1. Wyoming (3-1, 0-0)Next: vs. TCU
The bye week came at a great time for the Cowboys, as they’ve had two weeks to prepare for upcoming TCU. If Wyoming can tidy up its minus-1 turnover margin and continue their No. 1 ranked overall defense in the conference, Wyoming will be able to retain its pole position for another week.
2. Brigham Young (3-2, 2-0) Next: Bye
The Cougars have the most manageable schedule in the MWC over the next month and should set the pace for the rest of the Mountain West heading into November. The fact that BYU ranks 1st in total offense and 3rd in total defense is a good sign for fans in Provo.
3. Texas Christian (3-2, 1-1) Next: at Wyoming
The Horned Frogs have been a tough team to figure out this season. They don’t quite look like a dominant MWC team, but they always look more athletic than their opponent. It’s like in “Good Will Hunting” when Professor Lambeau would get mad at Will for not applying his gift.
4. Air Force (3-2, 2-1) Next: vs. UNLV
The Falcons have a good offensive scheme and good athletes, but when forced to go against the bigger teams, the Falcons are no match — especially on the offensive and defensive lines. This will continue to be a season where Air Force beats the teams it should, but rarely beats the teams it wants.
5. UNLV (2-3, 1-0) Next: at Air Force
The Rebels continue to prove that they are a much better team than MWC has come to expect. Frank Summers is still educating opponents on how hard he is to bring down, and Utah will not be the only team the Rebels shock in the Mountain West Conference this season.
6. Utah (2-3, 0-2) Next: at Louisville
The Utes get an important but mundane win over a Utah State team they could beat with their third string. Utah is another one of those MWC teams with talent, but also one that lacks how to control their violent mood swings from week to week. A win over Louisville would be a huge shot in the arm.
7. New Mexico (3-2, 0-1) Next: Bye
New Mexico looks like one of those teams that will give its fans thrills — not by the record it posts at the end of the season, but by the fact that it’s setting itself up to knock off one of the MWC heavyweights at some point. However, the Lobos won’t have the luxury of qualifying for their own bowl this season.
8. Colorado State (0-4, 0-1) Next: vs. San Diego State
Yeah, the Rams don’t have a win to speak of, but they also haven’t faced an opponent that gives them much of a prayer to beat — and still they’ve competed. The Rams won’t have many excuses in the upcoming weeks as they face an October schedule that a half-decent team could go 2-2 against.
9. San Diego State (1-3, 0-0) Next: at Colorado State
The Aztecs weren’t even a punching bag for No. 24 Cincinnati to spar against on Saturday. With the amazing pool of talent SDSU has to draw from in the San Diego area, it’s bewildering that the Aztecs can’t field a team better than this. Going 0-8 in the conference isn’t out of the question at this point.