Finishing Up with the Mountain West

This week we have taken a look at the Mountain West conference.It is exciting football that they play if you enjoy lots of scoring. By now, we should have an idea of how each team will finish. Let us take a look at the standings.

Mountain Division

1. Boise State 9-3, 6-2*

2. Wyoming 9-3, 6-2

3. New Mexico 8-4, 5-3

4. Air Force 8-4, 5-3

5. Colorado State 4-8, 2-6

6. Utah State 4-8, 2-6

Boise State makes a trip to the conference championship as they defeat Wyoming. Wyoming is our biggest mover as they go from 2-6 to 6-2. New Mexico rounds out the top three as they stay par to last year's record.

West Division

1. San Diego State 10-2, 6-2*

2. San Jose State 7-5, 6-2

3. Nevada 9-3, 6-2

4. UNLV 4-8, 2-6

5. Fresno State 2-10, 1-7

6. Hawaii 3-10, 0-8

You don't know the struggle of going through all of the tiebreaker rules for a three team tie in the Mountain West Conference. Once you go through all of the stipulations, the final one is the College Football Playoff poll. Given that San Diego State has a 10-2 record, I feel like they might be the only one ranked at season's end. San Jose State finishes second because they beat Nevada in the regular season. San Diego State falls to Boise State in the conference championship knocking them out of any consideration for the playoff. 

Bowl Eligible Teams

San Diego State

Nevada

Boise State

Air Force

Wyoming

New Mexico

San Jose State

Conference Player of the Year (Offense)

Brett Rypien, Boise State Quarterback

Conference Player of the Year (Defense)

Dakota Cox, New Mexico Linebacker

Conference Coach of the Year

Craig Bohl, Wyoming

College Football Preview: Wyoming

Wyoming Cowboys

2015 Results: 2-10 (2-6, 6th in Mountain)

Returning Starters: 9 OFF, 8 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd NORTHERN ILLINOIS

10th at Nebraska

17th UC DAVIS

24th at Eastern Michigan

October

1st at Colorado State

8th AIR FORCE

22nd at Nevada

29th BOISE STATE

November

5th UTAH STATE

12 at UNLV

19th SAN DIEGO STATE

26th at New Mexico

The Cowboys had a rough go at it last year. The young team took their lumps as they are the only team in the conference who lost to an FCS team. However, this team could be the best they've had in years. If their young talent can learn how to win, this team could have one of the better turnarounds of any team in the nation. 

Sophomore Josh Allen will take over the offense. Coach Craig Bohl said that Allen has the strongest arm of anyone in the Mountain West, but that he didn't know where the ball would be when it got to where it was going. Junior tailback Brian Hill returns and will be a force for the Cowboys on offense. All receivers returning will be seniors this year so Allen will have plenty of experience to throw at. The offensive line returns four and should have an easy time blocking for Hill.

The defense is young. They will need to be tested before it is clear how much they have improved. The defense will start six sophomores and a freshman. The early part of the schedule will give them plenty of in-game experience for the second half of the season in conference. Free safety Andrew Wingard returns for his sophomore season after making the freshman All-American team last year. 

Player to Watch: Brian Hill

Hill is a monster. Last season, he rushed for 1,631 yards as a sophomore. For him to do nearly as much damage, the passing game will have to hit the ground running. Hill was a former safety in high school before Bohl talked him into coming to Wyoming to play running back. Hill is now one of the top running backs in the conference, and will pick up right where he left off last year.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/10 at Nebraska

This early season match-up will give fans an idea of where the team is. It will also give Wyoming a television spot in the midwest that will bolster their recruiting in the area.

What to Expect

The schedule works out for the Cowboys. They have top teams from the conference at home (Air Force, Boise State, and San Diego State). The Cowboys could also have a season that they remember for a long time. If the young team can hit the ground running, other teams will have a hard time stopping them.

Prediction

9-3 (6-2, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: Utah State

Utah State Aggies

2015 Results: 6-7 (5-3, 3rd in Mountain)

Lost to Akron in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 3 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

1st WEBER STATE

10th at Southern Cal

17th ARKANSAS STATE

24th AIR FORCE

October

1st at Boise State

8th at Colorado State

22nd FRESNO STATE

29th SAN DIEGO STATE

November

5th at Wyoming

12th NEW MEXICO

19th at Nevada

26th at Brigham Young

The Aggies featured one of the conferences top defenses. Ranked 17th nationally, they will face a lot of turnovers on the defensive side as a few have moved on to the professional level. This year's defense will be a huge rebuilding process seeing as the Aggies will have a new defensive coordinator. 

Offense won't be a problem for Utah State. They return 6 starters, but have 10 players with starting experience. Quarterback Kent Myers will come into this season as his first starting full time. He filled in for Chuckie Keeton and excelled. Along with Myers, two more of last year's top rushers return. Devante Mays and LaJuan Hunt return. The three combined last season for over 1,600 yards. Three return on the offensive line that will be able to open the holes for the Aggies' rushing attack. Seniors Andrew Rodriguez and Wyatt Houston return to lead a new group of receivers.

The defense will need to rebuild. Only three return from 2015 which saw one of the best defenses they've had in Logan in a long time. It is very likely that all starting jobs will be open to competition when fall comes around. Only five positions are expected to be fill with seniors. It could be a long season with this unproven defense. Similar to UNLV, Utah State will need to be ready for some shootouts if their defense doesn't get going quickly.

Player to Watch: Kent Myers

Myers will lead the Aggies on offense. The dual threat quarterback is one of the most athletic players in the conference. Last season, Myers threw for 1,593 yards, 16 TDs, and only three interceptions. He also ran for 966 yards. There's not much that he can't do.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/10 at Southern Cal

The USC game will be a tough way to open the season, but it should get the Aggies a lot of exposure. The Trojans will have a defense needing rebuilt like Utah State. This could be a high scoring affair, and if it turns out like that, it could be anyone's game.

What to Expect

The Aggies will put up a lot of points, but their defense will give up nearly as much. They lost too much to pick up right where they left off. It is had to imagine that they will keep their five year bowl streak alive.

Prediction

4-8 (2-6, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: UNLV

UNLV Rebels

2015 Results: 3-9 (2-6, 5th in West)

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 6 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

1st JACKSON STATE

10th at UCLA

17th at Central Michigan

24th IDAHO

October

1st FRESNO STATE

8th at San Diego State

15th at Hawaii

22nd COLORADO STATE

29th at San Jose State

November

12th WYOMING

18th at Boise State

26th NEVADA

Tony Sanchez brought a lot of excitement when he took over as head coach of UNLV prior to last season. After going 3-9 with the roster he inherited, the Rebels are on the upswing. Defense hurt UNLV last year, as they were ranked near the bottom in most categories.The upcoming year will have its share of bumps and bruises, but the Rebels are on their way back.

Johnny Stanton will be calling the signals for the Rebels. After beginning his college career at Nebraska, he ended up going the junior college route before coming to UNLV. An All-American last season, Stanton will have plenty of talent around him to get the ball rolling. UNLV does have the best receiving corp in the conference. Devonte Boyd and Kendal Keys both return for their junior seasons. The two combined for 97 catches, 1,419 yards, and 13 TDs. UNLV also has the luxury of returning their top four rushers from a year ago. Speedster Lexington Thomas ran for 506 yards as a true freshman a year ago. He will be running this year behind a bigger offensive line that will be anchored by senior Will Kreitler.

The defense is't much to take home aside from junior defensive end Mike Hughes. The Rebels gave up 457.3 yards per game last season, but they actually might be improved this coming year. Linebackers Ryan McAleeman and Tau Lotulelei both return to a group that also added a lot of players who came in via transfer. Last year's pass rush was one of the worst in the nation. They should improve this year as they have bulked up their front end. 

Player to Watch: Mike Hughes

The junior returns to the Rebels and they really need him. Hughes is a preseason All-Mountain West players, and he will be a big part of holding down the front seven, and the key to the Rebels' success on defense this year.

If you only watch them once, watch:

11/26 Nevada

The battle for the state of Nevada takes place as the last game of the regular season for each of these teams. Last year, UNLV shocked the Wolf Pack in Reno. This year's contest takes place in Las Vegas. 

What to Expect

This year's team will be improved. The defense might not be able to hold down most teams, so the offense needs to be ready for shootouts. Next year should be a better year for the Rebels, but they're on their way.

Prediction

4-8 (2-6, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1thUNLV

College Football Preview: San Jose State

San Jose State Spartans

2015 Results: 6-4 (4-4, 3rd in West)

Defeated Georgia State in Cure Bowl

Returning Starters: 8 OFF, 6 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule:

September

3rd at Tulsa

10th PORTLAND STATE

17th UTAH

24th at Iowa State

October

1st at New Mexico

8th HAWAII

15th NEVADA

21st at San Diego State

29th UNLV

November

5th at Boise State

19th AIR FORCE

26th at Fresno State

Because there weren't enough winning teams last year, a few 5-7 teams were invited to bowls. San Jose State was one of them. The Spartans were one of a few teams in history to have won their bowl game, but have a losing record. They were led by young talent, but faced a difficult schedule. This year, they still have a tough one.

Senior Kenny Potter returns at starting quarterback to lead an experienced offense. The only position lacking a returning starter is running back. Junior Thomas Tucker is expected to get the nod, but the Spartans will likely be running back by committee. Potter's favorite targets, tight end Billy Freeman and wide out Tyler Winston both return. Four starters return to the offensive line. This offense will be seasoned after playing last year's rough campaign, and should turn the corner this year moving forward. 

Former Eastern Michigan head coach Ron English will take over the job of defensive coordinator. In his first year, this defense will be shuffled around. Three of the front seven return, however, five in the group are seniors including linebacker Christian Tago. Tago is the best NFL prospect on this team despite being undersized for his position. As a fourth year starter, he will be the vocal leader of this team. The secondary returns half of a unit that ranked second in the nation while only allowing 157.8 passing yards per game.

Player to Watch: Kenny Potter

Potter is classified as a pocket passer, but if needed, he can use his legs. This will be his second season starting for the Spartans and he has already established himself as the most accurate passer in the conference. 

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/17 Utah

This game will played at home, so there is nothing certain. The fact that Utah will be playing Southern Cal the following week might work out to San Jose's advantage.

What to Expect

The Spartans have improved each year under head coach Ron Caragher. It's almost certain that with as much talent coming back as they have that the trend will continue. However, a difficult schedule that includes road games to San Diego State and Boise will be key moments in the development of this team.

Prediction

7-5 (6-2, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: San Diego State

San Diego State Aztecs

2015 Results: 11-3 (8-0, 1st in West)

Defeated Air Force in Mountain West Championship

Defeated Cincinnati in Hawaii Bowl

Returning Starters: 7 OFF, 7 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd NEW HAMPSHIRE

10th CALIFORNIA

17th at Northern Illinois

October

1st at South Alabama

8th UNLV

15th at Fresno State

21st SAN JOSE STATE

29th at Utah State

November

5th HAWAII

12th at Nevada

19th at Wyoming

26th COLORADO STATE

San Diego State was one of the surprises from a season ago. After starting 1-3, the Aztecs ran off 10 straight wins. They return key players from that team while suffering minimal loses. This team is a lock to be ranked in the Top 25 to start the season, and almost a shoe-in to repeat as conference champs.

Sophomore Christian Chapman was thrown into the fire last season when starter Maxwell Smith went down. Chapman was Offensive Player of the Game in the Mountain West Championship. Lining up beside him will be the reigning Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year in Donnel Pumphrey. The Aztecs return a deep receiving corps that will be led by junior Mikah Holder.

The Aztecs might have one of the best defenses in the nation going into the season. Last year, they ranked in the top 10 in all major categories. They only allowed 16.4 points and 287.3 yards per game. Leading the defense will be corner Damontae Kazee. Kazee could be an All-American this coming season. Aside from winning Defensive Player of the Year in the conference, Kazee had 8 interceptions which tied him for the nation's lead. Senior safety Malik Smith returns to a deep secondary for the Aztecs. Along side him is Na'im McGee who was the second leading tackler on the team. The line is worrisome as they only have one starter returning. At linebacker, Calvin Munson returns a year after leading the team in tackles with 98. He also tallied 15 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.

Player to Watch: Donnel Pumphrey

Pumphrey is currently the active leader in rushing yards (4,272) and all-purpose yards (5,145). He looks poised to defend his award, and also carry this team on his back.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/10 California

The Golden Bears murdered the Aztecs last year. This year, they don't have a definitive answer at quarterback. If this game was later in the year, the result might be different. When SDSU welcomes Cal, you best believe they will remember the 35-7 whooping they took last season.

What to Expect

The Aztecs are on undefeated alert. Don't be surprised if they start out hot and catch the nation off guard. It's almost a lock that they will repeat as conference champs, but don't overlook trips to Nevada and Wyoming late in November.

Prediction

10-2 (6-2, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: New Mexico

New Mexico Lobos

2015 Results: 7-6 (5-3, 2nd in Mountain)

Lost to Arizona in New Mexico Bowl

Returning Starters: 5 OFF, 9 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd SOUTH DAKOTA
10th at New Mexico State

17th at Rutgers

October

1st SAN JOSE STATE

7th BOISE STATE

15th at Air Force

22nd LOUISIANA-MONROE

29th at Hawaii

November

5th NEVADA

12th at Utah State

19th at Colorado State

26th WYOMING

After seeing his teams go 11-26 in his first three seasons, Bob Davie might have just turned the corner with New Mexico. Fresh off their first bowl game since 2007, The Lobos now look to take a step forward in an attempt to play in a bowl outside of their own state. Year 5 under Davie is surrounded with plenty of optimism due to the fact that this might be the best defense New Mexico has had in recent memory.

New Mexico's calling card on offense is their productive rushing attack. Last year, the Lobos averaged 252.2 rushing yards per game. That was good enough to see them ranked in the top 10 rushing of the nation. Senior tailback Teriyon Gipson returns as the team's second leading rusher from a year ago. The quarterback situation is a two-man show. Junior Lamar Jordan is the legs while senior Austin Apodaca is the arm. New Mexico also returns their two leading receivers from last year. Dameon Gamblin led the team with 35 catches for 424 yards last season. One wrinkle in the offense is former quarterback Cole Gautsche will make the move to tight end.

The 437.6 yards per game given up by New Mexico's defense last year was actually an improvement. The year before, they were giving up 519.2. The defensive unit returns 9 starters. All six up front are back, and three of the five-man secondary return also. The defense will be led by the linebackers. All are returning, and have plenty of experience. 

Player to Watch: Dakota Cox

Cox returns as a senior after leading the team in tackles for the previous three years. With the linebackers being the best position on this side of the ball, look to Cox for the leadership needed to get this defense over the hump

If you only watch them once, watch:

10/7 Boise State

Last year, New Mexico knocked off Boise on the road and ended the Broncos chances at the conference championship. This year, they come south to the desert. This game has conference championship game implications. It should make for an exciting game.

What to Expect

New Mexico is a Dark Horse pick for an outside contender in the Mountain West. With senior leadership on both sides of the ball, they'll be tough to beat. If the offensive line can make the holes, they can score with the best of the conference. If the defense continues to improve, they won't have to score as much. Having Boise, Wyoming, and Nevada at home means that the schedule will work out in their favor.

Prediction

8-4 (5-3, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: Nevada

Nevada Wolf Pack

2015 Results: 7-6 (4-4, 2nd in West)

Defeated Colorado State in Arizona Bowl

Returning Starters: 9 OFF, 5 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

2nd CAL POLY

10th at Notre Dame

17th BUFFALO

24th at Purdue

October

 1st at Hawaii

8th FRESNO STATE

15th at San Jose State

22nd WYOMING

November

5th at New Mexico

12th SAN DIEGO STATE

19th UTAH STATE
26th at UNLV

Nevada took part in an uncommon event last year: playing a team in a bowl from your own conference. By defeating Colorado State, Nevada was able to secure a winning record for the second straight season under head coach Brian Polian. However, fans are becoming worried. It wasn't that long ago that the Wolf Pack were 13-1 and the cream of the crop. This team that will be on the field this year will give the fans more optimism than teams in recent past. Nevada has the second most starters returning of any team in the conference. That experience will see them in the race for the West Division late in the season.

Nevada will have a new Offensive Coordinator this year in Tim Cramsey. Cramsey comes over from Montana State and is expected to put a jolt into the offense that was has been under performing for the past couple of season. He inherits an offense that is as good as any in recent memory. Senior quarterback Tyler Stewart returns after throwing for 2,139 yards and 15 TDs last season. In the backfield, he will be flanked by junior tailback James Butler and former Penn State back Akeel Lynch. The Wolf Pack had two 1,000 yard rushers last year. These two could definitely continue that trend. Three of the four pass catchers will be seniors. The offense line will be returning everyone.

Defense is where Nevada could break. The good news is that they return all of their secondary. Sophomore safeties Asauni Rufus and Dameon Baber will be the anchors of the unit. As freshmen last year, Rufus led the team in tackles (105), and Baber recorded 6 INTs. The front seven is where the question marks are. Only one starter returns, Salesa Faraimo, and he wasn't a main contributor a year ago. True Freshman Gabe Sewell is expected to start at linebacker in what is a very inexperienced front seven. 

Player to Watch: James Butler

After being the backup last year, Butler is expected to get the bulk of the carries this season. As that backup, Butler ran for 1,345 yards and scored 10 TDs. Nevada is all about the run game. Butler will be the main man for this offense.

If you only watch them once, watch:

11/12 San Diego State

Last year's conference champs make the trip to what could be this year's conference champs in the middle of November. The winner of this game will control their own destiny towards the Mountain West Championship.

What to Expect

If Nevada's defense can hold their ground, the sky is the limit. This offense can win a few games on their own, but for this team to live up to their potential, the defense will have to play a lot better than they look on paper.

Prediction

9-3 (6-2, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: Hawaii

Hawaii Warriors

2015 Results: 3-10 (0-8, 6th in West)

Returning Starters: 5 OFF, 4 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

August

27th California (Sydney, Australia)

September

3rd at Michigan

10th TENNESSEE-MARTIN

17th at Arizona

October

 1st NEVADA

8th at San Jose State

15th UNLV

22nd at Air Force

29th NEW MEXICO

November

5th at San Diego State

12th BOISE STATE

19th at Fresno State

26th MASSACHUSETTS

For Nick Rolovich, his first head coaching job will be a challenge. Hawaii hasn't been to a bowl since 2010, and their combined record for those years is 17-49. Rolovich teams up with his former teammates at Hawaii Brian Smith and Craig Stutzmann. Both coaches will be offensive coordinators; one for the run and the other for the pass game. The new offense is expected to be a hybrid of the run-and-shoot with the read-option. The days of record-setting quarterbacks at Hawaii might just be over, eventually.

The quarterback race is on. Three are in the competition, and it looks as though it will come down to the wire. Currently, it appears that Ikaika Woolsey is the favorite, but Beau Reilly and Aaron Zwahlen are not far behind. The issue is experience. Woolsey is the only one of the three to take a collegiate snap being as the other two are returning from mission trips. The Warriors will have a four-back rotation. Junior Diocemy Saint Juste will likely get the bulk of the snaps after missing last season with a hamstring injury. Paul Harris also returns to the backfield after running for 1,100 yards a season ago. Receivers are decent, but nothing to write home about with Marcus Kemp being the only real experienced player.

Hawaii was hoping to switch this season from the 3-4 to the 4-3. Implementing the switch during the spring was difficult to near impossible with injuries and suspensions slowing the learning process. For the spring game, Hawaii only had three defensive ends able to play, all of which were walk-ons. Linebackers Jahlani Tavai and Jerrol Garcia-Williams return to hold down what is left of the defense. No one returns from a year ago for the secondary.

Player to Watch: Marcus Kemp

Forget the change in offensive philosophy. Kemp will be the prize of the Warriors. The 6'4" receiver will garner opposing team's attention as he leads the new offense change. Kemp has 1,470 receiving yards and 5 TDs in his career. As long as the injury bug doesn't bite him again, he's likely to have his best season by far as a senior.

If you only watch them once, watch:

8/27 California (Sydney, Australia)

Because why not? It's football outside of the country, and despite what you might believe, Hawaii will have a decent shot at an upset. Cal will be breaking in a new quarterback, and travel for who knows how long to get to the game. It will be just another normal road game for the Warriors.

What to Expect

Not much. Nick Rolovich is the only new coach in the conference. He will be overhauling the entire team by switching up the offense and the defense. This will take time, but it just might work. It just won't be this year.

Prediction

3-10 (1-7, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: Fresno State

Fresno State Bulldogs

2015 Results: 3-9 (2-6, 4th in West)

Returning Starters: 5 OFF, 4 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule:

September

3rd at Nebraska

10th SACRAMENTO STATE

17th at Toledo

24th TULSA

October

1st at UNLV

8th at Nevada

15th SAN DIEGO STATE

22nd at Utah State

28th AIR FORCE

November

5th at Colorado State

19th HAWAII
26th SAN JOSE STATE

Fresno State has a rough go of late. After going 11-2 in his second year as head coach, Tim DeRuyter has seen his only go 9-17 over the past two. The seat is warm. DeRuyter has yet to find Derek Carr's replacement as the Bulldogs have gone through 6 starting quarterbacks in two years. The team hopes that they have the right guy on the roster now.

Chason Virgil was a 4-star recruit when he came to Fresno. Starting as a true freshman, Virgil's season was cut short when he was out for the season after only three games with a broken clavicle. Virgil wasn't setting any records with his performances, but was playing as well as any true freshman would be expected to. DeRuyter is hoping that Virgil can turn the corner this year, and be the future for the Bulldogs. The offense has been simplified. Senior center Jacob Vazquez will be calling line protection audibles pre-snap and that should take a load off the young quarterback. The skill positions are deep. Wide receivers KeeSean Johnson and Da'Mari Scott are going to be relied upon to provide a spark that was lacking a year ago.

The defense has had a hard time adjusting to DeRuyter's 3-4 philosophy. Statistically, the Bulldogs were ranked near the bottom of the nation last season in all major categories. Long run, they have consistently given up more points per game each season for the previous four. In 2012, they gave up 23.8. Last year, that number ballooned up to 38.1. With only four starters returning, it is shaping up to be another long year. The secondary will be the Bulldogs' calling card. Senior cornerbacks Tyquwan Glass and Jamal Ellis lead the group.

Player to Watch: Tyquwan Glass

The senior corner was named to the second team preseason All-MWC. Last year, he recorded 62 tackles, 4 INTs, and 6 pass breakups. This is the glue that will hold the back line together for the Bulldogs. Opposing quarterbacks will know where he is on the field at all times.

If you only watch them once, watch:

11/19 Hawaii

This contest will feature two programs that are rebuilding in the Mountain West. It is safe to say that the game might not be as glamorous as others this season, but it could decide who is fifth in the western division

What to Expect

The Bulldogs have nowhere to go but up. There will be plenty of growing pains, but for the most part, they have a young nucleus. If Virgil can get going and establish himself as "the guy", this team is a year or two away. 

Prediction

2-10 (1-7, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: Colorado State

Colorado State Rams

2015 Results: 7-6 (5-4, 5th in Mountain)

Lost to Nevada in Arizona Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 4 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

2nd Colorado (Denver)

10th TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO

17th NORTHERN COLORADO
24th at Minnesota

October

1st WYOMING

8th UTAH STATE

15th at Boise State

22nd at UNLV

November

5th FRESNO STATE

12th at Air Force

19th NEW MEXICO

26th at San Diego State

After a rough start last year, Colorado State rallied back to win it's final four games to reach it's third straight bowl game. With success often times comes loss. The Rams' all-time leading receiver Rashard Higgins skipped his senior year for the NFL. Before this season even starts, fans are already braced for another loss that is coming. Hughes Stadium, the home for the Rams since 1968, will see its final season. Next year, the Rams will be able to leave their dorm and walk to games on Saturdays rather than taking a three mile bus ride they have grown use to.

The offense lost quite a bit, however, it seems to be the unit that is up for the challenge of the upcoming season. The quarterback race is open despite junior Nick Stevens being preseason All-MWC second team. Graduate transfer Faton Bauta (Georgia) followed former offensive coordinator Mike Bobo to the mountains. True freshman Collin Hill enrolled early to get in shape for the elevation that makes playing at CSU all the more tougher. Bobo will be going running back by committee. Former Purdue tailback Dalyn Dawkins returns as the leading rusher from a year ago. Dawkins ran for 867 yards as a sophomore, but will be sharing time. The Rams lost their top two receivers. Newcomers will be relied upon heavily in the coming year. The offensive line has four starters returning.

The defense will be the story of how the Rams' season goes. With only four starters returning, it is already being called a rebuilding year. Linebacker Kevin Davis returns as last years leading tackler (101) and he also led the team in tackles for loss (14). His running mate will be fellow senior Deonte Clyburn. The linebackers will be the strongest unit on this defense. Up front, the Rams lost everyone. No one returns for the defensive line, and only one in the secondary. The secondary is so thin, wide out Jordon Vaden has been moved to cornerback for the upcoming season. 

Player to Watch: Nick Stevens

Stevens isn't a certain bet to win the starting job, but he will more than likely. He is the second best quarterback in the conference behind Brett Rypien from Boise State. Stevens threw for 2,679 yards as a sophomore and 21 TDs. The catch? He lost his two leading targets. What Stevens needs to do is adjust to the competition while finding out how to play without Higgins and Joe Hansley. 

If you only watch them once, watch:

11/19 New Mexico

After a long season, the contest against New Mexico will be the last that Hughes Stadium will see. 

What to Expect

The Rams will have an offense that is middle of the pack, or better, depending on who calls the signals. If it is Stevens, he will have to adjust to his new surrounding partners. However, it is hard to believe that Bobo would accept a grad transfer and not expect to play him. The defense is to inexperienced to carry this team. For the Rams to have success, the defense must step up and fast.

Prediction

4-8 (2-6, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: Boise State

Boise State Broncos

2015 Results: 9-4 (5-3, 4th in Mountain)

Defeated Northern Illinois in Poinsettia Bowl

Returning Starters: 9 OFF, 4 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd at Louisiana

10th WASHINGTON STATE

24th at Oregon State

October

1st UTAH STATE

7th at New Mexico

15th COLORADO STATE

20th BRIGHAM YOUNG

29th at Wyoming

November

5th SAN JOSE STATE

12th at Hawaii

18th UNLV

25th at Air Force

We all know that Boise State is known for their offense, but what if I told you that they put on one of the best games defensively that has ever been seen? The Broncos faced off against Northern Illinois in last year's edition of the Poinsettia Bowl. NIU was averaging 426.6 yards per game and 34.9 points. The Broncos held them to 33 total yards!! NIU did score a touchdown, but it came from their defense. Since then, the Broncos have lost most of their contributors from that unit. Coming off a 9-4 season, one would imagine that the fan base would be pretty stoked anywhere aside from Tuscaloosa or Norman, but when these fans have seen their team win 10+ games in 11 of 15 years, the expectations are always high.

There is no question, this team will put up a ton of points. An offense that averaged 39.1 per game last year could do you one better this year. True Sophomore quarterback Brett Rypien is one of the nine starters on offense returning. The receivers are led by senior wide outs Thomas Sperbeck and Chaz Anderson. Tight end Jake Roh will be a production factor also. Rypien will have plenty of weapons around him on offense this year. The O-line returns four, but lacks depth and any injury would be critical. Don't be surprised even with the amount returning to see true freshman contributing on the offensive side of the ball. 

With only four starters returning, the defense will be tested constantly. There are no returners on the front line, but Sam McCaskill is the defensive end who has the most experience. Boise returns three of its top 5 tacklers from a year ago in linebackers Ben Weaver, Tanner Vallejo, and Joe Martarano. The secondary is the biggest question mark. Returning corner Jonathan Moxey and safety Chanceller James will be called upon to provide senior leadership for the depleted defense.

Player to Watch: Brett Rypien

Rypien will begin his first full season as a starter. The true sophomore was impressive as a freshman, but lacked consistency with his ability to deliver the long ball as the season went on. However, he did complete 63.6% of his passes for 3,350 yards with 20 TDs and only 8 INTs. Rypien is by far the best quarterback in the conference with most teams still undecided on their starter. Look for impressive numbers from yet another underrated Boise quarterback.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/24 at Oregon State

Oregon State will be the Broncos second Pac-12 opponent in a row. They will have two weeks to prepare for the road trip after they face Washington State. 

What to Expect

The Broncos will look to return to the Mountain West Championship after a one-year absence. They do have a very difficult road schedule, but if they can make it 5-0 in October, they should be sitting pretty when they take on the West Division winner.

Prediction

9-3 (6-2, MWC)

-Dug 

@chansm1th