Mountain West Monday

Every Monday we'll review the action over the weekend and see how the Mountain West fared as whole.  The MWC went 6-3 overall and 3-3 against AQ schools to start the season.  Overall it was a pretty impressive weekend for the Mountain West with one glaring exception. There will not be recap for the Wyoming since the rest of this blog does that already.

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Air Force- This one was very close at halftime with the Falcons holding a 24-21 lead over Northwestern State at halftime.  After the break the gloves came off and the Zoomies put up 41 unanswered points to win 65-21.  Next week the Falcons take on BYU. Hmm... who to root for in this game?

BYU - Washington failed in their attempt to knock off BYU and continue the Heisman campaign for QB Jake Locker.  The Cougars 10 points in the third quarter were the only by either team in the 2nd half as they won 23-17.  The two QB package of Riley and Heaps actually worked fairly well with each QB throwing for 131 yards.

Colorado State- Yes, Wyoming fans love it when CSU loses but this is one game I would have been ok if they had won this one.  The Colorado Buffs won the Rocky Mountain Showdown that was played at Invesco Field 24-3.   Rams true freshman QB Pete Thomas had three interceptions is his college debut.

New Mexico- This game almost undid all the great work that other teams like TCU and Utah achieved this weekend.  The Lobos were pounded 72-0 to Oregon and the countdown to firing Mike Locksley will hopefully be in full gear. 

San Diego State- The Aztecs flexed their offensive firepower with a 42-0 win over Nicholls State.  Ryan Lindley threw for 300+ yards and two scores to Demarco Sampson.  The running game was also impressive with three runners gaining over 60 yards.  Could be more of the same as San Diego State travels to New Mexico State next week.

TCU- The biggest for any Mountain West took place in Jerry's World and TCU lived up to the hype with a 30-21 victory over #25 Oregon State.  Hopefully this will help the Horned Frogs in terms of the media and exposure they get during their quest for a second BCS Bowl game.

UNLV- Bobby Hauck lost in coaching debut for UNLV but at least the Rebels showed some fight in them before succumbing to Wisconsin  41-21.  Mike Clausen failed in his debut as starting QB and Omar Clayton showed better leadership.  Hopefully Clayton will get the starters job back so I can use my job about being the starting QB at UNLV for the last seven years.  Maybe not seven but it sure feels that way!

Utah - Big propers go the Utes who  took down the #18 Pittsburgh Panthers and started the awful weekend for the Big East.  This game would have been much more compelling if Utah was staying with the Mountain West next year.  Tied 24-24 and heading into overtime the Utes got a field goal to seal the victory in the first OT.

Future Members of the Mountain West:

Fresno State- The Bulldogs gave Cincinnati and the Big East another black by taking down the Bearcats 28-14.  We'll see how Cincy does after losing their coach to Notre Dame last year.  My guess is they will fall back down to earth after the last couple good years.  But still great game by Fresno and hope they can keep it up the rest of the way. 

Nevada- The Wolf Pack continued their offensive wonders as they crushed Eastern Washington 49-24.  This disappointment here was the attendance with only 16,000 showing up for the game in Reno.

Boise State- Will face #10 Virgina Tech this evening at FedEx Field.  All eyes will be on the Broncos and Hokies in almost a must win game for either team.  Boise needs a decisive victory to help fulfill their aspirations of a shot at a National Title.  Frank Beamer want to get the monkey of his back after so many early season losses during this coaching career.