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In what was a shocking decision, UNLV fired head coach Marcus Arroyo after three seasons on Monday.

The news came less than 48 hours after UNLV finished a 5-7 season. When he was fired, UNLV still had hopes of reaching a bowl game. UNLV had increased expectations for the program and wanted to move on from Arroyo.

With Arroyo’s firing, UNLV will have an important decision to make. There is an opportunity for the program to build off of Arroyo’s successful 2022 season. UNLV will need to bring in the right replacement to keep the program trending in the right direction.

When UNLV hired Tony Sanchez after the 2014 season, he was hired in favor of other coaches like Ed Orgeron and Houston Nutt. Most recently, Sanchez was replaced by Arroyo after the 2019 season. UNLV selected Arroyo over Keenan McCardell and Troy Taylor.

This time around, UNLV can hire a notable name with a strong background in coaching. Here are some names that could take over UNLV’s program:

Bryan Harsin (Former Auburn And Boise State Head Coach)

While it is unclear what Harsin’s next career move will be, he is very familiar with the Mountain West. In his time as Boise State’s head coach, Harsin posted a 69-19 record in seven seasons. Harsin’s time at Auburn did not end well, but UNLV could be a place for him to get his coaching career back on track.

Tim Skipper (Fresno State Asst. Head Coach/Linebackers Coach) 

This would be another coach with a decorated background in Mountain West football. Skipper is current in his second stint at Fresno State and he is in charge of the linebackers. He would be a defensive-minded head coach, which would bolster UNLV’s defense.

Keenan McCardell (Minnesota Vikings Wide Receivers Coach) 

This would be a hire that would excite the alumni. McCardell was a great player at UNLV before he played in the NFL for 17 seasons. Recently, McCardell has worked with several NFL and college teams as a wide receivers coach. He is currently the Minnesota Vikings wide receivers coach. With more than 10 years under his belt as an assistant coach, he could be ready to make the jump as his alma mater’s head coach.

Deion Sanders (Jackson State Head Coach)

UNLV has not emerged on Sanders’ radar, but that could change with this opening. Sanders is being targeted by Colorado and South Florida. Since UNLV had an improved season in 2022, Sanders could be a viable candidate to get the program over the hump. He would be a splashy hire with a proven track record to turn programs around. In 3 seasons at Jackson State, Sanders has a 26-5 record. He would also be able to bring key players with him to UNLV.

Troy Taylor (Sacramento State Head Coach) 

In 2019, Taylor was on UNLV’s radar for the previously vacant job, but he remained at Sacramento State. Nearly three years later, Taylor could still be in play to become UNLV’s next head coach. Under Taylor, Sacramento State has developed into one of the best teams in the Big Sky Conference. He is also a target of other schools like Stanford.

Scott Frost (Former Nebraska Head Coach) 

In September, Frost was fired as Nebraska’s head coach in less than five seasons. It will take some time for Frost to regenerate the buzz that he had when he was at UCF in 2017. It would be worth a look for UNLV to see Frost’s interest. He has experience coaching in at a Group of Five conference and would be able bring his experience to Las Vegas. This could be a good job for Frost to get back into coaching.

Ed Orgeron (Former LSU Head Coach) 

In 2014, Orgeron was in the mix for UNLV’s vacant head coaching position. Although Orgeron eventually landed at LSU, he could decide to take a head coaching job at a promising Mountain West program. He won a national championship at LSU in 2019 and would be able to help UNLV reach a bowl game for the first time since 2013. Las Vegas could be an attractive destination for Orgeron.

Jay Hill (Weber State Head Coach) 

Hill, who is in his ninth season at Weber State, is one of the best FCS coaches in the country. He is the all-time leader in wins at Weber State and could be ready to make the jump to an FBS program.

Andy Ludwig (Utah Offensive Coordinator)

Since 2019, Ludwig has been Utah’s offensive coordinator. Ludwig has over 30 years of experience as an offensive assistant. He is a potential successor to Kyle Whittingham at Utah and could try to land a head coaching job to prove that he could lead Utah in the future.

Manny Diaz (Penn State Defensive Coordinator)

In his first season as Penn State’s defensive coordinator, Diaz turned the Nittany Lions into one of the best defenses in the Big Ten. In the past, he accepted a job as Temple’s head coach, which showed that he was interested in a Group of Five job. Reportedly, Diaz could be a candidate for Florida Atlantic’s head coach vacancy. If he wants to move West, Diaz could be an impactful hire for the Rebels.

Brennan Marion (Texas Wide Receivers Coach) 

After one season at Texas, Marion could be ready for his first job as a head coach. Marion’s alma mater, Tulsa, is reportedly interested in him as the program’s next head coach. If UNLV reaches out to Marion, he could hold off on accepting a job at Tulsa. Marion was Hawaii’s wide receivers coach in 2020, which meant that he was familiar with UNLV and the Mountain West. In 2021, he left Hawaii for Pittsburgh and coached Biletnikoff Award winner Jordan Addison.

 

Boise State Non-Conference Schedule Preview

Previewing the non-conference schedule for Boise State.

Boise State Non-Conference Schedule Preview

Previewing Boise State basketball’s non-conference schedule in 2022-2023

Contact/Follow @Michaelbraydaly & @MWCwire

How will the early part of the season treat the Broncos?

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The 2021-2022 season turned out to be one to remember for Boise State. For the eighth time in program history, Boise State made the NCAA Tournament.

It was a postseason berth that ended early with a loss to Memphis in the first round of the tournament. The result was an 11-point, 64-53, loss in Portland, Ore. The season did not end the way Boise State would have liked, but it was a successful overall season.

Looking ahead, Boise State will try to get back to the NCAA Tournament in consecutive years since the Broncos did it in 1993 and 1994. It will take help from several key returning players to fill the void of losing Abu Kigab and Emmanuel Akot. Marcus Shaver Jr. returned to the program in May after withdrawing his name from the 2022 NBA Draft.

This preview will analyze each non-conference game and predict the outcome. The non-conference schedule will run from Nov. 9 to Dec. 22. The conference schedule opens on the road at Nevada on Dec. 28.

(Game 1) Wednesday, Nov. 9: vs. South Dakota State – Boise, Idaho, ExtraMile Arena

Like Boise State, South Dakota State had a magical run in the regular season and the Summit League Tournament. The Jackrabbits finished the season with a 30-5 record and an 18-0 conference record. This upcoming season will be a big change for the team without the top three scorers from last season. Douglas Wilson graduated from the school and Baylor Scheierman and Noah Freidel transferred from the school. South Dakota State will take a big hit from losing these three players.

Game Prediction: Boise State 84, South Dakota State 61

(Game 2) Saturday, Nov. 12: vs. Washington State – Boise, Idaho, Idaho Central Arena

In 2021, Boise State closed out the non-conference schedule against Washington State in a 58-52 win. This time around, it will be at the very beginning of the season and both teams are attempting to carry over the momentum from last season. Washington State reached the NIT Semifinal in March and ended the season with a 22-15 record.

Last year’s meeting between Washington State and Boise State was in Pullman, Wash., and the Broncos won 58-52. Since it is a home game in front of a large crowd of fans from both teams, it will help Boise State win the game.

Game Prediction: Boise State 60, Washington State 55

(Game 3) Thursday, Nov. 17: vs. Charlotte – Myrtle Beach Invitational, Conway, South Carolina, HTC Center 

An early exit in the 2022 Conference USA Tournament prevented Charlotte from having an real consideration for a postseason tournament. The 49ers had a 17-14 overall record in 2022. Jahmir Young, who was the leading scorer in 2022, entered the transfer portal and left for Maryland. The 49ers will need to build without last season’s leading scorer. This will be a difficult neutral site tournament game for Charlotte.

Boise State will be guaranteed at least one game in the tournament. If they win two games, there will be a final game on Nov. 20. If Boise State beats Charlotte, they will face the winner of Loyola Chicago vs. Tulsa in the second game. There is a chance Boise State could see Texas A&M in the tournament before their scheduled game on Dec. 3.

Game Prediction: Boise State 66, Charlotte 49

Rest of the Tournament Prediction:

Second Round: Boise State 57, Loyola Chicago 54

Championship Game: Texas A&M 53, Boise State 52

(Game 6) Saturday, Nov. 26: vs. Utah Valley – Boise, Idaho, ExtraMile Arena

Add Utah Valley to the list of recycled non-conference opponents from last season. In last year’s meeting, Boise State opened up the season with a 76-56 win over Utah Valley. Expect a similar performance from both teams. The Broncos will take advantage of a weaker team.

Game Prediction: Boise State 72, Utah Valley 53

(Game 7) Tuesday, Nov. 29: vs. Cal State Northridge – Boise, Idaho, ExtraMile Arena

In another 2021-2022 non-conference opponent, Boise State will welcome Cal State Northridge to Idaho. Boise State was on the road last season and defeated the Matadors, 74-48. This year’s game will have a similar outcome.

Game Prediction: Boise State 78, Cal State Northridge 44

(Game 8) Saturday, Dec. 3: vs. Texas A&M – The Battleground 2k22, Fort Worth, Texas, Dickies Arena

Despite missing out on the NCAA Tournament, Texas A&M nearly captured an NIT Championship in March. The Aggies finished last season at 27-13. It will be a season for the remaining key contributors to fill in for Quenton Jackson, who declared for the NBA Draft. Henry Coleman III, Tyrece Radford, and Wade Taylor IV will be the leaders of this team in 2022. The experience will be a tough test for Boise State. Based on this prediction, this will be the second meeting of the season for these two teams. Boise State will be 0-2 in the two games.

Game Prediction: Texas A&M 59, Boise State 56

(Game 9) Tuesday, December 6: vs. Eastern Oregon – Boise, Idaho, ExtraMile Arena

In what should be a bit of a breather in the schedule for Boise State, Eastern Oregon will try to make the most of a big opportunity. Eastern Oregon won 18 games last season as a member of the Cascade Collegiate Conference. This will be a tune up game for Boise State and should not be very competitive. It could be the best showing of the non-conference schedule.

Game Prediction: Boise State 101, Eastern Oregon 54

(Game 10) Saturday, December 10: at. Saint Louis – Saint Louis, Missouri, Chaifetz Arena 

Saint Louis will be a difficult road test for the Broncos. It will be the first official road game of the season and it could feature two teams on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Gibson Jimerson will be the offensive leader for the Billikens. He led the team in scoring in 2021-2022 with an average of 16.3 points. The game being on the road will be in Saint Louis’ favor.

Last season, this was a home game for Boise State and it was an overtime loss in November. Saint Louis has continued to be a strong team and will benefit from the home atmosphere.

Game Prediction: Saint Louis 83, Boise State 76

(Game 11) Tuesday, December 13: vs. New Orleans – Boise, Idaho, ExtraMile Arena

With Derek St. Hilaire no longer on the roster, New Orleans will be reliant upon the rest of the roster to make up for his absence. New Orleans went 18-14 in 2022. This should be a nice recovery game from the loss to Saint Louis.

Game Prediction: Boise State 82, New Orleans 54

(Game 12) Sunday, December 18: vs. Oakland – Boise, Idaho, ExtraMile Arena

The Horizon League turned out to be what prevented Oakland from reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2022. Oakland does not seem to be a better team in 2022-2023. This could be a trap game for Oakland since they played two close games against West Virginia and Oklahoma State in last season’s non-conference schedule. Boise State should get a convincing win.

Game Prediction: Boise State 76, Oakland 58

(Game 13) Thursday, December 22: at. Santa Clara – Santa Clara, California, Leavey Center

When these two teams met up last season in Boise, Tyson Degenhart paced Boise State in scoring with 18 points. Degenhart will need to be a factor in this road game. It will be a tight game for most of the second half, but Boise State will pull away at the end of the game.

Game Prediction: Boise State 68, Santa Clara 59

Non-Conference Record Prediction: 10-3 Record

It should be a favorable non-conference schedule. The Broncos should be able to start the season with three-straight wins over South Dakota State, Washington State, and Charlotte. If they can do that, the rest of the non-conference schedule should be a breeze. The team is projected to lose two games to Texas A&M and one game to Saint Louis.