Mountain West Football: Week 11 Preview and Predictions
The Mountain West Conference football season continues to defy expectations, delivering a series of unpredictable results.Heading into Week 11, parity reigns supreme, and forecasting outcomes has become an exercise in calculated guesswork. This preview breaks down the four contests scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, offering insights and predictions for each game.
Air Force at San Jose State: Offensive Showcase Expected
The Air Force Falcons travel to face the San Jose State Spartans in a matchup brimming with offensive potential. San Jose State is currently favored by 4.5 points, with an over/under of 66.5 points. The Spartans, despite a winless road record, have found success at CEFCU Stadium, winning their last three home games. A key factor in their recent performance has been quarterback Walker Eget, who has thrown for 352.5 yards per game with 15 touchdowns and zero interceptions over the last six contests.
Conversely, Air Force’s passing defense ranks 132nd nationally, indicating a potential aerial attack for the Spartans. While San jose State struggles against the pass themselves,Air Force’s ability to establish a strong running game could prove to be a balancing force. The prediction favors San Jose State to secure the win, capitalizing on their passing prowess, but expect a high-scoring affair for both sides.
Nevada Wolf Pack at Utah State Aggies: Aggies Poised for Victory
Utah state is a meaningful 9.5-point favorite against the visiting Nevada wolf Pack,with a total set at 52.5. Nevada’s offensive struggles are well-documented,averaging a mere 14 points per game,among the lowest in the nation. Simultaneously occurring, Utah State, while not defensively dominant, has proven capable of putting points on the board. Bryson Barnes is expected to lead the Aggies’ offense, potentially exploiting vulnerabilities in the Nevada defense.
With Nevada holding just one win and currently mired in a six-game losing streak, the momentum heavily favors Utah State, who are aiming to secure a potential bowl game berth. A decisive victory for the aggies is anticipated.
UNLV Rebels at Colorado State Rams: Rebels Look to Bounce Back
The UNLV Rebels,despite recent losses,are favored by 4.5 points at Colorado State, with an over/under of 62.5. UNLV’s consecutive defeats mark their first as December 2023, yet they have already achieved bowl eligibility for a third consecutive season. Colorado State, needing wins to extend their season, faces an uphill battle against a resilient Rebel squad.
UNLV’s defensive lapses in recent games – allowing 545 yards and nearly a first down per play – will need addressing. Though, Colorado State’s offense hasn’t been explosive enough to fully exploit these weaknesses. The Rebels are projected to secure a road victory, ending their recent skid.
San Diego State Aztecs at Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors: Aztecs Continue dominance
San Diego State, currently undefeated in conference play at 4-0, travels to Hawai’i as a 7-point favorite, with a relatively low over/under of 50.5. The Aztecs’ success is built on a strong defense and a consistent running game led by Lucky Sutton, who leads the conference with 102.5 rushing yards per game. Hawai’i, while strong against the run, was recently exposed defensively through the air.
Despite Hawai’i’s potential to challenge, San Diego State’s balanced attack and stingy defense position them for another win. Avoiding an upset in Honolulu will be critical as they prepare for a significant showdown against Boise State the following week.
| Game | Spread | Over/Under | Prediction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Force at San Jose State | SJSU -4.5 | 66.5 | San Jose State |
| Nevada at Utah State | USU -9.5 | 52.5 | Utah State |
| UNLV at Colorado State | UNLV -4.5 | 62.5 | UNLV |
| SDSU at Hawai’i | SDSU -7 | 50.5 | San Diego State |
Mountain West Conference Trends: A Brief Overview
The Mountain West Conference has a history of unpredictable outcomes and competitive parity. As its formation, the conference has sent multiple teams to prestigious bowl games, and frequently enough serves as a breeding ground for future NFL talent. Recent years have witnessed a shift towards more balanced offenses, with an increasing emphasis on passing attacks.However, programs with a strong commitment to the running game, like Air Force and San Diego State, continue to find success. Understanding these past trends can provide valuable context when analyzing current matchups and anticipating future results. NCAA.com provides a detailed history of the Mountain West Conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Mountain West Conference unique?
The Mountain West Conference is known for its competitive balance and often produces unexpected results, making it stand out among other collegiate athletic conferences.
Which team is currently the favorite to win the Mountain West Championship?
san Diego State is currently considered the favorite, but the conference’s unpredictable nature means any team could contend.
How crucial is the running game in the Mountain West?
While passing attacks are gaining prominence, a strong running game remains a key component of success for teams like air Force and San Diego State.
What impact does home-field advantage have in the Mountain West?
Home-field advantage can be significant, particularly at higher elevations and in environments with passionate fan bases.
are there any notable upsets expected in Week 11?
While not heavily favored, Hawai’i could pose a challenge to San Diego State, potentially leading to an upset.
What is the importance of bowl eligibility in the Mountain West Conference?
achieving bowl eligibility is a major goal for many Mountain West teams, providing valuable exposure and a chance to compete on a national stage.
What are your predictions for Week 11 of Mountain West football? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this article with your fellow college football fans.
