College Football This Week

Mountain West

San Diego State 42 Colorado State 28

I would not have predicted this outcome even after last week's games.  Both teams showed us that they were onto something last week.  The Rams have now lost five in a row and need to figure out how to right the ship or bowl eligibility will be lost.  They have a very tough one against Air Force at home next week.  Meanwhile, Ryan Lindley had another great game for the Aztecs who are starting to look like they have turned the corner.  They may end up the favorites in 3 of their next five games.

Utah 23 Air Force 16

The Utes hold off the Air Force in the extra frame to get a victory at home where both offenses sputtered.  Eric Wide gave Kyle Wittingham a few more gray hairs for going out early in the game with a sprained ankle.  But he returned to get the game winning touchdown.

TCU 38 BYU 7

There is a lot I could say about this game, but I try to be a fan and not a critic.  Therefore, I shall forebear.  But I will add to an observation that the KSL radio guys made.  They pointed out that all of BYU's five looses in the past two seasons have been by more than 2 scores.  They mentioned that BYU seems to have lost that ability to claw back into games like this...but I think you have to temper this with a couple of other facts.  BYU has proven they have the ability to WIN close games.  This also shows that BYU truly is not the only good team in their conference.  Back in 1984, it was BYU and only BYU.  A conference with three good teams has more national clout.  I will write more on this topic later this week.  And no, Bronco Mendenhall is not on the hot seat.  BYU fans are spoiled.

UNLV 34 New Mexico 17

So UNLV won a road game.  It probably will not save Mike Sanford's job and probably will cost Mike Locksley his, even though he was not on the sidelines.  New Mexico has officially been eliminated from bowl eligibility.


Offensive Player of the Week: San Diego State QB Ryan Lindley
Defensive Team of the Week: TCU
Game of the Week: Utah 23 Air Force 16

Power Rankings

1.  TCU
2.  Utah
3.  BYU
4.  Air Force
5.  Wyoming
6.  San Diego State
7.  Colorado State
8.  UNLV
9.  New Mexico

Coaches on the Hot Seat: Mike Sanford (UNLV), Mike Locksley (New Mexico) and Steve Fairchilld (Colorado State)

WAC

Utah State 23 Louisiana Tech 21

The Aggies grabbed a 23-7 lead and then hung on for dear life.  The WTH (what the heck) stat of the game, Daniel Porter was held to 68 yards rushing.  Must have been the altitude.  The Bulldogs chance at a bowl game this year have now taken a serious blow. 

Nevada 70 Idaho 45

Most of the time in football, 45 points will get you a win.  The Wolfpack have turned the corner, get some bowl eligibility breathing room and make this year's Idaho team look like either UNLV or last year's Idaho team.  They could be the team that beats Boise State this year.

Fresno State 34 New Mexico State 3

Ryan Matthews has only had 153 yards of rushing as Fresno cruises in Las Cruces.  Matthews is still the national leader in rushing and his Heisman stock continues to rise.  Fresno simply played a game of truth or dare with the Aggies all day.  

Boise State 54 Hawaii 9

The Aloha magic just was not there today.  The Broncos roll and roll and roll.  Hawaii falls to 2-5 and Greg McMackin continues to wear out his welcome.

Power Rankings

1.  Boise State
2.  Fresno State
3.  Nevada
4.  Idaho
5.  Louisiana Tech
6.  Utah State
7.  Hawaii
8.  New Mexico State
9.  San Jose State

Offensive Player of the Week: Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick
Defensive Team of the Week: Utah State
Game of the Week: Utah State 23 Louisiana Tech 21
Coaches on the Hot Seat: Greg McMackin (Hawaii), Dick Tomey (San Jose State)

Big Sky

Weber State 28 Northern Colorado 20

The Bears had the Wildcats, scored 13 unanswered points.  But Weber finally put together a second half drive and put the game away.  Bo Bolen made his first start, in place of the suspended Trevyn Smith, and accounted for nearly half of the Wildcats total offense.  Northern Colorado's defense deserves props for nearly shutting down the Wildcats in the second half.

UC Davis 34 Portland State 31

The Vikings were ahead 27-17 at the end of the third quarter.  They were even ahead 31-24 late.  But the Aggies broke a 31-all tie with 3:40 left on the clock and then held on for the victory.

Eastern Washington 35 Montana State 24

The Bobcats had a 24-14 lead early in the fourth quarter.  The Eagles scored the last 21 points of the game to end their two-game loosing streak.  Matt Nichols lead the comeback hitting Taiwan Jones for a 38 yard pass to get the Eagles on top.

Montana 45 Sacramento State 30

This game was not a close as it looks.  On offense, the Grizzles were on cruise control the whole game.  Even when the Hornets grabbed an early lead, there was no panic.  The Montana offense comes at you like a row of Panzers.  The defense is like the Maginot line.  Should be a fun game next week.

Northern Arizona 40 Idaho State 12

The Bengals are 0-8 and John Zamberlin still has his job--he even signed a contract extension a week and a half ago.  The Bengal booster club has asked Obama's "Pay Czar", Kenneth Feinberg to investigate.  Well, no, that is a joke, but it should happen.  It makes about as much sense as big bonuses to TARP banks.  The NAU defense has another good game.  The Lumberjacks are beginning to look scary.

Offensive Player of the Week: Weber State RB Bo Bolen
Defensive Team of the Week: Northern Colorado
Game of the Week: UC Davis 34 Portland State 31

Power Rankings

1.  Montana
2.  Weber State
3.  Eastern Washington
4.  Northern Arizona
5.  Montana State
6.  Northern Colorado
7.  Sacramento State
8.  Portland State
9.  Idaho State

Coaches on the hot seat: Jerry Glanville (Portland State), John Zamberlin (Idaho State) and Marshall Sperbeck (Sacramento State)