PASS: San Diego State, Air Force, Wyoming, San Jose State, New Mexico
The news was twice as good as usual for San Diego State this week. The Aztecs blasted Utah State on the road 40-13, and then got more good news when Hawaii slipped up at home in a loss to New Mexico. SDSU now leads the West by a full 2.5 games now, and they seem to pulling away at the right time.
With the UNM win, the Lobos have pulled into a 2nd place tie in the Mountain with Boise State, who fell short to Wyoming for the first time ever. New Mexico is really streaking at a good time now, as they have run their winning streak to 3 games. The Lobos have some chances to make some noise, but another loss for Boise State would help.
Wyoning had never beaten Boise State dating back to their first meeting in 2002. The Cowboys played a solid game plan into fruition, and got the winning points on a safety as the ball was ripped from Brett Rypien's hands to roll out of the back of the end zone. Wyoming now controls the Mountain, and Craig Bohl is the conference coach of the year if the award were to be given out today.
San Jose State is not a factor in the West, as hardly anyone is anymore, but they needed a win at home last night over UNLV, and they got one. Ron Caragher buys himself another week with that win.
Air Force is out of the Mountain race as well right now, but they also picked up a much needed win over hapless Fresno State, who continues to fall after the firing of Tim DeRuyter.
FAIL: Utah State, Fresno State, Boise State, UNLV, Hawaii
Utah State is as down as they can be after a blowout loss at home to San Diego State, and making matters worse was terrible attendance and scant support. Matt Wells, who was a rock star a couple of years ago, is now looking to be in over his head in trying to right the ship. The Aggies are now just 1-4 in conference play.
Fresno State is still in a free fall, and it looks bleak as to where they could win another game this season. Their only win on the year comes against FCS Sacramento State, and they have hardly been in any conference game. One bit of news on their job seems to be that Lane Kiffin, listed early on as a candidate, will not be one after all.
Boise State had never lost to Wyoming, until 2016. The Broncos, who were lucky as can be to win the week before against BYU, were finally bitten this week in their freakish loss to the Cowboys on the road. The loss knocks them out of NY6 consideration, and they no longer control their own destiny in conference play.
UNLV is playing more and more like a young football team, and this was one of their terrible losses this season, as the Rebels fell at San Jose State. This loss, along with their loss to Idaho, are just terrible losses for a program trying to build an identity.
Hawaii had a shot to keep pace with San Diego State, but now not even the Rainbows are in that race any longer. Hawaii fell short at home to New Mexico, and that is going to be a haunting loss at the end of the season. Even worse, it dropped them to just 4-5, and the clock is winding down to get bowl qualified. Hawaii has to win 2 more to get there.
No comments:
Post a Comment