Mountain West Preview

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For All-MWC Fantasy Team:  GO

For more on these teams, see the 2000 Fantasy Info below.

For MWC schedule in 2000: GO   |   For 2000 All-MWC Fantasy Team:  GO

Team Breakdowns:

Air Force | BYU | Colorado State | New Mexico | San Diego State |  UNLV | Utah | Wyoming 

MWC in 2000

Their first year on the scene was an interesting one.  Just what many fans of these schools wanted -- plenty of action, a few upsets to keep everyone honest, and plenty of talent went pro, to further the name of the Mountain West.  Now, what will they do for an encore?

Probably, the same thing.  It looks like another year where each team in the MWC has a legitimate shot to beat every other team.  It looks like another year where the leaders will all be a game away from each other until the final week, and where they are likely to end tied.  Such is the way that conferences with several decent teams end a season.  Until one or more of these teams steps up and becomes a dominating force, in conference and throughout the nation, the Mountain West will continue to be considered a second-rate collection of teams.  We don't see that happening this year, as Colorado State, Utah, BYU and Air Force all seem able to finish with 6-win MWC seasons.  And two or three of them might just do that.

  Air Force Falcons

You have to wonder where the Falcons will be each year, when you look at the returning starters and say, Who's left?  This year, only one starter from the '99 defense is back; only five from the offense.  If the replacements don't develop quickly, the Falcons will get a slow start out of the gate.

The offense will have the familiar option look again this year.  QB Mike Thiessen returns to be the  'Bonds'-man at Air Force again this year.  He handled the duties well last year, and should improve this year after a season of experience.  We like this kid, and think he'll be a star for the Falcons in 2000.  The OL will be good, and will help Thiessen grind the yardage until the team can develop a rhythm.  Elsewhere on the offense the Falcons were looking for help at receiver and RB during the offseason.  One thing about Air Force is there are always athletes able to step in; they just need to find ones that are a cut above the rest, who can excel at his level. It looks like McKay is the man at RB, and the receiver slots are still being determined.  

The defense is in trouble if they can't find bodies for all ten of those vacated positions.  There isn't much else to say about that unit except, perhaps, to name the one guy that returns -- he's LB Matt Pommer.  

It's hard to pick a team that hasn't shown what they can do on the field yet as conference contenders.  The spring showed the 'D' will be a formidable group, if they get fine tuned before their opening week.  It's a big 'if,' so we project them to struggle through the outset and they'll need a ton of points from Thiessen and company to pull out wins in early games.

The schedule is difficult.  They open with a Cal State Northridge team they'll tune up against, before a three game runt hat should be a good benchmark for this team.  They get BYU at home, then go to Utah and UNLV.  If they can get through these games at 2-2, they should be in the race at the end of the season.  They face Wyoming, New Mexico and Navy next, who they should beat; then, a trip to Notre Dame where they will face an Irish team that will be desperate for wins at that point in the season.  They close with a trip to Army, which they should win, a visit by Colorado State which could determine the conference title, and close with a San Diego State team they should beat.  

We see Air Force falling short of a shot at the MWC.  Yes, we know, we overrate the Falcons all the time; no sense stopping now.  In the second year of the Mountain West, it is incredible parity again and it's anyone's title to grab.  Air Force will have one loss too many.  A 5-2 conference record if they're fortunate, but 4-3 is more likely.

To see what we said about Air Force in the spring, click here:  GO

Brigham Young Cougars

The offense is in some transition this season, after losing their coordinator to NC State.  It will look the same, though, as Edwards plans no new offense.  The bigger question is, who will run the show.  Strange to say, but there is no starter at QB at this point in the preseason.  No McMahon in the wings, or Young or Detmer.  there are a pair of talented potential starters, but either their talents are equally impressive or their preparation is equally questionable, as neither has seized the reins at this point.  Whoever wins out, they'll throw to Margin Hooks often, and he'll get plenty of yards and points.  They'll also get plenty of time to find Hooks and the other receivers, as their OL will be a returning strength for the Cougars.  This may spark a decent running attack, led by RB Staley.

The defense loses a monster talent in LB Rob Morris, but the returning front seven will still be a strength. There always seems to be a premier LB at BYU, so it's not so much a matter of will someone replace Morris but rather who will it be.  The question will the secondary, led by returning safety Lee.  If they can manage enough pressure up front to limit deep passing by opponents, they should stay in games and have a shot to win just about every game.   

At first glance we see BYU as contenders again, but with enough holes to fill and question marks to contend with that we can't call them favorites this spring. The schedule looks brutal, with the opening game against FSU, and then trips to Virginia and Air Force.  Then it's Mississippi State and UNLV coming to town before a trip to Syracuse.  They need to strive for a 3-3 opening to the  season.  They should go 4-2 at worst after that.  If it works out this way, they'll end the season at 7-5 (4-3) and end up a game out of the top spot.

To see what we said about the Cougars in the spring, click here:  GO

Colorado State Rams 

With Air Force and BYU having serious question marks, and Utah needing to string a few solid games together against conference rivals, the way is open for other teams -- like Colorado State -- to jump into title contention.  We know they lose a lot in the departure of RB Kevin McDougal; he was the heart of this team.  you could tell that from the way they performed when he was out in the last two seasons.  Someone needs to replace his rushing production and intangibles (perhaps the most important piece now gone).  

The offense loses only two starters from last season.  The Rams always put together a decent offensive package, and this year is no different.  The line will need to develop somewhat to make up for losses there, but after that the unit is strong.  QB Newton, WR Davis and RB Sanders lead the group in terms of talent, and will be the subject of several highlight films by year's end.  

Defensively they have some holes to fill.  Nothing insurmountable, but the defense will be a question mark going into the season.  If someone can step up and into the role of leader on that squad, it will do wonders for getting the unit solid.  Look for that to be S Howell, a big hitter who comes back for another round of popping opposing ball carriers.  

The schedule is formidable.  After opening with Colorado (can they do that to the Buffs again this year?) they get an easy week with E. Tennessee State, then have to tackle the Sun Devils.  Nevada should be down this year, so they should pull off that win.  Then it's MWC time, and they get UNLV and New Mexico at home, which they should win.  then it's a trip to Utah, which they should lose, and San Diego State which they shouldn't.  Next up is a home game against BYU and a trip to Air Force, which they should split. They close with Wyoming, a likely win.  A tie for the title, at worst.

To see what we said about CSU in the spring, click here:  GO

New Mexico Lobos

It was a good and bad thing to hear that Brian Urlacher was projected as a top 20 pick by NFL teams; good in the sense that it gave the Lobos some recognition nationwide, bad in the sense that it meant their star defender was gone.  They need him this year -- or someone to step in and replace his leadership and reliability.  It doesn't look like they have anyone lined up to fill this role, so it could be along year for the New Mexico defense.  The secondary is a strength, as they get everyone back.  LBs should be strong again, led by Barnett.  If the rest of the front seven can gel in time to avoid some big scoring outings by opposing offenses, things could work out better than expected.

Offense will need to put up big enough numbers to accommodate the weakened defense.  Problem is, they only get five starters back, and they may not have the tools to do so.  They lose a lot of air power with the departure of star WR Martinez Williams.  They may get some help from Illini transfer Davis.  The QB situation is still unsettled, with returning underclassmen and JUCO transfers in the mix.  Look for a combination of QBs until the eventual starter establishes himself with a solid game or two.  Expect the running game to be called upon as the basis of the offense.

The Lobos are in dire straits this season.  If the running game is solid to begin the year, and folks on the 'D' picked up a bunch of techniques and confidence from their time with Urlacher, the team could do fine.  Expect an 0-3 start (at Texas Tech, then Boise and Oregon State) before traveling to NM State and getting Northern Arizona at home, both of which they may win.  Then it's MWC time.  All of their tougher conference games are on the road, making it all the more difficult to pull out W's there.  They get Wyoming and SDSU at home, which they can win.  Even a winning record in the conference won't guarantee a bowl berth, though, with that brutal non-conference schedule.

To see what we said about the Lobos in the spring, click here:  GO

San Diego State Aztecs

It's going to be another long year for the Aztecs and their fans.  Last season was full of potential, and we didn't see much of it turn into production on the field.  This season, with the loss of most of the starters, there is less potential.  Unless some help develops in time to make it a successful year, count this one as another 'rebuilding' season.

The Aztecs earn their billing as conference doormats based mostly on those losses.  They get one player from their starting defense back next year, and only five from the offense.  It's hard to project that shell of a team any higher than we did.  There are bright spots, though, and things may work out just fine for them.

RB Larry Ned is the best that the offense has.  After that, the passing game as a whole is a question mark and we'll have to wait to see what develops there.  QB Hawley returns, so there is some hope for them to be competitive.  If Ned can put on a really good Marshall Faulk impersonation the Aztecs will have a chance to win a few games.

Defensively things aren't good.  They lose almost all of a defense that was impressive in '99.  Defensive Line was their strength, and whether or not there are replacements remains to be seen.  Hard to say where the backfield will be; they have some highly regarded recruits coming into the positions, and they looked decent this spring and we'll soon see how well their ratings match their abilities in game situations. 

The schedule is awful, with three poundings by PAC 10 members likely and an Illinois team that should pummel the Aztecs' new defense.  Not a good way to start a season when your team is desperate for confidence.  The MWC schedule has Utah, Colorado State and UNLV at home, which means they probably waste the home field advantage on the best teams in the conference, teams they shouldn't have much chance of beating.  They may get road wins against Wyoming or New Mexico.  All said, it'll be another rough year for Aztecs fans.  Hopefully some stars will begin to shine this season, and give the team cause to look forward to next season.

To see what we said about the Aztecs  in the spring, click here:  GO

UNLV Rebels

It's all 'up' for the Rebels, after some horrible years.  With Robinson on the sidelines (and probably more importantly, at the practice field) this team should continue to improve.  

This looks more like a mutt version of college football than a standard team. They have a coach from USC and a QB from the Trojans, as well, a RB from Washington State and one from Florida State.  Then there your more typical JUCO transfers and walk-ons making their bid for starting spots.  Was anyone on this team recruited out of high school, by UNLV?

Well, yes, but more often than not, No.  Any way you can get them could be coach Robinson's motto for this team.  And on the offensive side of the ball, what he has managed to get has worked very well. They are led by an impressive all-purpose QB in Thomas.  RBs Brown and Skaggs looked good this spring, and have the coaches talking with confidence about the running game.  They lose good receivers, and have to address this in the spring.  They get some new blood from the JUCO ranks and transfers, and it should be interesting to see how the influx of some experienced players helps the passing game.  When Thomas throws, that is.

Defense will be the Achilles' heel of this team.  At the moment, there isn't a whole lot to be positive about, though.  Since an experienced coach like Robinson knows that only with a strong defense can a team be successful, look for that to be the focal point of this summer.  They have a star in all-conference corner Thomas, but need a couple of their front seven to emerge in order to field a decent defense.

The Rebels take another step forward this season.  They'll get tested by the opening day trip to Iowa State, before pounding on North Texas and getting two conference challenges with BYU and Air Force.  They should come out of this stretch at 2-2.  Then they'll beat on nearby Reno, before facing Colorado State and Utah on the road, with a visit by Wyoming and a trip to Ole Miss in between.  They'll be lucky to get two wins out of that stretch.  If they can split with CSU and the Utes, they'll be in the conference title hunt until late, when they play out the MWC schedule against San Diego State and New Mexico teams they will beat.  If they win at Mississippi or Hawaii they'll finish with a good record and get more recognition nationally (vital for continued upgrading of the program).

To see what we said about the UNLV in the spring, click here:  GO

Utah Utes  

Utah has the least to replace, has an explosive offense and special teams, and should have the best defense in the conference; and as they say, "Defense wins championships."  But the Utes get our call for the MWC title in 2000, based in large part on the parity we expect to see from several MWC teams.  BYU, Air Force and UNLV should all knock each other off a couple of times, and Colorado State will tie with them atop the conference if the Utes beat them at home like they should.  

The Utes will stop most teams in the conference with a strong defensive front and decent talent behind them.  They have good cover men, and get most of their DL back.  Look for relatively low scoring games for the MWC, at least from Utah opponents.  The Utes should score a lot, and win most of their games by quite a few points, thanks to that defense.  They lose RB Mike Anderson, and that is their biggest hole.  There is some question concerning QB Darnell Arceneaux, and that situation has to get resolved.  At receiver they get All-conference WR Steve Smith back.  The attack should be balanced, and effective.  

The Utes should tie with the Rams for the Mountain West title.  Their match-ups against BYU and Air Force will be crucial; they get both of these at home, so advantage Utah. We think they'll drop two games to the AF/BYU/UNLV trio, but beat CSU.  Look for them to have a shot at a nice bowl berth as well, if they can win two of their games against the PAC 10 opponents that start their schedule.

To see what we said about Utah in the spring, click here:  GO

Wyoming Cowboys   

The Cowboys enter the 2000 season without their former head coach, Dana Dimel.  He moved south to head the program at Houston.  The first year after the departure of a coach is always tough to call, but more often than not is a down year.  Too many new schemes to learn and master, adjustments to new personalities bossing you around on the practice field, and so on.  So we look for an off year from Wyoming.

The offense has some holes to fill, especially at receiver.  QB Jay Stoner is back, though, and this will be instrumental in the offense staying afloat.  Of course, Stoner has to improve on last season's output, cutting down the mistakes and giving his team the confidence they need to compete with the top-flight offenses in the MWC.  And he'll need to find someone to throw to, someone to run the ball occasionally, and a line to buy him some time.  All of which are still up in the air right now.  It's hard to give a list of highlights for the 2000 Cowboys' offense, since there isn't a whole lot settled in that unit.

Defensively, Wyoming lost quite a bit to graduation.  There should be adequate replacements, but no reason to call for a stellar year from that unit.  Rich returns in the backfield, and Boyle on the line, and these guys will lead that group.  They also keep their coordinator, since he is now the head coach.  The offense isn't expected to be too strong, so expect the defense to be on the field a lot.  Most games should be shoot-outs, and while the losses will be more than Cowboys fans would like, the games will be interesting to watch.

The schedule is brutal.  The first two games should be non-conference losses; the last five games could all be conference losses. In between they'll scrape up a couple of wins. Wyoming have an off year, and settle for the role of spoilers.  There are two teams we always overrate in the MWC -- Wyoming and Air Force -- so we're going conservative here; but watch out, as the Cowboys have been known to come out of nowhere and surprise a few teams.

To see what we said about the Cowboys in the spring, click here:  GO