Knudson: Full Speed Ahead

By Mark Knudson, The Mtn. Insider
October 13, 2011
 
Just a handful of non-conference games remain on the schedule, which means it’s finally time for Conference action to dominate the slate. Can anyone challenge the mighty Broncos for the MW title? We’re about to find out.
 
Air Force’s loss in South Bend left the MW with a 2-9 mark in games vs. BCS teams. Not what any of us had hoped for, to be sure. Our picks now stand at 28-10 for the season after a couple of so-so weeks.
 
A lot to play for as Conference action heats up.
 
GAME OF THE WEEK: San Diego State (3-2, 0-1) at Air Force (3-2, 0-1)
 
Both teams had envisioned breaking through and making a run at the top spot in the conference this season, but both have already been derailed by TCU…and have yet to face Boise State. This means this Thursday night tilt at the Academy is basically a battle for the #3 spot in the league and the nice bowl trip that goes with that.
 
As I said last week, I simply can not understand why Air Force insists on running a no-huddle offense. It’s killing the Falcon defense, which was worn out and barely hung on after giving up a big lead at Navy, and was then blown apart by Notre Dame. The AFA defense is reeling, and here comes Ronnie Hillman and Ryan Lindley.
 
San Diego State 33, Air Force 27
 
Boise State (5-0, 0-0) at Colorado State (3-2, 1-0)
 
During the summer, Ram fans were circling “winnable” games on the schedule as they tried to plot a course for a bowl bid. This game was, umm, not one of the one’s that was circled. Boise’s first MW conference game will be only as close as they want it to be.
 
Boise State 47, Colorado State 9
 
UNLV (1-4, 0-0) at Wyoming (3-2, 0-0)
 
After an impressive win over Hawaii in Week Three, it looked like the Rebels had things going in the right direction. After getting hammered in their two games since then, it doesn’t look that way any more. Wyoming collapsed last week, but I think they’re better than that. This is a big game for the Pokes own bowl hopes.
 
Wyoming 27, UNLV 13
 
New Mexico (0-5, 0-1) at Nevada (2-3)
 
Hard to imagine anyone that has a tougher job right now than George Barlow at New Mexico. Taking over as head coach after a firing in mid-season is no fun. No telling how long it will take the Lobos to pull things together, but it’s not likely to be this week.
 
Nevada 36, New Mexico 7