It's been no secret that San Diego State would love to leave the Mountain West for the Pac-12 to fill their upcoming vacancies next season. However; the Mountain West was not too keen on letting the Aztecs just up and leave and they will not be waiving or reducing the exit fee. Perhaps the Aztecs are looking to jump ship after a down year for the conference stuck in mediocrity outside Boise State, Fresno State, and Air Force.
The Broncos are once again the favorite to win the conference, don't expect the Bulldogs or Falcons to let them waltz through the league without issue. All three teams hope to get better competition from the bottom of the conference as four teams won three games or fewer. Here's a look at the Mountain West in 2023.
Boise State
Last Year Record (Rank): 10-4 (24)
Preseason Rank: 22
Prediction: 8-4
What's Ahead: Did you know Boise State hasn't won the Mountain West since 2019? It's hard to believe that they are in this long of a drought after being dominant for the majority of the 21st Century. Part of the issue has been quarterback play for 3rd-year coach Andy Avalos, but Taylen Green provided a spark for a Broncos team that went 2-2 last year before he took over. The conference will likely be down to a three-team race as Air Force and Fresno State look to keep Boise State from claiming another conference crown.
Air Force
Head Coach: Troy Calhoun (17th Season, 121-78)
LYR: 10-3 (17)
PR: 30
Prediction: 10-2
What's Ahead: A favorable schedule and one of the country's longest-tenured coaches is a recipe for success. The Falcons look to make it back-to-back seasons with 10+ wins and barring a few surprises, looked primed to do it again. The only real challenge on the schedule isn't until the last weekend when they travel to Boise. Could this be the year they finally win the Mountain West?
Fresno State
LYR: 10-4 (23)
PR: 36
Prediction: 9-3
What's Ahead: The Bulldogs went 1-4 to begin 2022 but then went on a nine-game streak to achieve an unthinkable 10 wins and a conference championship. There is a lot of turnover on the offensive side of the ball, but Jeff Tedford has found success in Fresno and after some rough road tests at Purdue and Arizona State, the road looks pretty favorable. They even get the luck of welcoming Boise State to California instead of playing on the blue turf.
San Jose State
Head Coach: Brent Brennan (7th Season, 27-42)
LYR: 7-5 (55)
PR: 69
Prediction: 6-6
What's Ahead: This Spartans' squad has a lot of great things going for it on offense including the return of senior quarterback Chevan Cordeiro. The biggest factor for the boys of Silicon Valley is their schedule. The road schedule includes trips to USC, Toledo, and Boise State, while they get visits from Oregon State, Fresno State, and Air Force. Fortunately, they should get wins against the rest of their schedule to make it back to a bowl game. Hopefully, that bowl comes against EMU since the Spartans are the only team they can beat in December.
San Diego State
Head Coach: Brady Hoke (6th Season, 36-24)
LYR: 7-6 (67)
PR: 72
Prediction: 7-5
What's Ahead: The Aztecs took a step backward in 2022 and made an unfortunate move to let the Mountain West know that they were leaving despite not receiving an invitation from the Pac-12 (which is currently in shambles). Jaylen Mayden is back at quarterback for Brady Hoke, but the schedule is brutal as they draw two Pac-12 teams and the previous four conference teams on this list.
Wyoming
Head Coach: Craig Bohl (10th Season, 52-56)
LYR: 7-6 (68)
PR: 73
Prediction: 7-5
What's Ahead: The Cowboys need better quarterback play if they want to rise above the midline. Their AD should also get props for bringing some big games to Laramie in Texas Tech and Appalachian State.
Utah State
Head Coach: Blake Anderson (4th Season, 17-10)
LYR: 6-7 (82)
PR: 107
Prediction: 5-7
What's Ahead: The bowl streak could be in jeopardy. A visit from James Madison could be the tipping point for the Aggies.
Colorado State
LYR: 3-9 (122)
PR: 113
Prediction: 6-6
What's Ahead: The offense has some big playmakers returning to Fort Collins. Tory Horton went over 1,000 yards receiving and seems to have a great report with Clay Millen. Jay Norvell was too successful at Nevada for the Rams to be down for very long.
UNLV
Head Coach: Barry Odom (1st Season)
LYR: 5-7 (96)
PR: 114
Prediction: 3-9
What's Ahead: The Rebels were nearly bowl eligible because of their academic progress report, but were a few teams short. That failure led to a coaching change as UNLV has not been to a bowl since 2013 and has never won the MWC or any conference since they won the Big West in 1994. Barry Odom has the unenviable task of trying to turn all this around.
Hawaii
Head Coach: Timmy Chang (2nd Season, 3-10)
LYR: 3-10 (124)
PR: 121
Prediction: 3-10
What's Ahead: Speaking of unenviable tasks, Timmy Chang is finding it much harder in Honolulu the second time around.
New Mexico
Head Coach: Danny Gonzales (4th Season, 7-24)
LYR: 2-10 (125)
PR: 126
Prediction: 2-10
What's Ahead: Danny Gonzales' seat is hot and it's not because of the New Mexico sun.
Nevada
Head Coach: Ken Wilson (2nd Season, 2-10)
LYR: 2-10 (127)
PR: 129
Prediction: 4-8
What's Ahead: The Wolfpack should be much improved after last season's rough transition period for Ken Wilson. They will still be at the bottom but they should be able to take the Fremont Cannon back.
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