Thursday, August 6, 2009

OSG College Football 2009 Predictions: Mountain West Conference

TCU Horned Frogs

2008 Record: 11-2 Overall, 7-1 In The MWC
Defeated Boise State 17-16 In The Poinsettia Bowl

Things to Like About TCU:

Explosive Offense: This is a group that gobbles chunks of yards thanks to a constant rotation of fresh legs are running back. The Frogs can go 5 deep at the running back position. Ryan Christian, Joseph Turner, Chris Smith, Jai Caveness, and Edward Wesley are a fabulous Frog five some at running back.

A Bounce to Their Step: This was a confident team during spring workouts. The Horned Frogs feel as if 2009 is their watershed year to crash the BCS party.

Things Not To Like About TCU:

Passing Game: Not that it’s a glaring weakness but there is really no need to air it out with a 5 productive RB’s in your offense. It the Frogs show any improvement throwing the ball watch out.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: TCU is poised to take a seat at the BCS table. For that to happen the Frogs have to win at least one of their non-conference games vs a BCS opponent on the road. TCU opens at Virginia and that’s a winnable game. The other is a Clemson’s Death Valley and that could be a chore. TCU plays Utah in Ft. Worth but must travel to Provo to battle BYU. If things fall into place the Frogs could be hopping into the BCS.

Phil: Good team in an OK conference. They will be a tough out for anyone but a win in Death Valley may be asking too much. One loss means no BCS, but one loss will get them a nice bowl game. Solid season, best of conference.

Nelson: While I think TCU may be the class of the conference, for them to be in the BCS, they’re going to have to run the table. That means winning at Clemson and not falling down when they play the state of Utah. If it’s anywhere, it’s Clemson and Provo.

That won’t put them in the Rose Bowl.

BYU Cougars

2008 Record: 10-3 Overall, 6-2 In The MWC
Lost to Arizona 31-21 In The Las Vegas Bowl

Things to Like About BYU:

Max Hall: If BYU enjoyed BCS status it wouldn’t be a surprise if Hall was on the same level with Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy. Hall continues the long line of great BYU quarterbacks. When Hall is on BYU is close to unbeatable.

Tight Ends: The Cougars have a pair of tight ends that are highly skilled. Dennis Pitta has a great set of hands and can be Max Hall’s go to guy. He caught 83 balls last year for 1,083 yards. Pitta’s back up Andrew George has a different skill set be could start elsewhere. George is more of a mid-range receiver and can be a perfect safety valve for Hall when under pressure.

Things Not To Like About BYU:

The Secondary: This is the key. They struggled last year. If safeties Scott Johnson and Andrew Rich come up big, then no worries. Depth though will be an issue.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: This is my pick to win the MWC. BYU’s offense will be awesome. The Cougars defense that struggled at the end of 2008 should be better. BYU opens with Oklahoma at the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas and I give the Cougars a chance in that one. BYU also hosts Florida State in Provo and I wouldn’t be surprised to the Cougars won that one. Both Utah and TCU must come to Provo so I can definitely see an 11 win season, an MWC Championship and a possible BCS bowl for the Cougars.

Phil: Again a very good team in an OK conference. They will win most of their games but I don’t think they will beat Oklahoma or Free Shoes U. Having TCU and Utah come to them will help, but they will be a heartbeat away from the title. Good bowl game though.

Nelson: And with Hall, this is why my money is on the Cougs to get the BCS-Kicking-and-Screaming Invite this year. Simply, if the offense has to outscore people to go undefeated, they’ll do just that.

Utah Utes

2008 Record: 13-0 Overall, 8-0 In The Mountain West
Defeated Alabama 31-17 In The Sugar Bowl

Things to Like About Utah:

Offensive Line: A tremendous group led by 6-4, 305 pound OT Zane Beadles

Offensive Weapons: Though the Utes lost 3 of their top receivers the Utes have reloaded led by David Reed who could be the star of the group and Aiona Key is just as good. That duo may not be proven yet; but the playmaking ability is there.

Been There, Done That: Utah is becoming a program that expects to earn BCS bowl bids. The Utes have played in 2 already and have won both. If the program is copping an attitude; that’s not a bad thing.

Things Not To Like About Utah:

Quarterback: Brian Johnson was the heart of the Utes under center but he has moved on. Corbin Louks was Johnson’s back up last year but didn’t win the job outright during spring ball. Terrance Cain was the national JUCO offensive player of the year and might be the man for the Utes. Their success is critical for Utah to repeat.

Schedule: Utah must play MWC rivals TCU and BYU on the road this year.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: While Utah has talent to replace 10 starters that were lost from unbeaten team in 2008. Both with Oregon, BYU and TCU on the road and had to replace both coordinators. I can see a step back for Utah but not by much.

Phil: This is the “rebuilding” year for these guys. They will be good, but will struggle early on. As the season goes, they will improve and look for 2010 to be a strong one. Middle of the pack and an outside shot at a bowl

Nelson: All the losses due to graduation are what will cause the Utes to lose out for second in the conference with more than one loss. Everyone loses to BYU; I think Utah loses to TCU. A good year, but a recovery year for Kyle Whittingham here…

Air Force Falcons

2008 Record: 8-5 Overall, 5-3 in The Mountain West
Lost To Houston 34-28 in the Armed Forces Bowl

Things to Like About Air Force:

Defensive Backs: This foursome can be fearsome. They can pick and punish. They are a very physical group.

Running Backs: Best collective RB unit in the MWC but only if Asher Clark stays at TB. Clark is competing for the QB position during fall camp.

Offensive Line: A seasoned group that returns 3 starters.

Things Not To Like About Air Force:

Front 7: The Falcons lost both DE’s this season so their will be pressure on the LB’s to generate a pass rush.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Air Force never impresses you but they hang around to win 7-8 games and make a bowl. They won’t complete for the MWC crown but the Falcons will reach a bowl game.

Phil: The true definition of a “Pain in the Ass” team. Good, solid and well coached, they will give everyone fits. The thing that usually gets them is the lack of depth…and size. They are good enough that nobody wants to mess with them but in the Mountain West they are middle to upper middle class. Possible bowl team.

Nelson: Air Force is like that bug that you can’t find the right spray to keep away from the picnic table. You keep waving your hand in front of your face to keep the triple-option away from your hot dogs and coleslaw, but the Falcons never listen. Consistently, a solid football team, but there are teams in the conference that are just plain better… A return trip to Fort Worth may be in the cards here.


UNLV Rebels

2008 Record: 5-7 Overall, 2-6 In The MWC

Things to Like About UNLV:

14 Starters Return: There is experience and they are motivated. The Rebels missed out of a bowl bid by losing their last game of the year to San Diego State. For those returning they want to wash out that bad taste in their mouths.

Receivers: Ryan Wolfe and Phillip Payne might be the best receiver combo in the MWC.

Things Not To Like About UNLV:

Running Back: Punishing RB Frank “The Tank” Summers has moved on. Now the Rebels must find a RB that can handle a heavy workload.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: 6-6 and a bowl game for UNLV

Phil: They just aren’t very interesting. The best part of playing them is getting a trip to Las Vegas. There just is only so much talent here. They don’t have the firepower to compete with the big boys. I agree with what Wilkie says, but they could be 4-8 just as easily.

Nelson: What do you want to bet that Game 13 will be either at home or in New Mexico…??? Just thinking…

Colorado State Rams

2008 Record: 7-6 Overall, 4-4 in The Mountain West

Things to Like About Colorado State:

Offensive Line: The most experienced O-line in college football. All but one starter is a senior. They might be among the best in the MWC.

Receivers: Rashaun Greer and Dion Morton are playmakers

Things Not To Like About Colorado State:

Defense: So many issues there. Only 5 returning starters and with injuries in spring ball and suspensions the numbers are small. The front 7 could be a major issue.

Schedule: Colorado State’s first 3 MWC games are at BYU, hosting Utah and at TCU. 0-3 is possible.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: If the defense can work through their issues then the Rams have a chance to make it back to a bowl game this year. 6 wins the max for the Rams.

Phil: We will know what they’ve got very early. I don’t see them being capable of making a statement there. The depth on the “D” will bite them in the ass. This is a bottom 1/3 of the conference team this year.

Nelson: What do you want to bet that Game 13 will be either in Las Vegas or New Mexico…??? Just thinking…

New Mexico Lobos

2008: Record 4-8 Overall, 2-6 in the MWC

Things to Like About New Mexico:

New Coach: Mike Locksley has work to do but he’s known to get talented players.

Things Not To Like About New Mexico:

Everything: The offense can’t throw touchdown passes, the running game is weak and the defense is a mess.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: The annual in-state battle against New Mexico State might be the Lobos only shot at a win this year.

Phil: Well, supposedly New Mexico is a very scenic place to visit. The food is supposed to be very good as well. I hear that the Green Chiles are well worth trying.

Nelson: Locksley has to hope that all the nonsense ((sorry, alleged nonsense)) that occurred early in his tenure is behind him and not a distraction. I think the question will be: Who will be worse…? These guys or the next team on the list…

San Diego State Aztecs

2008 Record: 2-10 Overall, 1-7 in the MWC

Things to Like About SDSU:

Quarterback: If Ryan Lindley has any consistency this year the Aztec offense may not be that bad. SDSU might win some games too.

Brady Hoke: The new SDSU head coach will bring some much needed enthusiasm.

Things Not To Like About SDSU:

Linebackers and Defensive Backs: The LB’s will be asked to blitz more so improvement can happen. The DB’s were not that good last year but they have bought into new DC Rocky Long’s system the most.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: 1998 was the last time San Diego State had a winning season and that streak continues Aztec fans.

Phil: Well, things could be worse. They aren’t New Mexico. There are at least a few glimmers of hope with these guys. Will they have a winning record…uh HELL no. But they will be better. They have a decent coach and some talent. 3-4 wins will be considered a success here.

Nelson: Does Marshall Faulk have any eligibility left and why did Brady Hoke take this job…???

Wyoming Cowboys

2008 Record: 4-8 Overall, 1-7 in the MWC

Things to Like About Wyoming:

New Coach, New Attitude: Dave Christensen takes over in Laramie and will bring the no huddle, up tempo spread offense that made a star out of Chase Daniel at Missouri.

Defense: If they develop a pass rush this Cowboy “D” has a chance to keep Wyoming in some games.

Things Not To Like About Wyoming:

Offense: They were pretty bad last year. The passing game was 114th in the nation last year and the running game got worse for 2009.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: The deer and the antelope won’t be the only ones roaming in Wyoming. Dave Christensen is bringing his high powered offense to the prairie but it remains to be seen how the Pokes will take to this new fangled offense. 4 wins is about the max for the Cowboys.

Phil: Meh! They will be very similar to SDSU. There is some potential here, but they will struggle early. If the coaching takes; they will be competitive later in the season, but patience young Cowboys…success takes time, you have a long way to go to catch up with your brethren.

Nelson: But, Wilkie, I think they’ll take four wins considering the rebuilding job that has to go on here in Laramie. I think a lot of people wish Joe Tiller was still coach.
That’s how long it’s been- brown corduroy hats with yellow cursive lettering were “in” the last time there was any real success on the field.


OSG’s Take on the Mountain West Conference:

MWC Champion:

Wilkie: BYU
Phil: TCU
Nelson: BYU

Best Offensive Player in The MWC:

Wilkie: Max Hall – BYU
Phil: Uh…Hall
Nelson: Hall

Best Defensive Player in The MWC:

Wilkie: Jerry Hughes – TCU
Phil: Hughes
Nelson: Hughes

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