1 UTAH STATE
Yes this pick goes against popular wisdom and yes Boise State( who most are picking to win the MWC) has exceptionally good talent returning this year. Utah State however, has something Boise State does not, Chuckie Keeton. Keeton, a gifted athlete as well as a versatile signal caller , is back after recovering from an injury that cut his season short last year. Keeton is the X factor for Utah State and if he can stay healthy this season look for him to lead Utah State to a MWC title.
In front of Keeton is an experienced line that returns 4 of 5 starters. The Oline struggled some last season, but I expect that with an extra year under their belts the line will give Keeton the time he needs to make a plethora of big plays with his feet and arm.
Keeton will have a talented group of skill players to work with this season including the ubber talented Jo Jo Natson. Natson's return to the Aggies this year creates serious match up problems for opposing defenses whenever he is in the game.
Combine all of this with a solid Aggie Defense lead by 6'2, 230 OLB Nick Vigil and you have a Utah State team that is ready to capture the MWC title this year. As long as Chuckie Keeton can stay healthy, Utah State is the team to beat in the Mountain West this year.
Boise State returns the majority of its best players from last years excellent squad. Something that in most seasons would place them at the top of the MWC food chain. The main issue for the Bronco's this year and one that I believe will keep them from claiming the MWC title, is the need to replace Grant Hedrick at QB. Hedrick( now playing in the CFL) ably lead last season's Bronco team to both a MWC title and Access Bowl win over Arizona State.
This year's likely starting QB, Ryan Finely, looked very average when he was brought in to relieve Hedrick last season ,something that should be concerning to the Boise State faithful. (In April, it was also reported that Ryan Finely was arrested for a misdemeanor charge stemming from alcohol related issues: Finely arrested link
If Boise did not have to break in a new QB, they would easily be my pick to win the MWC and repeat as Access Bowl Champs. With a very good defense , especially with a healthy 6'0 300 NT Justin Taimatuia returning, the Broncos have as much defensive talent as any top Power 5 team in College Football. Oh, and don't forget Boise sports a Secondary that has talent at both the Strong Safety and Boundary corner position. Simply put, Boise has a bread basket full of ballers this year. Yet...
Yet picking Boise State to win the MWC with a new QB is not something I am going to do. Plus the Broncos play at Utah State this year, something that Aggie QB Chuckie Keeton probably already has circled on his calendar.
3. COLORADO STATE
Here is what I wrote about Colorado State earlier in the summer:
"Colorado State begins life without their former Head Coach Jim McElwain this year. Fortunately, McElwain, who took the Florida Gator job shortly after the season ended, did not leave the Ram cupboard bare, stocking it with exceptional athletes like All American WR Rashard Higgens.
New Head Coach Mike Bobo( formerly the OC for the Georgia Bulldogs) has an excellent football mind and should have plenty to work with when he prepares the Ram's for their season opener against Savannah State in Sept at Hughes Stadium. The biggest questions for the Rams will be finding a replacement for Qb Garrett Grayson and learning to co exist with their new head coach. Don't be surprised however, if the Rams make a nice run at and are in the mix for the Access Bowl in January."
I like Colorado State and think they are a G5 program that is worth emulating. Don't be surprised if Colorado State finds a way to claw its way to the MWC title this year. I also have Colorado State as one my Access Bowl Dark Horse picks: Access Bowl Dark Horse Picks
4. San Diego State
5. Air Force
6. New Mexico
7. San Jose
8. Nevada
9. Fresno State
10. Hawaii
11. Wyoming
12. UNLV
Just found your site, enjoying reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteHere is my outlook. Ultimately I think Boise will be fine at QB, they have a history of recruiting good talent at the position year after year. Who ever wins the job will be a talented guy with a lot of potential.
1. Boise State
2. Utah State
3. San Diego State
4. San Jose State
5. Colorado State
6. Nevada
7. Air Force
8. Hawaii
9. New Mexico
10. Fresno State
11. Wyoming
12. Fresno State
David, great response. Glad you found us. Boise is of course loaded this year. Just not sure if the QB issues resolve themselves soon enough for a Championship run. We will see.
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