After an absence of my own, I’ve returned to the weekly column. I won’t get into the details of why it’s now four weeks into the season and I’m just now writing something (I travel a lot), but rest assured, I’ll back in the swing of things. Slightly different format this season, needed to shorten this column to fit my schedule which gets crazier by the day it seems. The weekly blog has a new name as well because those that know me, know I don’t start workday day without a quad shot Americano on the rocks. Trust me, it’s awesome. Onto a couple recaps..!
Utah State was looking to keep their momentum rolling in their Mountain West opener against the always tough Air Force. Jordan Love threw for 356 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Gerold Bright rushed for 101 yards and two scores to keep the Aggies just in front of the Falcons. The Aggies took a 21-14 lead into the half and never looked back. However, Air Force wasn’t going to go quietly as they clawed their way back early in the fourth quarter with a touchdown from Kadin Remsberg, then picking up a Utah State fumble and taking it to the endzone to get within three. However, Bright took a 70 yard run to the house and mostly ended Air Force’s upset bid.
Eastern Michigan is one of those scrappy MAC teams who generally doesn’t have a ton of success but they’ll scare the hell out of you for a while. The home standing San Diego State Aztecs got more than they bargained for with the Eagles who took them to overtime. San Diego State built a 17-3 lead but couldn’t keep the Eagles far enough away. Mike Glass got EMU within seven before the half with a two yard touchdown run. EMU would put another score in to tie the game, a Mike Glass touchdown pass to Arthur Jackson. EMU took a quick fourth quarter lead on a Chad Ryland field goal. However, the Aztecs weren’t going away as John Baron punched in a field goal from 50 yards out on the following drive to knot it at 20 and headed into overtime. Baron won the game for SDSU with a 38 yard field goal.
Scores
Nevada 44
Toledo 63
Illinois State 35
Colorado State 19
UNLV 20
Arkansas State 27
Air Force 32
Utah State 42
Eastern Michigan 20
San Diego State 23
Duquesne 21
Hawaii 42
Mountain West Player of the Week
This week’s Mountain West player of the week is Utah State quarterback Jordan Love. Love was 26/38 for 356 yards and two touchdowns in the Aggies win over Air Force.
Mountain West MVP Candidates
Brett Rypien, QB, Boise State
Juwan Washington, RB, San Diego State
Cole McDonald, QB, Hawaii
Armani Rogers, QB, UNLV
Mountain West Power Rankings
Boise State
Fresno State
Utah State
San Diego State
Air Force
Wyoming
UNLV
Hawaii
New Mexico
Nevada
Colorado State
San Jose State
The Quad Shot
Hawaii is 4-1 on the season. Their turnaround under Nick Rolovich is impressive. However, I’m not all-in on the Rainbow Warriors yet. Schedule hasn’t been overly difficult thus far. They have some tests coming up, however, they’ll get another break as they take on FCS San Jose State this weekend.
Colorado State was riding high after beating Arkansas in their fancy new stadium with their orange throwback jerseys on, however, that all came crashing down after they lost to FCS member Illinois State. Mike Bobo would normally be on the hot seat here, because this is not what the Rams envisioned when they plucked him out of the SEC. However, to fire him this season will cost them $8 million dollars. Next season it would cost them $5.5 million dollars. The season after that would cost them $3.5 million dollars. Needless to say, unless Bobo turns things around, he’s going to be a very expensive and ineffective coach for a few years to come.
Boise State looks the role of a legitmate top 25 team. Their loss to Oklahoma State was a gut punch for the Broncos, whose sturdy defense gave up 44 points to the Cowboys. Both Wyoming and Boise State are coming off of bye weeks. The Cowboys spent their bye getting healthy, Boise spent theirs getting angry.
Utah State looks like a brand new team this season. Close loss at Michigan State, and beat the tar out of a couple of lesser opponents before handily beating Air Force should have Aggies fans excited. If they can beat BYU this weekend I’ll be on board with the Aggies, unfortunately, the game is being played in Provo, not an easy place to win, or a fun place to visit.