Mountain West Power Rankings, Standings & CFB Predictions For Week 0

A few teams looked like they were in control of the Mountain West at different points last year. But ultimately, Boise State ended up winning the league championship. Now the Broncos are one of the Group of Five favorites to win the College Football Playoff this year.

There’s plenty of other talented teams in the conference, though. Here’s a ranking of the best Mountain West squads and predictions for this week’s games.

Mountain West Rankings And Records

Rank	Team	Record
1	Boise State	0-0
2	UNLV	0-0
3	Fresno State	0-0
4	Colorado State	0-0
5	Air Force	0-0
6	San Diego State	0-0
7	Wyoming	0-0
8	Utah State	0-0
9	San Jose State	0-0
10	Nevada	0-0
11	Hawaii	0-0
12	New Mexico	0-0

1. Boise State (0-0)

We’ll have to see if Boise State lives up to the hype after Maddux Madsen was named the Broncos’ starting quarterback over USC transfer and former four-star prospect Malachi Nelson. This is also Spencer Danielson’s first full season as head coach, so there’s some uncertainty there as well.

But even if the Broncos are mediocre at quarterback, they are loaded with talent everywhere else. They have great skill players, like 2023 G5 Offensive Player of the Year Ashton Jeanty, and stars at every level on defense. At the very least, they should be competitive in the Mountain West.

2. UNLV (0-0)

UNLV has quarterback questions of its own. But the Rebels also return plenty of standout players and have continuity on its coaching staff with head coach Barry Odom, offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, and defensive coordinator Mike Scherer all returning.

On offense, wide receiver Ricky White and offensive lineman Tiger Shanks will help the Rebels continue their momentum from last season. Linebacker Jackson Woodard, defensive lineman Jalen Dixon, and defensive back Cameron Oliver should provide leadership on defense. Even in a tough conference, there’s plenty to like about this UNLV team.

3. Fresno State (0-0)

Fresno State dealt with a coaching change this offseason when former head coach Jeff Tedford stepped down because of health reasons and Tim Skipper took the leading role. So there’s cause to wonder if the Bulldogs will be as good as they were a year ago.

But there’s also reason to believe Fresno State will be one of the best teams in the Mountain West with quarterback Mikey Keene, running back Malik Sherrod, and a good offensive line back. The Bulldogs also return a few players, like defensive lineman Devo Bridges, from a defense that was top five in the conference in terms of points (24.6) and yards (385.1) allowed per game.

4. Colorado State (0-0)

Colorado State is tough for me because I want to move the Rams up higher. They may have gone 5-7 last year, but the team has shown improvement now going into Jay Norvell’s third year as head coach.

CSU also brings back seven all-conference performers from last year. That includes wide receiver Tory Horton and safety Jack Howell, who are both Preseason G5 All-Americans, as well as quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, who was impressive as a redshirt freshman last year.

5. Air Force (0-0)

I’m not expecting Air Force to replicate the success of last year’s team. Trey Taylor, the 2023 Jim Thorpe Award winner, as well as quarterback Zac Larrier and the Falcons’ starting offensive line have all moved on.

But head coach Troy Calhoun is still leading the program. So could the Falcons be competitive, be in the mix for the conference title, and make a bowl game? Absolutely.

Best Of The Rest

6. San Diego State (0-0)

7. Wyoming (0-0)

8. Utah State (0-0)

9. San Jose State (0-0)

10. Nevada (0-0)

11. Hawaii (0-0)

12. New Mexico (0-0)

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Mountain West Predictions

Montana State vs. New Mexico Prediction

I predict Montana State will win but New Mexico will cover the spread at +10.5. I’m also projecting the game will go Under 53.5 total points.

The Bobcats are favored – on the road against an FBS opponent – for a reason. Led by senior quarterback Tommy Mellott, they are loaded with talent compared to the average FCS team.

However, the spread is a little too large in my opinion. 

With a new head coach, New Mexico won’t necessarily be easy to prepare for. The Lobos are also playing at home in front of what should be an excited crowd for their home opener. They also have a decent transfer class coming in, so they should have pieces to help them stay competitive here.

I expect MSU to rely on its rushing attack, keep this a low-scoring contest, and win by a touchdown.

Delaware State vs. Hawaii Prediction

I predict Hawaii will win but Delaware State will cover the spread at +38.5. I also project the game will go Over 57.5 total points.

I believe Hawaii is absolutely the better team. And traveling that far will be difficult for the Hornets. But I also think beating anyone by more than 38 points, especially early in the season when teams are usually trying to find their groove, is a lot to ask.

Scoring shouldn’t be an issue for Hawaii in this one, though. Quarterback Brayden Schager, who was second in the Mountain West with 272.5 passing yards per game and was first with 3,884 all-purpose yards last year, should thrive in this matchup. And with wide receivers like Steven McBride and Pofele Ashlock, who both received all-conference honors last year, Hawaii will be difficult to defend.

I expect Hawaii to score plenty and win by five touchdowns.

SMU vs. Nevada Prediction

I predict SMU will win but Nevada will cover the spread at +27.5. I also project the game will go Over 56.5 total points.

SMU averaged 38.7 points per game last year, and the Mustangs are only expected to be better now that they’re a Power Four team. I could see them putting up plenty of points in this clash.

However, I think the Wolf Pack will also display some improvement here. Nevada had one of the best transfer classes in the Mountain West this offseason, and Choate has proven throughout his career that he’s a capable coach.

Especially at home, I think Nevada will keep this game competitive early on. SMU may pull away in the end, but I’m anticipating the Wolf Pack will show some promise in a loss.