2007 Mountain West Preview

The Mountain West is the reaon for the new BCS format. Remeber Utah a few years ago? Well, they were the first mid major to win a BCS game, and now, if you win this conference, you might go to a major bowl game. Not bad, huh? So, who will win it this year? Will the champ go to the BCS? Read on!

Who's New:

Troy Calhoun-Air Force

Who's on the Hot Seat:

Sonny Lubick-Colorado St
Mike Sanford-UNLV
Joe Glenn-Wyoming


9. Air Force Falcons. All you need to know is the West Coast offense is the new system, sprinkled with the option attack the Falcons have used for years. This team is a few years from being mediocre, and Troy Calhoun may regret leaving the Texans for the Falcons, but needs time to get things done.

8. UNLV Rebels. The spread option did not work well for the Rebs last year, but there is otimism this could be a breakout year for the Rebs. 13 starters return, but if things do not get better, expect a new man in 2008. Finding an O-line and QB are the offense's top priorities, and establishing the front 7 is the defensive priority.

7. San Diego St Aztecs. The good new for Chuck Long is this-9 starters return on the Aztec offense. The bad-only 4 return on defense. Expect the rushing game to be vital to the Aztecs this year-but someone MUST emerge at QB. On defense, help everywhere is needed. Believe it or not-this could be a 6-6 team this year.

6. Wyoming Cowboys. A surprise to say the least, winning 5 of the last 7 games last year to go 6-6. But the lack of depth on the O-line, and on the D-line mean this is another rebuilding year for the Cowboys. A 6-6 year would not be too far a stretch.

5. Colorado St Rams. Now normally, if you return 17 starters, you might be onto something special. Not so fast my friend! The CSU Rams went 4-8 last year, and the savior of the program head coach Sonny Lubick has fans wondering about the direction of the program. There is enough talent to win, but will the players buy into it? There are just too many questions, but if the Rams get a winning season, expect Lubick to stay.

4. BYU Cougars. The defending champs drop a bit, but find themselves in the hunt to go to a bowl game. QB John Beck is in the NFL, and the Cougars must find one this year. The WR"s should do some damage, led by Austin Collie-back from a mission. The defense should be solid, but the secondary needs help. I have to admit, I love the uniforms (back to the 80's style!), and the name of the coach, Bronco Mendehall. But the Cougars should be in the picture in 2008.

3. Utah Utes. With 9 starters back on offense, the Utes should pick up where they left off last year. But if the Utes want to win their 7th straight bowl game-they must get help on defense fast-only 5 starters return. The spread offense still works for the Utes, and they should go far, but there are some grumblings in Utah about Kyle Whittingham, who needs a strong season so he is not on the hot seat in 2008.

2. New Mexico Lobos. Yes, you heard me. 2007 is the year of the Lobos, a mind blowing 18 starters return to head coach Rocky Long, and they have a great outlook. They were young last year, but now are a veteran bunch of players. Despite running a new offense (not uncommon for Long), the time to put it in and teach players and assistants may give them a leg up on the early part of the season. NM started and finished spring ball later than most teams. Expect a bowl game this year for the Lobos, and possibly more if they can unseat:

1. TCU Horned Frogs. Gary Patterson is on the breakout team of 2007. In 3 of the last 4 years, the Frogs have 11 win seasons. Only Texas and USC can claim that as well. For several years, this team has been on the verge, the outside looking in, and jumped to the MW to possibly get a BCS berth. Andy Dalton is expected to take over at QB, but the WR's could be a question. The defense returns 9 starters (TCU returns 4 on offense), and that side is as Ron White says "Loaaaaaddddeeeddd!". Remember 2005 when TCU shocked Oklahoma? Texas better watch out on Sept 8. If TCU pulls that one off, the only blip on the radar is Nov 8 at BYU after that. TCU is my pick to be the Boise St of 2007.