MWC Report: Week 7

MWC week 6 pack it in, welcome week 7

With week 6 in the books already, this 2010 FBS season is going by quickly, next thing you know its bowl season already; can we halt this a bit so we can enjoy it before you know it football is gone from us again. Anyway, there were a couple surprises last week in the MWC and a majority of “yeah I knew that would happen” type of games; like the New Mexico and New Mexico State game, like I said don’t expect any offense in that game.

The Class Act in the MWC
TCU HORNED FROGS currently ranked 4th in the nation, they can thank Alabama for their lost and better TCU’s chances of a possible bid in the title game. They have an upcoming 3 game stretch that’ll be their meat of the schedule, they can tough it out and win out, who knows what’ll happen within the BCS Rankings. They welcome BYU this week, play 23rd ranked Air Force following week and got a date with another MWC powerhouse 11th ranked Utah, none are easy outs for the Horned Frogs. They’re currently the top ranked defense in the nation, 2nd in points allowed with 10.2 ppg and just had back to back shutouts to extend their regular season winning streak to 19. They are playing at home this week where they have outscored their opponents 152-17.

Week 6 recap
• Colorado State – 27 @ Air Force – 49
• Wyoming – 0 @ TCU – 45
• UNLV – 10 @ West Virginia – 49
• SDSU – 21 @ BYU – 24
• UTAH – 68 @ Iowa State – 27
• New Mexico – 14 @ New Mexico State – 16

WEEK 6 STANDOUT PLAYERS
• Colorado State – RB – Leonard Mason 22car 139yds 1td
• Air Force – RB – Asher Clark 17car 125yds 1td
• Air Force – WR – Zach Kauth 3rec 85yds 2td
• TCU – QB – Andy Dalton 14-17 270yds 3tds
• TCU – RB – Ed Wesley 17car 115yds 1td
• TCU – rushed as a team for a total of 305yds
• SDSU – QB – Ryan Lindley 20-34 220yds 3tds 1int
• SDSU – WR – Vincent Brown 6rec 101yds 1td
• BYU – RB – JJ Di Luigi 22car 134yds 1td
• BYU – RB – Bryan Kariya 22car 85yds 2tds
• UTAH – RB – Eddie Wide 13car 71yds 2td 4rec 46yds 1td
• UTAH – QB – Jordan Wynn 23-31 325yds 2td 1int
• UTAH – WR – DeVonte Christopher 6rec 124yds 1td

WEEK 7 GAMES:

UNLV @ Colorado State – if the Rams RB Mason can continue to run well, I’ll take the Rams in this one. UNLV QB Omar Clayton should keep this one interesting though but at home, Rams come out with the victory. UNLV – 17 @ CSU – 27

(11) Utah @ Wyoming – what are the chances for Wyoming to face TCU one week only to follow it up against Utah. Wyoming can play for pride, as I don’t think they’ll score a touchdown in this game neither. Look for Utah to get another blowout in as QB Wynn takes care of business, early and often. Utah – 52 Wyoming – 0

BYU @ (4) TCU – back to back shutouts and TCU is at home where they’ve outscored their opponents 152-17; yes I like their chances of winning another game to extend their regular season winning streak to 20, Dalton and Wesley will take care of business, easily. BYU – 14 @ TCU – 47

(23) Air Force @ San Diego State – I believe San Diego State got upset last week in the hands of BYU, look for a bounce back game but it wont come easy as the Falcons potent rushing attack will be a hard out for San Diego State. This should be a shootout with the home team coming out on top in this one. Aztec RB Ronnie Hillman will definitely have a bounce back game. AIR FORCE – 31 @ SDSU – 42

Written by Brandon “Bee” Salamat.  Follow him on Twitter @TruGentleman808.

Mountain West Conference Breakdown

 

 Week 5 is in the books in the 2010 FBS Season and there were a few surprises that occurred with some games.  A few notes for some MWC players; Andy Dalton (QB – TCU) is 4 wins above Kellen Moore (QB-Boise State) for active wins as a Quarterback. UNLV WR Philip Payne had a career game in a loss against Nevada.

Week 5 Game Re-Caps

 

Navy 6 – Air Force 14

               Although the score may seem low, the Falcons offense was a little to much for Navy to handle.  Air Force ran for 292 yards and brings a total of 8 straight games that they’ve out rushed their opponent.  The Falcons defense was stellar as well; holding Navy QB Ricky Dobbs without a rushing touchdown for the first time in his career (17 games). With that in mind Air Force has held each of their opponents scoreless in the 4^th quarter; with Oregon being the only other team to do so (impressive).

TCU 27 – Colorado State 0

               Another week gone by and another victory for the BCS Busters TCU Horned Frogs.  The Rams were no match for TCU as they easily went away with this one, albeit it was pretty but a win is a win.  TCU has now outscored their opponents 50-7 in the 4^th quarter in 2010.  They didn’t need much of Dalton in this one as the Horned Frogs racked up a season high 346 yards on the ground. 

UTEP 38 – NEW MEXICO 20

               Losing streak continues for the Lobos as they drop to 0-5 after a lost to UTEP.  It was a close game throughout the 1^st half as the Lobos defense and special teams kept them in the game, but as the game went on they could no longer contain the Miners as they compiled 435 yards of total offense to 229 yards for New Mexico. 

BYU 16 – UTAH STATE 31

               Freshman QB Jake Heaps threw for 271 yards but took him 54 passes.  The Cougars were simply beat by big plays early on and could never recover, as this was quite surprising that Utah State were able to pull of the victory.  Things don’t get easier next week as the Cougars face the high-powered offense of San Diego State. 

WYOMING 20 – TOLEDO 15

               After going up 14-0 then midway thru the 3^rd being up 20-0 the cowboys were able to withstand Toledo’s 4^th quarter comeback as they hold on for the 5 point victory.  Wyoming improves its 2010 record to 2-3 and probably not looking forward to their week six date with the 5^th ranked team in the nation TCU.

NEVADA 44 – UNLV 28

               This is a game UNLV would like to forget, as they had no answer to stop the Wolfpack’s running game.  Nevada was able to rack up 374 yards on the ground and score 5 touchdowns while at it.  Another thing is that UNLV didn’t allow Nevada to punt, not once.  UNLV WR Payne was the lone bright spot for the runnin’ rebels as he had 170 yards receiving. 

A LOOK AT THE WEEK 6 GAMES

 

Colorado State @ (25) AIR FORCE

               Can the Rams stop the Falcons rushing attack? I don’t think so as I see Air Force put up more than 14 points in this game.  Their at home, finally cracked the top 25 and look to prove they belong there with a strong game against inter-conference opponent Colorado State.  I see Air Force putting up more rushing yards than their opponent for the 9^th straight game and literally run away with the win.

AIR FORCE 31 – COLORADO STATE 7

Wyoming @ (5) TCU

               It wasn’t pretty for QB Andy Dalton last week but the run game dominated the game and against the 114^th ranked rush defense in Wyoming.  Another inter-conference game this week in the MWC, and another victory for the BCS Busters TCU Horned Frogs.  Look for RB Ed Wesley to run away with this one as he’s averaging an astounding 7.1 yards per rush, with Tucker providing another RB for Wyoming to worry about.  After a shutout last week, look for TCU to flirt with another one as Dalton and Wesley and the nations 3^rd ranked defense take care of the Cowboys. 

TCU 46 – WYOMING 3

UNLV @ WEST VIRGINIA

               This will be the first time in schools history that UNLV will face off against a Big East opponent and they had to pick West Virginia, huh? UNLV will have their hands full all game long trying to stop speedy RB of WVU Noel Devine.  UNLV pulls up short with a late 2^nd half surge once again as Devine and company come away with the victory.

WEST VIRGINIA 34 – UNLV 23

SAN DIEGO STATE @ BYU

               The Aztec’s are coming off a bye week and this high-powered offense is hoping the Cougars are not ready for what’s about to hit them.  The 7^th best offense in the nation looks to manhandle the 101^st ranked defense in the nation.  Come Saturday I’ll call this the Lindley and Hillman show with special guest at WR DeMarco Sampson as the Aztecs get an easy win on the road to go 1-0 in MWC play. 

SAN DIEGO STATE 52 – BYU 17

(10) UTAH @ IOWA STATE

               Coming off a bye, the Utes look to continue their undefeated season as they visit Iowa State.  Utah is currently 5-0 coming off a regular season bye and look to get that streak to 6 games.  QB Terrance Cain ranks 1^st in the nation in pass efficiency being at 192.5.  As good as Utah is playing their going to look for their 1^st victory over Iowa State as they came up short with the past 4 meetings.  I’m going with Cain and the Utes coming off a bye and continue to win out.

UTAH 34 – IOWA STATE 24

NEW MEXICO @ NEW MEXICO STATE

               This will be the 101^st meeting between these inter-state rivals but this one shouldn’t be pretty.  I wouldn’t know what to expect from this game as both are bad on offense and defense; the plus side to this though is one of these schools will pick up their 1^st victory of the season but things don’t look well for the Lobos as New Mexico State has won 3 straight games when they play at home.  Lets hope New Mexico Lobos can pull out the victory for their first win.

NEW MEXICO 17 – NEW MEXICO STATE 16

Written by Brandon “Bee” Salamat. Follow him on Twitter @TruGentleman808

The MWC Recap/Preview

 

As week 4 comes to a close for the 2010 College Football Season; the Mountain West Conference went a combined 4-1 in non-conference games while Air Force and UNLV both picked up victories in conference play.  There were some blowouts and a couple games coming down to the wire, all in all a successful week for the MWC. 

Week 4 Recap

AIR FORCE (20) WYOMING (14)

Tim Jefferson ran for the go ahead TD that helped propel the Falcons to victory.  Air Force RB Jared Tew lead the way with 136 yards on the ground.

COLORADO STATE (36) IDAHO (34)

This was an exciting game as CSU kicker converted on a 35-yard field goal as time expired to help the Rams end their 12 game losing streak. QB Nathan Enderle of Idaho threw for 345yds 3tds in the lost.  

NEVADA (27) BYU (13)

BYU QB Jake Heaps, a freshman, got his first start and went 24-45 for 229 yards, as the Cougars offense wasn’t enough to beat Nevada. 

SDSU (41) UTAH STATE (17)

SDSU QB Ryan Lindley passed for 362 yards and 3 tds as the Aztecs rolled past Utah State to continue their offensive onslaught thru their first 4 games.

UTAH (56) SAN JOSE STATE (3)

The Utes had 8 different players to have scored a touchdown and QB Jordan Wynn played for the first time since the season opener.

WEEK 4 STANDOUT PLAYERS

• Air Force – RB – Jared Tew 27car 135yds 1td
• Air Force –RB- Tim Jefferson 15car 91yds 1td
• Wyoming –RB- Alvester Alexander 22car 123yds 2td
• Colorado State –RB- Raymond Carter 16car 107yds 1td / 4rec 120yds 2tds
• Colorado State –QB- Pete Thomas 28-35 381yds 3tds 1int
• BYU –RB- JJ Di Luigi 15car 67yds 1td / 8rec 57yds
• UTAH –QB- Jordan Wynn 14-18 124yds 2td
• SDSU –RB- Ronnie Hillman 24car 101yds 1td
• SDSU –QB- Ryan Lindley 17-25 362yds 3tds 1int
• UNLV –WR- Michael Johnson 8rec 138yds 3tds
• UNLV –QB- Omar Clayton 14-20 194yds 3tds

 

A Look at Week 5 Match-Ups

BYE WEEK – UTAH and San Diego State

BYU @ UTAH STATE

Last week Utah State faced an offensive onslaught brought by San Diego State, now they face the Cougars and their potent rushing attack.  Can they stop them? Probably not, Freshman QB Jake Heaps, of BYU, will look to make his 2^nd start and lead his team to victory.  BYU (31) Utah State (13)

(5)TCU @ COLORADO STATE

TCU QB Andy Dalton will look to bounce back from a mediocre performance last week at SMU.  The Horned Frogs will look to their run game again as it disappeared last week as well; so it seems as fast as the Rams ended their 12 game losing streak their celebration will not last long.  Colorado State will have a tough time defending TCU in the pass and with the run as the Horned Frogs blow this one away, early. 

TCU (53) Colorado State (13)

NAVY @ AIR FORCE

After coming away with a go ahead TD last week things could get a bit easier for the Falcons this week.  We shouldn’t see much passing in this game as both teams give new meaning in “lets establish the run” because that’s what both teams are known for, running the football.  Look for RB Tim Jefferson, Air Force, to keep pounding the ball on the ground and lead the Falcons to victory.  AIR FORCE (37) Navy (24)

UTEP @ NEW MEXICO

With UTEP putting up 16pts last week against Memphis and New Mexico putting up a big zero in the scoring column against UNLV, I’m not sure we can expect much offense in this match-up, and if this is the case, look for UTEP to step up and take over the game as the Lobos look lost this season and will fall to 0-5 in the 2010 season.

UTEP (24) New Mexico (13)

WYOMING @ TOLEDO

The Cowboys will look to rebound after coming up short against Air Force in week 4; as Toledo packs a punch on offense.  Wyoming would have to try and contain Toledo dual threat QB Austin Dantin because he’ll run it if he has too and piled up 2 rushing tds and 2 passing tds in week 4.  Toledo is at home and I believe the Cowboys don’t stand a chance.  TOLEDO (48) Wyoming (17)

(25)NEVADA @ UNLV

The Wolfpack is off to a remarkable start, 4-0 and they take their game to Las Vegas.  UNLV looked good last week against New Mexico in a blowout, but Nevada has been more impressive as they already beat Cal on national television and has yet to find anyone to contain their offensive assault.  UNLV QB Omar Clayton will try to duplicate what he did last week but will be hard pressed by Nevada’s own Colin Kaepernick.  The Runnin’ Rebels keep this one close, but the Wolfpack provides the ending punch. NEVADA (43) UNLV (31)

Written by Brandon Salamat @TruGentleman808 on Twitter

Week 4 in the Pac 10

If you hear a rumbling, that’s the sound of everybody jumping off the Jake Locker bandwagon all at once. The biggest game of Week 3 for the Pac-10 was Nebraska vs Washington, and Locker’s 4 for 20 performance left a lot to be desired.

I wouldn’t be too alarmed for Locker, though. Yes, he was bad, but it’s not like everyone just missed the boat on him and he went from #1 overall pick to being a schlub. The Nebraska defense is really good, and the Huskie defense didn’t exactly do Locker any favors. I’ll wait to hold judgement, and the bye week should help Sarkisian and company refocus.

Then there was Arizona’s trouncing of Iowa. This was an odd game for a few reasons. Iowa’s first possession ended in a punt block, the end result being a Wildcat touchdown. Iowa’s next possession ended with a pick-six. After Iowa scored its first touchdown, the ensuing kickoff was returned for a score.Now, I give Arizona all the credit for being opportunistic and creating turnovers, but how much can you really gauge from this game? After those first few drives, were the Hawkeyes really that into it?

It was 27-7 at half time, with those three touchdowns resulting from a blocked punt, interception and kick return. The high powered Arizona offense, when having to face the Hawkeye defense with a long field, could only muster two field goals. I’m not completely sold on Arizona just yet.

Some quick notes on a few other games:

I continue to watch USC with an eye of skepticism. They just don’t seem to possess the ability to overwhelm inferior opponents. Winning is the name of the game, but I’m just not sure the Trojans have what it takes to knock a good team out. Still watching, still waiting for some signs.

Arizona State almost shocked the world by going on the road and coming within a blocked extra point of tying #11 Wisconsin late. I had this one nearly pegged last week, but I’m still surprised. Might not be the last time I say that about the Sun Devils this year.

I take nothing away from UCLA beating a Case Keenum-less Houston team. But you beat who is in front of you, so kudos to the Bruins. Now on to Week 4…

USC vs Washington State

Here you go, Lane. While most people won’t figure there is anything to learn from this game, I’ll be watching. I want to see the Trojans whoop up on somebody, and who better than the worst team (by far) in the Pac-10. This is the time to send a message.

Stanford vs Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish are coming off two hard to swallow losses, and now they face one of the top quarterbacks in the country, Stanford’s Andrew Luck. I would be fearful of the Cardinal players being caught looking forward to next week’s Oregon matchup, but does anybody really look past Notre Dame?

I really don’t see the Irish stopping Luck. And by the way, the drinking game for this one will be all puns that include the words “Luck” and “Irish” by NBC commentators.

UCLA vs Texas

Texas might boast the best defense in the nation, and UCLA has serious offensive issues. You get blanked at home against Stanford, then what are you going to do on the road against Texas?

What they need to do is make sure the Longhorns don’t get any kind of running game going. Then take a page from Arizona’s book and look to special teams and turnovers early to knock the wind out of Texas’ sails. If this were a home game for the Bruins, I could see something like that happening, but a road game against a top ten team? I’d be surprised if the score didn’t end in double digits favoring Texas.

Oregon State vs Boise State

This week’s Pac-10 game of the week. Here’s something I find interesting: The Beavers painted their practice field blue this week to prepare for a trip to Boise. I find this very funny, but at the same time, a possibly genius move by Mike Reilly.

It also helps the Beavers that they are coming off a bye week. Then again, Boise State’s game last week against Wyoming might as well be considered a bye.

The Broncos are the better team, but the matchup favors Oregon State slightly. You want to run the ball on the Beavers, and Boise is a pass-happy team. However, OSU quarterback Ryan Katz cannot get into a shootout with Kellen Moore.

The Beavers have to make this a low-scoring game. Even if they are down, say, 17-3 at half, that’s better than having Moore and the Broncos start lighting up the scoreboard, even if OSU is keeping up early. They won’t be able to sustain that, and Boise will.

California vs Arizona

The Bears seem to be a team that does well when everybody counts them out and folds under pressure. Well, after getting mauled by Nevada last week, and Arizona picking up a signature win, the pressure is off.

The Wildcats jumped ten spots from #24 to #14 in the AP poll. Not sure if I agree with that kind of movement in the polls with the kind of game that went on last week. And really, that was the only real game Arizona has played so far, and it was over early. This is also the last game before the bye week for the Cats. I smell “trap”.

What Cal needs to do is run the ball with a vengeance. Shane Vereen needs about 25 carries for the Bears to win. Keep the ball, stop Arizona from airing it out, and you give yourself a chance. I think they will keep it close late, but Nick Foles and the Arizona passing attack will find seams against a questionable Cal secondary, and make enough big plays down the stretch to put the Bears away.

Oregon vs Arizona State

While the loss was painful, Arizona State should feel pretty good about their performance against Wisconsin. This is also Oregon’s first real game. Kind of smell an upset here, as it has all the ingredients, but there’s only one problem: Oregon is really, really good.

And should be good enough to blow the Sun Devils out. Perhaps the game will remain close in the first half, as the Ducks get up to speed, but Oregon is the best team nobody is talking about, and ASU still has a ways to go before they can be seriously thought of as a threat.

Written by Jay Fisher @jfishsports on Twitter

Inside the MWC Week 4

 

 With the big dogs of the MWC winning their respected games this past weekend and alongside Idaho, the MWC didn’t put up much of a fight.  Got some big games going into week 4 but let me do a recap of week 3.

Oklahoma 27 Air Force 24 – besides TCU and UTAH, Air Force put up a fight against a ranked team, in which they ended up with 351 yards rushing that the Sooners had no match for. 

FSU 34 BYU 10 – I believe BYU wants to forget their flight to Tallahassee and forget about this game; perhaps they’re playing “On To The Next” by Jay-Z going home?

MIAMI (OH) 31 COLORADO STATE 10 – Although the Rams held an early lead, they let Miami (OH) score 31 unanswered points.  CSU WR Byron Steele 7 rec 118 yds 16.9 avg was the highlight for the Rams.

TCU 45 BAYLOR 10 – Baylor proved no match for the Horned Frogs as Andy Dalton completed 91% of his passes and tied with Max Hall for most wins in the MWC as a starting QB.

BOISE STATE 51 WYOMING 6 – The 3^rd ranked team in the nation just walked all over Wyoming.  From the kick-off this proved as no match as we all knew it. Wyoming can only hope to rebound next week.

MISSOURI 27 SAN DIEGO STATE 24 – this was an exciting game as it came down to the Tigers pulling off a touchdown within the closing minute of the game.  RB Hillman’s big game couldn’t help the Aztecs to victory as he rushed for 235yds 2tds (75, 93)

UTAH 56 NEW MEXICO 14 – another easy victory for the Utes as they look strong and ready to challenge TCU for the MWC crown and join in on the BCS Buster talk as well.

IDAHO 30 UNLV 7 – Idaho’s offense was to strong for the Rebels to handle as Idaho QB Nathan Enderle passed for 210 yards 1 td 1 int.

A FEW STANDOUTS FROM THIS PAST WEEK’S GAMES

• TCU – QB – ANDY DALTON – completed 21 of 23 passes for 267 yards 2 tds, set a single game record for completion percentage (91.3) by opening up the game with 11 straight completions.
• AIR FORCE running game that accounted for 351 yards against Oklahoma
• SDSU – RB – RONNIE HILLMAN – rushed for 235 yards 2 touchdowns, both being a distance of 75 and 93.
• BYU – RB – JJ DI LUIGI – 18car 93yds 3rec 36yds
• TCU – RB – ED WESLEY – 19car 165yds 2tds
• TCU – WR – JEREMY KERLEY – 6rec 69yds 2tds
• UTAH – QB – TERRANCE CAIN – completed 20 of 23 passes for 248 yards 3tds and 1 rush td
• UNLV – WR – PHILIP PAYNE – 3rec 79yds 1td

 

Now lets take a look at the upcoming games, as we should be in store for a few good ones.  Bracket Buster TCU heads over to SMU while Utah State visits San Diego State with RB Hillman licking his chops on having a big game.  After putting up 52 points against Cal, Nevada heads to BYU to see if the Cougars can stop the Pistol offense.  Colorado State can only hope they have a chance against Idaho, at home.  Air Force takes their dominant run game to Wyoming as the Cowboys only hope to contain. The Utes play host to the San Jose State Spartan while UNLV welcomes New Mexico to town.

My Game of The Week – (4) TCU @ SMU

TCU @ SMU

Dalton and company will look to continue to be a BSC buster, as they’ll continue their dominance of anyone who stands in their way to an undefeated record.  Stout defense and electrifying run game will be no chance for SMU’s run and shoot offense. TCU rolls big in this one.  TCU 52 – SMU 24

AIR FORCE @ WYOMING

With the Cowboys taking a beating last week against Boise State they can only hope to contain the rushing attack Air Force will bring.  Last week Air Force thrashed Oklahoma in the run department by running for a total of 351 yards.  The Falcons RB Clark and Tew look to lead the charge in what should be a blowout.

Air Force 47 – Wyoming 7

IDAHO @ COLORADO STATE

After taking the lead last week against Miami (OH) they couldn’t hang on and ended up losing their 12^th straight game.  With a pass offense that is ranked 12^th in the nation, Idaho will look to air it out against the Rams.  Colorado State just needs to keep their head up and continue to fight, someday their losing streak will end just not in this game as they’ll pick up their 13^th consecutive lost. 

IDAHO 33 – WYOMING 7

NEVADA @ BYU

The Cougars look to rebound after their devastating lost to the Seminoles last week.  RB Di Luigi will look to continue to pound the ball and get the rushing game going, as the defensive side will look to contain the passing attack Nevada possesses.  If the Cougars offense can keep the Wolfpack’s offense off the field, they can make this a game; but if Nevada can do what they please against BYU it’s a blowout. 

NEVADA 47 – BYU 34

UTAH STATE @ SAN DIEGO STATE

Coming off a tough lost to Missouri, the Aztecs will rebound as their high powered offense will dominate Utah State.  RB Ronnie Hillman, fresh off a 235 yard day, looks to cap another solid game and gaining another 200 yards on the ground shouldn’t be a hard task to do.  From kick-off it’ll be a blowout as both teams look passed this game and on to the next.  SDSU 52 – UTAH STATE 10

SAN JOSE STATE @ UTAH

BCS Bracket Busters Utah Utes look to continue their dominance as they’ll look to win their 20^th straight game at home.  QB Terrance Cain should move this offense into many scoring opportunities and put up big points on the score board.  Spartans could fight tough as they proved against the Badgers a couple weeks ago, but Utes is a different team and they’ll roll on in this one.  UTAH 55 – SAN JOSE 23

NEW MEXICO @ UNLV

Last week the Runnin’ Rebels offense looked stale and couldn’t move the ball against Idaho; should be a different story in this game.  Shouldn’t have to worry about either’s running game so look for an air it out affair and UNLV pulling this one out at home in a close battle.  UNLV 31 – NEW MEXICO 24

Written by Brandon “Bee” Salamat @TruGentleman808 on Twitter

GameDay Open Thread

We have waited all week for Saturday, and now it is finally here!  GameDay is going to be a weekly article that includes you, the fans.  We will throw out topics for discussion and it’s up to you to keep them going throughout the day.  The Pregame Warm-Up crew will be in and out to answer any questions or fuel some heated discussions.  Have fun with this everybody!

Arkansas heads to Athens in what should be a damn good game.  I like Razorbacks QB Ryan Mallett to throw for 300+ yards in an Arkansas win…LSU hosts Mississippi State that will be a battle, look for a low scoring game here.  Patrick Peterson and Kelvin Sheppard are 2 LSU defenders to keep an eye on. I’m thinking LSU with a 23-17 final score…The Clemson @ Auburn game features a growing star in Auburn QB Cam Newton.  The kid has all the tools.  He will be facing some excellent defenders from Clemson in DeAndre McDaniel and Da’Quan Bowers.  I like Auburn here…Florida heads to Tennessee in what should be a one sided affair.  John Brantley will have a monster game today, leading the Gators to a blowout win over the Volunteers…Arizona plays host to the Iowa Hawkeyes tonight in the Game of the Week.  Adrian Clayborn should be up in Nick Foles’ face all night, but I still like the Wildcats wide open offense to win.  I’ll take the Wildcats 30-24 tonight…Louisville is going to get a heavy dose of the Rodgers brothers today in Corvallis.  Quizz Rodgers is going to run all over the poor Cardinals in a Beaver blowout victory, 45-16…Boise State heads to Laramie Wyoming to face the Cowboys.  This game will be closer than most people think.  Do It All WR Austin Pettis will have a big game this week for the Broncos.  Boise State takes this one 35-20…Tulsa heads to Stillwater for an explosive matchup with Oklahoma State.  These two teams are going to score at will on each other, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the final score totat into the 90′s.  I like Okie St here in a thriller…In my upset alert game of the week, Texas travels to Texas Tech.  I think the Red Raiders bring the heat on young Garrett Gilbert, forcing him into some costly mistakes.  Give me Tech 31 Texas 23. ..Washington hosts the Nebraska Cornhuskers this afternoon, in what is going to be a tough test for Jake Locker.  The Black Shirts haven’t faced any tough competition yet, so this is a game to watch to see if they are for real.  I like the Cornhuskers here in a close one.

Written By Jason Madson @isbnJMAD on Twitter

Pregame Warm-Up Podcast Week 3

This week on The Pregame Warm-Up Podcast, we discuss quite a few topics. Tune in for a discussion about Reggie Bush and what he should’ve done with his Heisman Trophy, the Pregame Warm-Up conference breakdown where we discuss the hot topics in each conference for this upcoming weekend, we made our selections for the Pregame Warm-Up Pick’em segment and finished this week off with the World Famous Prospect Quick Fire. Thanks for listening!

The Ins and Outs of the Mountain West Conference (MWC)

 

Heading into week 3 of the 2010 NCAA Football Season and there are a few good games going on this weekend.  Before I get into that let me first get a recap of what happened in week 2. 

For the past 35 weeks there have been at least 2 schools from the MWC to be ranked in the Top 25 poll. Entering today TCU is ranked 5^th and Utah is ranked 14^th. With these ranks the MWC joins the Big 12, Big Ten, SEC as the only conferences to have at least 2 schools represented in the Top 25.  In 2010, the MWC is currently one of five conferences with multiple schools in both the associated press and the coaches’ poll. 

The Utah Utes currently hold a 19 game home winning streak with TCU winning 15 straight at Amon G. Carter Stadium.  By winning 19 straight the Utes have established a new MWC record, which was previously held by BYU back in 2008.  It is also the 3^rd longest active home winning streak in the nation behind Boise State (26) and Oklahoma (32).

San Diego State University just snapped a 14 game non-conference road losing streak as well a 17 game losing streak on their initial road game with their road victory in week 2 against the New Mexico State Lobos. 

San Diego State has their first 2-0 start since 1994 and if what history says is true, past 10 of 11 seasons that they’ve started 2-0 the Aztecs have posted a winning record at seasons end.  The Aztecs have also scored 40 or more points in back to back games for the first time since 1996; if you’re counting it’s a span of 159 games.  While also putting up over 500 yards in back to back games, first time since 1995. Can we say this offense is rolling?

TCU’s Quarterback Andy Dalton leads the nation in career wins (31) which would be 4 more than Boise State’s quarterback Kellen Moore whose 2^nd and VaTech’s Tyrod Taylor whose 3^rd and 8 behind Dalton.  If and when Dalton gets 1 more victory he’ll tie with former BYU QB Max Hall as MWC’s most career victories by a starting Quarterback.  With that being said Dalton could also surpass Max Hall in total offensive yards as Dalton is only 2,492 yards away from breaking it. 

Here are some Week 2 standouts in the MWC

UTAH UTES

• Chaz Walker (LB) tallied 16 total tackles vs UNLV
• Matt Martinez (LB) came up with 12 total tackles vs UNLV

 

BYU COUGARS

• Andrew Rich (DB) had a career high 14 tackles @ Air Force
• Vic So’oto (DL) contributed with 11 tackles @ Air Force

 

WYOMING COWBOYS

• Chris Prosinski (S) totaled 11 tackles (moved into 10^th place all-time on Cowboys career tackles list) vs Texas Longhorns

 

TCU HORNED FROGS

• Alex Ibiloye (S) had 3 forced fumbles (MWC record, and tied in the FBS record book currently held by 8 others)
• Jason Teague (CB) Had his 3^rd career int and his first ever pick-six

 

The freshman got game too and here are a few that stood out in week 2

San Diego State

• Gavin Escobar (WR) – caught his 1^st career TD on his 3^rd career catch
• Ronnie Hillman (RB) – rushed for 120 yards in the 2^nd half to go along with 4 touchdowns (MWC freshmen single game high)

 

TCU

• Josh Boyce (WR) – caught his 2^nd career catch and his 1^st career reception TD on a 24-yard reception
• Wayman James (RB) – running for his 1^st career TD on a 15 yard run

 

UNLV

• Tim Hasson (DB) – returned a block punt 19 yards for a touchdown

 

Playing With Numbers

• 7        TCU had 7 rushing touchdowns last week which tied for most in     a game in MWC history

 

• 12      BYU has won its last 12 games when the game is decided by 8 points or less, and this is the longest active streak in the nation in one-possession games.

 

• 17      TCU is 63-2 under Head Coach Patterson when holding opponents under 17 points

 

• 33      TCU has won 33 consecutive games when they run for more yards than they do pass

 

• 42      TCU has won 42 straight when rushing for at least 167 yards

 

• 242     Colorado States Tony Drake finished last weeks game with 242 yards on kick-offs which set a new MWC record

 

And now for the week 3 match-ups for the MWC schools, and there are some good ones to watch this week. 

AIR FORCE @ (7) OKLAHOMA

Last meeting between these 2 schools happened back in 2001 and the Sooners dismantled the Falcons 44-3, lets hope for a closer outcome this time.  For the first time since 96’-98’ Air Force has beaten back to back ranked opponents and with its victory last week against BYU their getting some love on the AP and Coaches Poll.  Air Force plans to bring their nations leading rushing attack (423.0 yard per) with the motivation of them having shutting out their opponents in the 2^nd half 55-0.  Under Coach Calhoun, Air Force is 20-1 when holding opponents under 20 points, can they do it this week? While the Sooners are 42-12 against non-conference opponents under Coach Stoops and have also won 32 straight games at home.  It’ll be a tough task for the Falcons as they try to beat a ranked opponent three straight weeks.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Air Force RB Asher Clark and Oklahoma RB DeMarco Murray

BYU @ FLORIDA STATE

BYU stood no chance in their meeting last year as the Seminoles romped the Cougars 54-28.  In this meeting BYU is hoping to change things around as they’ve fallen to 0-3 against the Seminoles and this will be their first ever trip to Tallahassee.  BYU has not allowed a sack in its first 2 games and has been a perfect 5 for 5 in the red zone.  On the Seminole side they enter a first year coach who’s spent the past 22 seasons as an assistant coach as well as the offensive coordinator, Coach Fisher is the legend Bowden’s successor.  Coming off an embarrassing lost to Oklahoma in week 2, the Seminoles will look a rebound behind their home field. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH: BYU – QB – Riley Nelson and FSU – QB – Christian Pondexter

COLORADO STATE @ MIAMI (OH)

Their last meeting was back in 2003 lead by one man named Ben Roethlisberger, who led Miami (OH) to a 41-21 victory.  Entering this game the Rams have lost 11 consecutive games, on the postive side has won four of its last seven NON-CONFERENCE GAMES.  Does this mean they can snap their current losing streak? Sure, anything is possible and if kick returner Tony Drake puts up another 242 kick return yards again they should be in good field position each possession.  Even though they have a losing streak, under Coach Fairchild they’re amongst the nations best in protecting the ball; an example being in 26 games under Fairchild they only lost 7 fumbles total.  Those Rams fans are hoping the streak ends this weekend but being that they’re ranked 120^th in scoring offense; they must put points on the board and take advantage of good field position that’s given by Drake.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: CSU – QB – Pete Thomas and MIA (OH) – QB – Zac Dysert

BAYLOR @ (5) TCU

With its 62-7 victory last week, TCU now has a 15 game home winning streak and is ranked 8^th in the nation in total defense; allowing 202.5 yards per game.  In their last meeting back in 2007 TCU defeated Baylor 27-0 and look for more of the same outcome. With one more victory TCU QB Andy Dalton will be in a first place tie with former BYU QB Max Hall for most wins by a starting QB in MWC. Baylor is off to their own 2-0 start, first since 2005, and if the Baylor Bears want to keep this up they need to make sure they have the lead at halftime as they’ve lost 25 of 26 games when they’re down at the half.  Key for Baylor is to score more than 30 points as there 24-2 since 2001 and 10-71 when they’re held under 30 points, so with TCU’s 8^th ranked defense it might be a daunting task. This should be an exciting game and look for Dalton and TCU to take care of business at home. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH: TCU –QB- Andy Dalton / BAYLOR – QB – ROBERT GRIFFIN III

(3) BOISE STATE @ WYOMING

After a bye-week Boise State comes into this game fresh off their victory over VaTech and will continue to strive for that BCS championship bid.  Wyoming could be playing with heavy hearts for the remainder of the season because tragedy struck on September 6^th as teammate Ruben Narcisse died in a car accident and the Cowboys will honor Ruben by wearing a helmet decal for the remainder of the season.  Wyoming has its worked cut out for them as Boise State is riding a 26-game-regular-season-winning streak.  History says this game stays close as their last meeting resulted in only a 10 point lost but to be able to contain Kellen Moore and their offense would be asking too much of the Cowboys; the Broncos have their eye on the prize and their not going to let Wyoming stand in their way. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

BOISE STATE –QB- Kellen Moore / WYOMING –QB- Austyn Carta-Samuels

UNLV @ IDAHO

For the second time in UNLV history they’ve opened up their season playing ranked teams in back to back games.  UNLV QB Clayton just needs 55 more yards to move into 4^th place on UNLV’s all-time career passing list and looks to lead the Rebels to victory.  Back in 2005 was their last meeting and UNLV defeated Idaho 34-31.  Fellow Rebel DB Will Chandler has created three turnovers in two games thus far and their defense had its first TD on a blocked punt since 2008.  UNLV is going to have their hands full with Idaho’s passing offense if they’re looking for their first victory of the 2010 season.  Since 2008, on a year-to-year basis Idaho is second best behind only SMU on their wins and losses.  Currently ranked 12^th in the nation in passing offense and 49^th in total offense as well being 1^st in the WAC in pass efficiency defense could turn into a mismatch for the Rebels.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: UNLV –QB-Omar Clayton / IDAHO –QB-Nathan Enderle

SAN DIEGO STATE @ (25) MISSOURI

The Aztecs enter this game fresh on their first 2-0 start since 1994.  Aztec RB Ronnie Hillman will have his work cut out for him in this match up as the Tigers have yet to allow a rushing TD, and Hillman is coming off a 4 TD performance last week.  If they can’t get it going on the ground look for the 14^th best passing offense to take over, although it could be tough as Missouri is 13^th in the nation in pass defense.  Missouri is currently on a 19 game winning streak against non-conference opponents and they look for this streak to continue.  Last time these two teams met was way back in 1980, and times changed but look for Missouri to stay undefeated against the San Diego State Aztecs.  Aztecs own the 6^th best total offense in the nation while Missouri is the 25^th best total defense, if Lindley and the Aztecs can get their passing game going this could turn into a high scoring affair.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

SDSU –QB- Ryan Lindley and –RB- Ronnie Hillman / MIZZ –QB- Blaine Gabbert

(14) UTAH @ NEW MEXICO

The Utah Utes has won three straight in this series with a 45-14 victory last year.  In order for New Mexico to have any chance they’d have to score more than 14 points, what they failed to do the past 3 meetings.  The Utes are off to another impressive 2-0 start and they’re posting a 7-of-8 (88%) red-zone efficiency while with QB Wynn they’re a combined 25 for 26 in the red zone.  UNM QB B.R Holbrook set career highs last week against Texas Tech in passing yards (323) attempts (50), which still resulted in a 52-17 losing effort the Lobos look to rebound against the Utes.  Look for the Utah Utes to continue on their journey to perfection as their offense would be too much for the Lobos to handle behing QB Jordan Wynn, if Wynn is not playing the back-up QB Terrance Cain; who filled in nicely last week against UNLV, would continue to move this offense in the right direction.  

PLAYERS TO WATCH: UTAH –RB- Eddie Wide / UNM –QB- B.R Holbrook

Written by Brandon “Bee” Salamat @trugentleman808 on Twitter