Tag: Wyoming Football

Mountain West Wire Game of the Week Simulation: Air Force vs. Wyoming

undefined[jwplayer TtpJIvlc-sNi3MVSU] Mountain West Wire Game of the Week Simulation: Air Force vs. Wyoming The NCAA 14 Video Game Says Air Force Pays Miserably Against Wyoming, Losing 14-7 Contact/Follow @PSeanU1 & @MWCwire Fans of Wyoming will …

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Mountain West Wire Game of the Week Simulation: Air Force vs. Wyoming

The NCAA 14 Video Game Says Air Force Pays Miserably Against Wyoming, Losing 14-7

Contact/Follow @PSeanU1 & @MWCwire

Fans of Wyoming will enjoy this outcome! The Cowboys hold a very sloppy Air Force team to just seven points in our NCAA14 simulation of this Saturday’s big matchup.

For those new to our simulations, we use the College Football Revamped version of EA Sports NCAA14, with updated 2024 rosters. There is no user impact, just a computer simulation of the given teams.

It’s pretty amazing that the score wasn’t far worse than 14-7 quite honestly. Air Force turned the ball over five times, four of which were fumbles, three coming from their star running back, John Lee Eldridge. Add in an interception from Zac Larrier, prior to exiting the game with injury, and you pretty much have the signature nightmare recipe for the Falcons.

Wyoming on the other hand had a stat line that pretty closely resembled what we’ve come to expect from Craig Bohl’s bunch. A stingy defense that gives the team a chance to win. And a run heavy offense, that got less than 100 yards chipped in from the passing game. Just the way you would draw it up, right Poke’s fans!?

Interesting enough, we left Wyoming’s biggest offensive weapon, Harrison Waylee in for this one, despite being questionable for Saturday’s game. The running back definitely was a difference maker, rushing for yards than any tandem of ball carriers for Air Force. A truly dreadful showing from the Falcons in this one.

The Air Force faithful will not be pleased if the Falcons cough the ball up five times in their primetime showdown with Wyoming. Both of these teams have legit defenses, so don’t be surprised if the scoring total isn’t all that different from what we saw on the simulation.

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Air Force vs. Wyoming: How the Falcons can win

Air Force vs. Wyoming: How the Falcons can win Can Air Force Remain the Lone Unbeaten in the Mountain West? Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire It’s Double Chin Strap Time as the Pokes Invade Colorado Springs WEEK 7: Air Force Falcons 5-0 (3-0) vs. …

Air Force vs. Wyoming: How the Falcons can win

Can Air Force Remain the Lone Unbeaten in the Mountain West?

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

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It’s Double Chin Strap Time as the Pokes Invade Colorado Springs

WEEK 7: Air Force Falcons 5-0 (3-0) vs. Wyoming Cowboys 5-1 (2-0)

WHEN: Saturday, October 14th — 5:00 P.M. MT/ 4:00 P.M. PT

WHERE: Falcon Stadium (Colorado Springs, CO)

WEATHER: Sunny. High around 55F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph.

TV: CBS Sports Network
Rich Waltz (play-by-play), Aaron Taylor (analyst), Justin Walters (sidelines)

STREAM: FuboTV

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

SERIES RECORD: Air Force leads the series record 30-27-3

WEBSITES: GoWYO.com, the official Wyoming athletics website | GoAirForceFalcons.com, the official Air Force athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): Wyoming | Air Force

SP+ PROJECTION: Air Force by 10.9

FEI PROJECTION: Air Force by 13.8

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTIONS: Air Force 93.61% Win Probability (31.3-11.45)

For the second week in a row, the Wyoming Cowboys find themselves battling another Mountain West contender. Coming off of an impressive win over Fresno State, Wyoming packs their bags, leaving the comforts of Laradise as they head South to Colorado Springs.

The Pokes are usually a difficult draw for Air Force, defeating Troy Calhoun’s squad in Laramie last year. So they will not be lacking for confidence coming to Falcon Stadium on Saturday, fresh off of a very impressive performance. Typically, a physical team that likes to run the ball, paired with good defense (sound like another team you know?), the Pokes got a boost from their quarterback, Andrew Peasley who had a very good game.

Peasley is no stranger to Air Force, as he’s had some of his best performances against the Falcons. Brian Knorr’s defensive unit could have their hands full with the Mountain West’s reigning offensive player of the week. If they aren’t able to do a better job than the prior two years, Air Force may be handed their first conference loss of the season by Andrew Peasley for the third season in a row.

HERE’S HOW AIR FORCE CAN DEFEAT THE COWBOYS

It wasn’t just that Wyoming beat the defending conference champs last week, but how they did so that should have the attention of Air Force, and the rest of the Mountain West. Outside of an uncharacteristic, missed 47 yard field goal from their Lou Groza Award Watchlist kicker, John Hoyland, the Pokes were dominant in all aspects of the game.

To avoid the same fate as Fresno State, the Falcons can’t let Wyoming’s passing game catch them off guard early. Andrew Peasley tossed three touchdowns in the first half last week. In similar fashion, he took advantage of generous cushions offered by the Air Force secondary in last year’s game. As one of the nation’s best defenses, their pass defense being 4th best in the country, the Falcons have to play like it early.

Craig Bohl wants his team to impose their will by running the ball. And they are very good at it, racking up over 170 yards per game on the ground. But it’s when the passing game is going that the Cowboys are really dangerous, because the honesty with which the defense has to dignify the pass attack leaves them vulnerable to an already imposing rushing attack. It’s not that dissimilar from Air Force’s approach.

There is going to be a lot of pressure on C.J. Boyd at spur and the standout safeties, Trey Taylor and Jayden Goodwin to consistently defend the run and the pass. Thankfully, this is a collective that has been up to the task week in and week out.

Now to the offense. Air Force has been as good as anyone in the country coming away with points every time they have the ball. They will be facing the best defensive front this week though, that is probably the best they’ll play all season. The Wyoming defensive line is insanely deep and talented. And it doesn’t get any easier when you get to their linebackers, with two of the best in the conference in Easton Gibbs and Shae Suiaunoa.

This unit was the leading cause of what was largely an ineffective Air Force offense last year. They can’t let that be the narrative in 2023. Quarterback Zac Larrier is a different kind of problem with his speed. They are going to be relying on his legs and timely gashes through the air to keep drives alive. One of the nation’s best on a per carry average, John Lee Eldridge II is going to have to continue with his impressive numbers. With what has become a relentless and multiple offense, it should afford these playmakers opportunities to make a difference in situations that simply weren’t there last year.

Last and certainly not least, they cannot turn the ball over. They’ve done a great job taking care of the rock the last few weeks and it will be critical that continues this week. That includes recovered fumbles because getting behind the sticks because of a poor pitch or penetration can be a drive ender.

My good friend and writer for the Mountain West Connection Nittany Falcon said something that stuck with me as we were discussing this game. Wyoming isn’t doing anything that impressive. They gave up a lot of points to New Mexico, looked underwhelming against Portland and their win against Appalachian State looks less and less impressive each week.

I think my friend and Falcon contributor is right. There is matching mediocrity to the moments of brilliance for Wyoming. But despite that, I simply cannot see how Air Force is a two-score favorite. It was a very similar story last year, and we’ve documented ad nauseam here. Maybe I respect that defensive front too much, but I see this as a closely contested affair to the very end. The Air Force offense is better though, their defense is better, and they are going to prove that their (lack of) strength of schedule is an overblown narrative.

Air Force 24 – Wyoming 20

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Mountain West Football: 2023 Midseason Team Grades

How has each Mountain West team fared now that the season is half-finished? We grade offense, defense, and special teams.

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Mountain West Football: 2023 Midseason Team Grades

How has each Mountain West team fared now that the season is half-finished? We grade offense, defense, and special teams.

Contact/Follow @MattK_FS and @MWCwire

Who’s made the grade and who hasn’t?

Now that most Mountain West teams have played six games, the conference’s 2023 football season has reached its halfway point. While some things have played out as predicted, several squads are rising while others have fallen off, which means now is as good a time as any to assess just how well each team has done.

First, for the sake of context, keep these links handy as some particular statistics will be mentioned in most team sections:

Midseason Grades By Team

Air Force | Boise State | Colorado State | Fresno State | Hawaii | Nevada | New Mexico | San Diego State | San Jose State | UNLV | Utah State | Wyoming

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Mountain West Football: Week 6 Winners And Losers

Andrew Peasley, Utah State’s wide receivers, and Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi headline the week’s winners and losers in Mountain West football.

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Mountain West Football: Week 6 Winners And Losers

Who came out ahead and who left something to be desired across the Mountain West in Week 6 of the college football season?

Contact/Follow @MattK_FS & @MWCwire

Encouragements and letdowns from the week that was.

You might have believed there wouldn’t be a lot of high drama with just three conference games on the schedule this past Saturday, but between ranked teams succumbing on the road and two more epic rallies, well, you should have known better than to think that.

Here are the winners and losers from Week 6 of Mountain West football.

Winners

1. Wyoming quarterback Andrew Peasley

Peasley has been the focus of a lot of consternation over the last couple of seasons, but his performance on Saturday night justifies what Cowboys head coach Craig Bohl saw in old “Boot Leather” the entire time.

The graduate quarterback from La Grande, Oregon had what was arguably the best overall game of his career in a 24-19 win over #24 Fresno State on Saturday night, completing 19-of-27 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for two second-quarter first downs on three carries. There’s still plenty for the 5-1 Cowboys left to do, especially with a titanic road game against undefeated Air Force next week, but for one week Peasley has earned every plaudit.

2. Utah State wide receivers Jalen Royals, Terrell Vaughn, and Micah Davis

Once again, the Aggies got off to a painfully slow start in the first quarter against Colorado State, but the trio of Royals, Vaughn, and Davis made sure the Utah State offense would generate yet another explosive turnaround in a 44-24 decision against the Rams.

Besides being the only Aggies pass catchers with a reception in the game, all three went for over 100 yards. They became the first Utah State triplet to do so since 1996, but the bigger accomplishment may be the 387 receiving yards and four touchdowns for which they combined on just 19 total receptions. All of a sudden, USU is one of just ten FBS offenses with at least 30 plays of 20-plus yards through the air at this juncture of the season, one more reason why they remain the conference’s ultimate wild card.

3. Boise State wide receiver Eric McAlister

Ashton Jeanty put up his usual big numbers for the Broncos in their season-saving rally against San Jose State, but the home team might not have been able to complete their 35-27 comeback against the Spartans if their young star receiver hadn’t helped to start it in the first place.

Down 17-0 in the early second quarter, McAlister slipped a tackle for a pivotal 83-yard catch-and-run touchdown reception and would eventually finish the game with a team-high five catches for 170 yards. That included a key 44-yard grab at the end of the third quarter which would set up Taylen Green’s scoring keeper two plays later and give Boise State the lead for good.

Losers

1. Colorado State quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi

Entering Week 6, the young Rams signal-caller led the nation by the Sickos Committee’s DETMER metric. After Saturday night, he might still be #1 in DETMER but not for reasons anyone in Fort Collins enjoyed.

Fowler-Nicolosi had what was easily the worst game of his young career against Utah State, completing 26-of-57 throws for 225 yards and three interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, it could have been a lot worse since the sophomore tallied eight turnover-worthy throws in those 57 dropbacks (though he also had to deal with five drops, as well). In any case, BFN now owns a 5% interception rate on 199 attempts, a rate that is simply far too high if CSU has any hope of rallying to clinch bowl eligibility.

2. San Jose State

The Spartans simply do not have any juice in 2023. If that wasn’t apparent before Week 6, it certainly was after SJSU blew a 27-7 second-quarter lead and allowed 28 straight Boise State points in an eight-point road loss.

There’s really no one culprit for the collapse, either. This isn’t the first time that quarterback Chevan Cordeiro has failed to raise his game when the chips are down, for instance, as he completed 14 of his first 19 passes but finished 9-of-19 with an interception down the stretch. Somehow, running back Kairee Robinson didn’t have a single carry in the fourth quarter. The defense managed to create some early headaches for the Broncos’ unusual two-quarterback approach, but they finished the evening having allowed 319 yards on 11 chunk plays and lost Tre Smith to an easy targeting call that will keep him out of the first half of their contest next week.

In all, it was a terribly disappointing performance in a season where that has become uncomfortably common.

3. Fresno State

Jeff Tedford’s Bulldogs don’t really have anyone to blame but themselves for their “close, but no cigar” showing against Wyoming on Saturday. The offensive line did not have a particularly good time against the Cowboys’ defensive front, coughing up three sacks while running backs Malik Sherrod and Elijah Gilliam managed a combined 3.93 yards per carry (and that’s to say nothing of Mikey Keene’s injury).

Meanwhile, the Fresno State defense was uncharacteristically penalty-prone, racking up seven flags which totaled 86 yards. The Bulldogs deserve credit for battling back to give themselves a chance to steal the win on their final drive, but they no longer control their own destiny in the race to the Mountain West’s top two spots and, much like everyone else in the conference, are vulnerable to getting upended again if they can’t resolve the concerns that reared their ugly heads in Laramie.

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Week 6 2023 Mountain West Football: Best Bets

The Mountain West takes a little break as there are only 3 games this week. Here’s what you should be looking for this week.

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Week 6 2023 Mountain West Football: Best Bets

A look at the Mountain West betting odds for Week 6

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 4-3 in week five and are 32-21-1 on the year. First week above .500 in a few. Lets make it two in a row.

#24 Fresno State @ Wyoming (+6.5, O/U 42.5)

The premier matchup of the Mountain West season so far. The Bulldogs head to Laramie to face the Cowboys on Fox. Fresno State hasn’t missed a beat after losing Jake Haener to graduation. Wyoming still doesn’t have a quarterback. I think the Bulldogs remain in control of the MW.

Pick: Fresno State -6.5

Colorado State @ Utah State (+2.5, O/U 62.5)

A game between two top offenses and two bottom defenses. This game will determine bowl eligibility for both squads. CSU has started picking it up on offense and the defense needs to come along with it. Utah State is a second half team, but the Aggies will struggle to contain the Rams offense.

Pick: Colorado State -2.5

San Jose State @ Boise State (-9.5, O/U 57.5)

Boise hasn’t shown me enough this year to be confident in this spread. Their defense hasn’t been great and has just enough holes to let the Spartans get some scores to push this total higher. The over hasn’t moved since it game out and it’s probably a safe bet to hit.

Pick: Over

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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?

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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.

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Week 5 2023 Mountain West Football: Best Bets

And we rolling, rolling, rolling! Mountain West football reaches week 5. And here’s how you can lose your money this week.

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Week 5 2023 Mountain West Football: Best Bets

A look at the Mountain West betting odds for Week 5

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 3-6-1 in week four and are 28-18-1 on the year. Our first week below .500. Time to pick it up.

Utah State @ UCONN (+4.5, O/U 51.5)

UConn is not a good team this year. They haven’t scored above 17 points in a game this year. Utah State isn’t that good either, but they’re better than UConn. Watch for the Aggies to struggle early, before pulling it out in the second half and running away with it.

Pick: Utah State -4.5

BOise State @ Memphis (-2.5, O/U 58.5)

Maybe this line is based on Boise’s history, but it feels disrespectful to Memphis. The only thing I can see is that Memphis has trouble defending the run. Boise is pretty good at that, but that’s pretty much all they can do. The Tigers pick up the win and cover before really starting conference play.

Pick: Memphis -2.5

Hawai’i @ UNLV (-10.5, O/U 58.5)

*Insert Nathan Fillion confused gif here* This is the trap game of the week in the Mountain West. Does the run and shoot get off and running? Or do the Rebels continue their hot start to the year? Who knows, but I expect Hawai’i to have something to say and keep this one close.

Pick: Hawai’i +10.5

New Mexico @ Wyoming (-13.5, O/U 40.5)

Craig Bohl has trouble with New Mexico. Since 2014 he is 4-5 against the Lobos. The Cowboys do not have an offense. They are ranked bottom 10 in the country in yards per game. The Lobos will have some spark after last weeks win at UMass and will cover against the Cowboys.

Pick: New Mexico +13.5

Utah Tech @ Colorado State (No Line)

CSU, end of story. Utah Tech has given up 36 points in every game this year and this is the perfect opportunity for the Rams to work out any issues before hitting conference play.

Pick: Colorado State

San Diego State @ Air Force (-10.5, O/U 42.5)

Is it time to bring back the Spaztecs nick name yet? San Diego State doesn’t really have an offense, which is nothing new. But they don’t really have the defense to keep them in games anymore. And now they run into the machine that is the Air Force triple option.

Pick: Air Force -10.5

Nevada @ #25 Fresno State (-24.5, O/U 50.5)

Fresno will probably hit the over by themselves again. I took the under last week after a disappointing performance against the Sun Devils. The Wolf Pack are not the Sun Devils. Expect the Bulldogs to run wild in this one.

Pick: Over

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Mountain West Football: 12 Statistics That Have Shaped The Season So Far

Ball doesn’t lie. Neither do these numbers and how they tell the story of Mountain West football in 2023 to this point.

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Mountain West Football: 12 Statistics That Have Shaped the Season So Far

Ball doesn’t lie. Neither do these numbers and how they tell the story of Mountain West football in 2023 to this point.

Contact/Follow @MattK_FS & @MWCwire

Which numbers have shaped the narrative to this point?

-53

It isn’t easy for any team to dig their way out of an early hole, but Utah State has taken that to a rare extreme so far in 2023. In four first quarters, the Aggies have been outscored 60-7, which equates to a -53 point differential. Such a lopsided result means that it isn’t likely you can pin the blame on any one party, though it isn’t a new problem for Blake Anderson’s Aggies, either: USU was outscored 101-62 in the first quarter last year, and 106-62 during their 2021 conference championship run.

The cruelest irony is that Utah State has outscored its opponents in each of the other three quarters to date. That also happens to be an achievement they managed when they won the Mountain West two years ago, so it bears watching whether they can finally overcome their propensity for sluggish starts and begin playing up to the standard of a title contender.

0

Zero can mean a lot of different things but, in this instance, it is to note that, despite a surprising change at quarterback, Colorado State’s pass catchers have been adept at not beating themselves in the young season. According to Pro Football Focus, three Rams — Tory Horton, Dallin Holker, and Louis Brown — have combined for 89 targets and zero drops in four games.

What does it mean? To start, it could suggest that Horton’s 10.1% drop rate a year ago was more an aberration than a trend since he now currently sports a respectable 5.8% career drop rate on 247 targets. Brown, meanwhile, is a small-sample hero who has yet to record a drop on 39 career targets and counting while Holker has so far maintained his solid production from last year at BYU; he didn’t have any drops in 2022, either.

As for the one name not mentioned here, Justus Ross-Simmons, bear in mind that though he has two drops on 23 targets, that rate was only 3.7% in 2022 so there probably isn’t much reason to panic. Collectively, this sure-handed group could make the Rams passing game more difficult for defensive coordinators to deal with in Mountain West play than anticipated.

4.31

Air Force’s defense has excelled to this point in the season, allowing a Mountain West-best 4.31 yards per play through their first four contests. For the sake of context, San Diego State led the conference in allowing 4.36 YPP during the shortened 2020 season, but if the season ended today, this would be the lowest average by anyone in the conference since TCU gave up just 4.16 YPP en route to their Rose Bowl victory in 2010.

When you narrow the focus to whittle away garbage time and the like, it remains a respectable average. According to Brian Fremeau, in three games against FBS competition, the Falcons have only allowed 4.67 defensive yards per play and rank 23rd in the country on that front, just ahead of Fresno State for the best mark in the Mountain West. Granted, some of that has to do with the level of competition they’ve faced so far — Sam Houston State is dead last among FBS teams in yards per play, for instance — but they’re doing what good teams should do against inferior opponents: Leave no doubt. For that, defensive coordinator Brian Knorr deserves a lot of kudos.

8.5

The New Mexico Lobos might have had the country’s most lifeless offense in 2022, but it’s amazing what a new accomplished quarterback can do. After averaging an FBS-worst 4.9 yards per attempt as a team last year, UNM quarterback Dylan Hopkins has averaged 8.5 yards on 97 pass attempts through four games, surpassed by only Air Force’s Zac Larrier in the early going this fall.

To really drive home the level of improvement, consider that the Lobos had just 15 passing plays on 255 total attempts (5.9%) that went for 20 or more yards in 2022. By contrast, Hopkins already has 13 such plays in only 97 attempts (13.4%). While there’s plenty to be done in Albuquerque, the big-ticket transfer has been as advertised thus far.

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Mountain West Football: Week 4 Winners And Losers

Running backs, Hawaii’s defense, and Utah State were among the weekend’s biggest winners and losers across Mountain West football.

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Mountain West Football: Week 4 Winners And Losers

Who came out ahead and who left something to be desired across the Mountain West in Week 4 of the college football season?

Contact/Follow @MattK_FS & @MWCwire

Encouragements and letdowns from the week that was.

Blocked field goals. Second-half surges and collapses. Fumble recoveries for touchdowns in the end zone on offense and defense. Six different games decided by eight or fewer points. The week in Mountain West football had it all, making it a great couple days of high drama, but here are the winners and losers from Week 4.

Winners

1. Mountain West running backs

In spite of so many graduations and transfers over the last couple of off-seasons, talent at the running back position might be as deep as ever across the Mountain West if Week 4 was any indication. On Friday night, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty posted another Herculean performance in their 34-31 slugfest against San Diego State, accounting for 254 of the Broncos’ 409 yards of total offense with two touchdowns; Air Force, meanwhile, had two different players, Emmanuel Michel and John Lee Eldridge III, combine for 250 rushing yards and five touchdowns in a 45-20 rout over San Jose State.

The following day, New Mexico’s Jacory Croskey-Merritt and UNLV’s Jai’den “Jet” Thomas continued their strong runs throughout non-conference action, as well: Croskey-Merritt scored twice in the Lobos’ overtime road win at UMass, including the game-winner in overtime, while Thomas tallied four touchdowns and 100 rushing yards in the Rebels’ 45-28 road victory at UTEP. Wyoming’s Harrison Waylee continued to make an instant impact for the Cowboys, as well, ripping off a 75-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to help set up the team’s late rally over Appalachian State.

In all, it was a great day to get things done on the ground.

2. Boise State punter James Ferguson-Reynolds

Now, you might be thinking, “A punter, really?” Ferguson-Reynolds, however, has been the best specialist in the Mountain West so far throughout this young campaign and the Broncos might not have been able to outlast San Diego State without his contributions on Friday.

The Aussie averaged 50.8 yards per attempt and pinned the Aztecs inside the 20-yard line three times on five punts, helping the Broncos to a ten-yard advantage in average starting field position (Boise State: own 38; SDSU: own 28). After four games, Boise State also ranks eighth nationally with 44.35 net yards per punt, so for all of the early teeth-gnashing about the Broncos’ uneven early showings, special teams have been on point.

3. Hawaii’s defense

It wasn’t a perfect performance, but the Warriors found a way to solve New Mexico State in a 20-17 victory. One big component of that turnaround revolved around eliminating big plays on defense: After allowing eight explosive plays for 183 yards in the first two quarters, Hawaii gave up just three for 63 yards after halftime.

Jacob Yoro’s unit also engineered a similar turnaround on third downs, shutting down NMSU on three such second-half opportunities after enabling the Aggies to convert 5-of-7 tries early on. While it remains to be seen how much they can surprise in conference play, it’s encouraging to see signs of progress in year two under head coach Timmy Chang.

Losers

1. Utah State

Give credit to the Aggies for fighting back to make their 45-38 loss to James Madison as close as it was, but it didn’t have to be that way. Blake Anderson’s squad got pasted in the first half while falling behind 38-17, coughing up eight yards per play and 360 yards of total offense while allowing three sacks throughout the first thirty minutes. Then, the Aggies made one too many mistakes down the stretch, giving the ball away three times in the second half even as they forced four turnovers of their own.

That tale of two halves made for another frustrating Utah State performance, as the Aggies clearly have the talent to make waves and contend for a bowl bid but rarely seem inclined to play disciplined football for a whole four quarters. After four games, USU might be the Mountain West’s most mercurial team.

2. Nevada

For the second straight week, the Wolf Pack showed more sustained signs of life, but their 17-0 halftime lead against Texas State proved to be alarmingly short-lived as the Bobcats ripped off 35 unanswered points and rolled up 377 yards of total offense in the third and fourth quarters.

Offensive inefficiencies didn’t help matters, either. The Wolf Pack still can’t run the football if quarterback Brendon Lewis isn’t scrambling — both Sean Dollars and Ashton Hayes averaged fewer than four yards per carry — and they fumbled four times in the contest (the two they lost both led directly to Texas State touchdowns). Now the Mountain West’s lone winless team, it could be a long slog through the conference schedule if the offense can’t hang on to the ball and the defense can’t stop giving up big plays.

3. San Jose State’s run defense

The Spartans had few answers for the powerful Air Force running game on Friday, but while the Falcons averaging 5.48 yards per carry might look like business as usual, it may also be the latest evidence that this San Jose State team might have a fatal flaw on its hands.

While the difficulty of the schedule certainly plays a part, SJSU has now given up five or more yards per carry in three of their four games and a total of 13 rushing touchdowns. Five different Spartan defenders had at least ten tackles against Air Force, but they mustered only three tackles for loss on 73 rushing attempts and that’s also been in keeping with their overall performance so far: SJSU has just 3.25 TFLs per game against FBS opponents, which is less than half of what they averaged in 2022.

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Appalachian State vs. Wyoming Cowboys: Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Keys, Predictions

A preview of the App. State Mountaineers vs. Wyoming Cowboys on Sept. 23, 2023, including how to watch, betting odds, keys and predicitions.

Appalachian State vs. Wyoming Cowboys: Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Keys, Predictions

Contact/Follow @KayceeClark and @MWCwire

The Wyoming Cowboys concludes their non-conference schedule with a visit from the Appalachian State Mountaineers.

Only the third all-time meeting between these programs, Wyoming hopes to extend its non-conference home winning streak to double digits. The last Group of 5 team to beat the Pokes at War Memorial Stadium was Eastern Michigan back on Sept. 12, 2015, head coach Craig Bohl’s second season in Laramie.

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WEEK 4: Appalachian State Mountaineers (2-1, 0-0 Pac-12) vs. Wyoming Cowboys (2-1, 0-0 MW)

WHEN: Saturday, September 23rd— 5 PM MST / 7 PM EST

WHERE: War Memorial Stadium (29,181)

TV: CBS Sports Network

STREAMING: Get a free trial with FuboTV

RADIO: Cowboy Sports Network

SERIES RECORD: Cowboys are 1-1 against the Mountaineers since 2004. 0-1 since Appalachian State joined FBS.

LAST MATCHUP: Oct. 3, 2015 – Mountaineers won in Boone, North Carolina 31-13

WEBSITES: GoWyo.com, the official Wyoming athletics website; AppStateSports.com, the official Appalachian State athletics website.

GAME NOTES: Wyoming | Appalachian State

ODDS: Wyoming -3

OVER/UNDER: 43 points

Players to watch

Andrew Peasley OR Evan Svoboda

Questions marks are still circling the quarterback position for Wyoming after the first start for Evan Svoboda at Texas last week. Bohl announced on Sept. 18 at his weekly media press conference that Andrew Peasley was “day-to-day.” However, there hasn’t been any establishment of when a decision will be made on who will start, but Bohl does know it will come down to one decision.

“The measure is going to be, can he throw at a high capacity?” Bohl sad. “When I say high capacity, can he make the throws that he’s going to need to make, for us to win.”

With Peasley’s status currently unknown, it could be Svoboda’s second start against the Mountaineers. He handled the pressure well despite a ranked matchup and the 101,000 fans of DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. Svoboda completed 17 of his 28 attempts for 136 yards with an interception. However, there wasn’t many chances taken to show Svoboda’s arm strength down the field. After two full weeks of practice in a potential starting role, the deep shots will most likely be there against Appalachian State.

If Peasley does start, how healthy will he be? He doesn’t just bring his passing ability but the team’s second leading rusher with 111 yards and a touchdown. As a threat through the air and on the ground, the Cowboys would need to be nearly certain re-injury is unlikely.

Harrison Waylee

­After now being named the starting running back for Wyoming, how does the Northern Illinois transfer build off his ninth career 100-yard game? Bohl added in his media presser this week that Waylee “separated himself,” but the focus is now on him for the Appalachian State defense. He also has not had consecutive games rushing for 100 yards since Sept. 4, and 11, 2021 when he ran for 144 and 179, respectfully.

In addition, the Wyoming offensive line that paved the way for 155 rushing yards and only one sack against Texas last week. A similar performance could allow Waylee to have another break out game for the Cowboys.

If Waylee doesn’t preform, watch out behind him too. The Pokes still have the team’s leading rusher Sam Scott, the explosive D.Q. James and Jamari Ferrell working as a running back by committee.

The Cowboy defensive front

While not a specific player, the Pokes are going to focus on shutting down the Mountaineers most explosive player on offense, Nate Noel. He currently leads the country in rushing yards per game, at 145, and carries per game, with 20. Noel is also second in NCAA FBS in total rushing yards with 435. Some of the defensive players to watch for in particular are LB Shae Suiaunoa, DTs Jordan Bertagnole, Cole Godbout and DE Sebastian Harsh.

Godbout also has quietly been moving up Wyoming’s career tackles for loss list, currently with 24. He is tied for eighth with Ward Dobbs. Keep an eye out for Godbout to move up that list even more.

Keys to the game

Control the clock

Wyoming has done a fantastic job through three games on making sure they control the game. Slow and calculated drives wear down the opponent’s defense and prevents their offense from being able to score any points. The Cowboys currently rank 13th in the country for their time of possession, averaging 33 minutes and 30 seconds per game, which includes a 10:22 drive last week at Texas. If Wyoming keeps the ball out of the Mountaineers hands, a difference of 3,887 feet higher than Boone, NC can let a lot of players get exhausted.

Pressure, pressure, pressure

Appalachian State doesn’t allow pressure to threaten their offense. The team is 31st in the NCAA for rushing yards per game at 196.7. Their line has also only allowed only three sacks so far. Wyoming’s defense has to get in the backfield to disrupt QB Joey Aguilar or any form of the running game with Noel. Without this disruption, the Mountaineers have potential to dominate on offense. This is the same offense that went to double overtime with No. 17 North Carolina (UNC) and allowed zero sacks, in comparison to UNC’s first game with nine sacks.

Positive turnover margin

Wyoming is currently -1 in the turnover margin while Appalachian State is +3. Giving the ball away is not the way to win football games. This comes to both sides of the ball, don’t give the ball to the Mountaineers on mistakes and make sure to force them yourself. In a tight game, the Pokes will need to turn the tide in their favor.

Prediction

This will be a very tight and entertaining game. If both teams play at their highest potential and like they have in previous weeks, it will be one of the best Group of 5 matches, at least of the week. It won’t be filled with fireworks through the air, but dominant rushing attacks from both sides. However, Wyoming will have the more dominant with Waylee, Scott and James. Cowboys head into conference play 3-1.

Wyoming 24, Appalachian State 20

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