With the WAC folding up the Mountain West was able to get the top teams in the conference and expand to twelve teams. That means that they have broken into two divisions for the first time and will have a conference championship. Pretty exciting for a conference that is getting better every year.
With all the new teams, here is how I predict it will go!
Mountain
1. Boise State Broncos (10-2 7-1)
The Broncos slipped a little last year in the post Kellen Moore era, but even them slipping is still a good season for most. QB Joe Southwick is back for his second year as the starter and with the experience from last year he should be a better. If Boise State does slip it could be from their schedule. Their tough opponents are all on the road and only return 9 starters. But this is still Boise State and they'll be coached up very well.
2. Utah State Aggies (8-4 6-2)
After going 11-2 and winning the WAC in it's last year the Aggies move over to the Mountain West where they'll be stepping up in competition. They'll also be doing so without coach Brian Anderson who is now at Wisconsin. But the Aggies return a veteran team lead by QB Cuckie Keeton. With Boise State coming to Logan, don't be shocked if Utah State wins the Mountain Division.
3. Wyoming Cowboys (7-5 4-4)
Slowly but surely the Cowboys are getting better under Dave Christensen. Also helps that QB Brett Smith back for his third year as starter. Wyoming also returns their leading rusher and three out of four top receivers. All that leads the potential for an explosive season. But they'll need their defense to step up from averaging 33 points allowed.
4. Colorado State Rams (5-8 3-5)
With one of the most veteran teams in the Mountain West, the Rams will need that experience if they want to get back to their first bowl game since the 2008 New Mexico Bowl. Heck they even scheduled a extra game to help them out. They return their top two leading rushers which will be the strength of the offense in McElwain's pro style offense. But if CSU wants to get bowl eligible, they need to stay healthy unlike last year.
5. Air Force Falcons (5-7 2-6)
Air Force is always a tough team and it's not because of their offense. It's because they have one of the top coaches in college football. He's got them to six straight bowls which is very impressive considering they are a service academy in a tough conference. This year the Falcons have their work cut out for them trying to replace their two top rushers, one of them was their quarterback.
6. New Mexico Lobos (3-9 0-8)
After winning only four games over the past four season, the Lobos under Bob Davie got four wins last year. That's quite the turnaround. Six wins is not out of the picture at all, but that's if a lot goes their way. They will look for their run game to lead the way where they return most of their line and all three top rushers. However the defense is inexperienced and their growth will be key to their success.
West
1. Fresno State Bulldogs (10-2 6-2)
Last year Fresno State got back to their old ways winning eight games and a tie for first place with Boise State. With 16 returning starters and star QB Derek Carr leading them, it could be an even better year. However they have to travel to San Diego State and San Jose State which will determine who wins the division. If I had to bet, I'd do it on Fresno's experience.
2. San Diego State Aztecs (8-4 6-2)
Rocky Long has done a good job of keeping the momentum going from what Brady Hoke started. Offensively they're hoping for RB Adam Muema will repeat another 1,500 yard season and lead the offense. But the strength of this team is a defense whose front seven is the best in the league. The Fresno game could decide the division.
3. San Jose State Spartans (8-4 6-2)
Despite winning 11 games, the Spartans finished second in the WAC. They'll look to use that momentum to help them contend for the West Division. Pretty remarkable since the San Jose State was the WAC dormat not too long ago. They'll look for David Fales to carry the load against the tougher competition. It also doesn't hurt that they host both Fresno State and San Diego State. Having those two home games and not having Boise on the schedule plays in their favor.
4. Nevada Wolfpack (6-6 5-3)
With longtime innovative coach Chris Ault retired, it should be interesting to see how Nevada does with new coach Brian Polian. They'll still run the famous Pistol, but look for them to do a lot more spread. Luckily QB Cody Fajardo returns which will help the offense. The schedule is manageable and they could be the sleeper in this division, especially if the three teams ahead of them beat up on each other.
5. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (3-9 2-6)
Transitioning from a Run and Shoot offense to the West Coast offense cause a lot of growing pains at first. However Hawaii won their final two games and bring momentum into this season. Also helps that they return 8 starters on both sides of the ball. Having some continuity could allow them to challenge for a bowl. But that's a lot to ask for.
6. UNLV Rebels (3-9 1-7)
Even though UNLV has the most starters returning (18) and are entering Bobby Hauck's fourth season, it doesn't look to bright for the Rebels. They have starters returning, but no real elite players. You can have all the experience in the world, but if you don't have talent, it's hard to win.
All Conference Team
QB: David Fales, San Jose State
RB: Kasey Carrier, New Mexico
RB: Jay Ajayi, Boise State
WR: Davante Adams, Fresno State
WR: Robert Herron, Wyoming
TE: Crockett Gillmore, Colorado State
OT: Charles Leno, Boise State
OG: Nicholas Kaspar, San Jose State
C: Ttyler Larsen, Utah State
OG: LaMar Bratton, New Mexico
OT: Eric Schultz, Utah State
DL: Demarcus Lawrence, Boise State
DL: Travis Raciti, San Jose State
DL: Sam Meredith, San Diego State
DL: Brock Hekking, Nevada
LB: Shaquil Barrett, Colorado State
LB: Jake Fely, San Diego State
LB: Kyler Fackrell, Utah State
CB: LJ Jones, Fresno State
S: John hardy-Tuliau, Hawaii
S: Nat Berhe, San Diego State
CB: Nevin Lawson, Utah State
Offensive Player of the Year: David Fales, San Jose State
Defensive Player of the Year: Demarcus Lawrence, Boise State
Newcomer of the Year: Mercy Maston, Boise State
Coach of the Year: Tim DeRuyter, Fresno State
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