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Knudson: Postseason Starts to Take Shape

By Mark Knudson, The Mtn. Insider
November 3, 2011
 
As the second half of the season unfolds, things are taking shape in terms of the MW’s postseason pecking order. Colorado State’s loss to UNLV, both a great moment for Bobby Hauck’s team and a disheartening one for the Rams, all but eliminates CSU from the bowl game conversation. It leaves five teams: Boise State, TCU, Air Force, San Diego State and Wyoming in the mix for bowl invites. The Conference has four bowl game tie-ins and could offer a fifth if Boise State makes it to a BCS game.  
 
More answers will come this week, one week before The Showdown in Boise.
 
Unlike SDSU, we aren’t kicking ourselves (pun intended) over a 2-2 week. It leaves us at 36-13 for the season…
 
Game of the Week: TCU (6-2, 3-0) at Wyoming (5-2, 2-0)
 
What a gritty, impressive effort by the Cowboys in San Diego. The game exposed some weaknesses in the Aztecs (place kicking, wide receiver) but also said a lot about the maturation of the Cowboys and quarterback Brett Smith, a star in the making.
 
For TCU, the Frogs seem to be peaking at the right time. They have to avoid a letdown like they suffered at SMU and avoid looking ahead to Boise next week. Coach Gary Patterson can use this game, which will be a stern test, as a dress rehearsal for Boise State – a similar climate, which is forecast to include snow flurries, cold temps and a lot of wind, etc. Only the blue rug will be missing.
 
TCU 31, Wyoming 20
 
Army (3-5) at Air Force (4-4, 1-3)
 
A second straight Commander in Chief’s Trophy is on the line for Air Force, which has already knocked off Navy. This task doesn’t appear to be as great and now that the Falcons have completed their October gauntlet, they look to be rebounding on defense. The Black Knights can score – they’re averaging almost 30 points per game - but they haven’t been able to stop good teams. With or without Tim Jefferson, the Falcons can move the ball.
 
Air Force 42, Army 24
 
Boise State (7-0, 2-0) at UNLV (2-5, 1-1)
 
Great win for UNLV last week.
 
Here’s hoping the Broncos and their fans enjoy the trip; they may be forced to do the wagering in Atlantic City during future road trips.
 
Boise State 56, UNLV 10
 
New Mexico (0-8, 0-3) at San Diego State (4-3, 1-2)
 
Good news for the Aztecs: This game will not end up depending on a field goal kicker.
 
SDSU 46, New Mexico 6
See all of Mark Knudson's blog entries HERE.