A Walk Through the Mountain West

1. Utah- The perennial Mountain West favorite should win the conference again in 2009. The Utes open the season against lowly Utah St. Utah will win easily 45-17.
2. TCU- The Horned Frogs come off of a tremendous 2008 where they were 11-2. They defated Boise St. 17-16 in the Poinsettia Bowl. TCU has one of the best defenses in the nation as they held Utah to 13 points in a loss and offensive juggernaut Boise St. to 16 points in the bowl win. TCU opens the season on September 12 th at Virginia.
3. BYU- The Cougars come off of a 10-3 season which included a loss to Arizona in the Las Vegas Bowl 31-21. The Cougars have their eyes set on the conference title as they get both TCU & Utah in the friendly confines of LaVell Edwards Stadium. BYU opens the season against national power Oklahoma in Arlington, TX. A chance for Coach Bronco Mendenhall to open the Christen the 09 season with a major upset. Despite the talent of the Cougars’ offense, their defense will not be able to shut down Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford and the Sooners. Oklahoma wins 47-27.
4. Air Force- The Falcons look to build on a 8-5 2008 which included a loss to Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl, 34-28. Providing QB Tim Jefferson fixes his academic issues, the Falcons should soar on offense. Their defense was solid except for games against the big three of Utah, TCU and BYU. Look for Air Force to duplicate their 08 record losing to each of the big three in the Mountain West. The Falcons open the 09 campaign with Nicholls St. on September 5 th.
5. Colorado St.- The Rams, led by first year coach Steve Fairchild were 7-6 in 2008 with a victory over Fresno St. in the New Mexico Bowl. Fairchild improved the Rams from 3-9 to a bowl bid in his first year. He has veterans at his disposal but the top of the conference will prove to be too big of an obstacle. The Rams open the season against bitter rival Colorado on the road in Boulder. The Buffaloes will prove to be too much as the defeat the Rams 34-20.
6. UNLV- The Revels haven’t had success under Head Coach Mike Sanford. The Rebels went 5-7 in 08 and have hopes for a brighter 2009. They return athletic QB Omar Clayton from an injury that kept him out most of the 08 season. Clayton should help but the Rebs will have a hard time winning 5 games in 09. UNLV opens the season on September 5 th against Sacramento St.
7. New Mexico- The 08 season proved to be horrific for the Lobos. They went 4-8 which led to the firing of Head Coach Rocky Long. The powers that be decided on Mike Locksley, the former offensive coordinator at Illinois. It will take time for Locksley to turn around but with some luck they may be able to reach .500. The Lobos open the season against the Aggies of Texas A&M. Locksley’s first game will not be a good one as the Aggies will prevail 27-17.
8. San Diego St.- The Aztecs were putrid at best in 2008 going 2-10. They have a new coach in Brady Hoke. Playing and living in San Diego is a recruiting tool few schools have. In addition, the Aztecs play in the spacious Qualcomm Stadium. The table is set for big things for the Aztecs but 2009 will be another tough season. Hoke’s first test will be the Bruins of UCLA in Los Angeles. Rick Neuheisel’s Bruins will lay the lumber to the Aztecs 37-17.
9. Wyoming- The Cowboys were only able to lasso 4 victories in the 08 season which resulted in the hiring of former Missouri offensive coordinator Dave Christensen. Few can argue with Christensen’s offensive pedigree but the cupboard is lean if not bare in Laramie. The Cowboys will end up in the cellar of the conference in 09. They will open the season with a home contest against Weber St.

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By: Scott Dryden
DFN Sports Staff Writer