Mountain West Connection
All you need to know about the Mountain West, and then some
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Broncos Or Lobos? A Look Into The Hypothetical MW-PAC Matchup
The article pits New Mexico’s Lobos against the Boise State Broncos in a hypothetical 2026 showdown to gauge the Lobos’ Group‑Five CFP aspirations. While New Mexico’s defense shines—allowing just 11.3 points per game—and coach Jason Eck earns praise, Boise State’s veteran QB Maddux Madsen and superior special teams give the Broncos the edge. Offenses are statistically close, but the simulated game on a neutral dome ends 40‑16 in Boise’s favor, highlighting Boise’s balanced attack and New Mexico’s turnover woes. The piece examines coaching, quarterback play, offensive/defensive metrics, and special‑teams efficiency to argue that the Broncos would likely dominate the matchup.
Pac-12 Basketball 2026-27 Preseason Predictions: Awards
The Mountain West Connection’s Pac‑12 preseason preview crowns Gonzaga as the awards powerhouse for 2026‑27. Senior forward Braden Huff earns Player of the Year after a 17.8‑point, 5.6‑rebound comeback from a knee injury, while fellow Zags transfer Massamba Diop is named Defensive Player of the Year. Freshman of the Year ties between Gonzaga’s Ian Almansa and Juwan Ekanga‑Ehawa, and the Sixth Man award also splits between Gonzaga’s Javon Bennett and Isaiah Harwell. Mark Few (Gonzaga) shares Coach of the Year honors with Colorado State’s Ali Farokhmanesh. Utah State takes Best Offense; Gonzaga clinches Best Defense and Best Bench.
MWCConnection Reacts Survey: Group of 6 Playoff Autobids?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Mountain West fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys:
Mountain West Basketball 2026-27 Preseason Predictions: Awards
Mountain West Connection releases its first preseason awards preview ahead of the 2026‑27 college basketball season. Sophomore Jake Hall (New Mexico) earns unanimous Player of the Year after posting 16.4 points per game, leading the league in three‑pointers and shooting efficiency. UNLV’s Tyrin Jones repeats as Defensive Player of the Year, while fellow Rebel Jackson Kiss captures Freshman of the Year after a strong EYBL and FIBA World Cup showing. Nevada transfer TJ Coulter is named Newcomer of the Year, and Grand Canyon’s Amarion Dickerson and coach Bryce Drew win Sixth Man and Coach of the Year, respectively. The Lobos are tipped as the best offense and Grand Canyon the top defense and bench.
The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: Week 8
Week 8 delivered high‑stakes drama across the Mountain West and Pac‑12, highlighted by New Mexico’s 21‑16 win over North Dakota State in a rain‑delayed thriller that thrust the Lobos into Group‑of‑Six playoff chatter. Boise State rebounded with a 31‑10 rout of Pullman, clinching bowl eligibility for a 29th straight season, while Colorado State’s quarterback Hauss Hejny sparked a 549‑yard offense to snap a four‑game skid. Wyoming’s Tyler Hughes led an upset 28‑14 over Air Force with 146 rushing yards, and Texas State edged Utah State 20‑17 thanks to a kickoff return TD. Nevada capped the weekend with a 28‑13 victory over San Jose State, leaning on stout defense.
New Mexico downs North Dakota State in G6 GOTY! Wyoming upsets Air Force! Defense banned in Fort Collins, Colorado! Every team’s most important retention for 2027! MW/PAC-12 Games of the Week preview + prediction! HP Ep. #176 OUT NOW!
The latest Hike’s Peak podcast recaps New Mexico’s upset of North Dakota State in a G6 CFP elimination game and Wyoming’s 4‑1 Mountain West rise after beating Air Force. It also notes Colorado State’s 56‑49 win over San Diego State amid a “defense banned” rule in Fort Collins, and outlines each team’s key 2027 retention target—from Hawaii’s QB Micah Alejado to Boise State’s RB Sire Gaines. The episode previews the week’s top Mountain West clash (New Mexico @ San Jose State) and the PAC‑12 showdown (Texas State @ #20 Boise State) with predictions.
Mountaintop View 10-27-26
Mountain West Connection’s October 27 roundup spotlights Boise State’s Spencer Danielson denying outside job rumors and affirming his commitment, while Wyoming’s Ryan Thorburn notes the Pokes’ surge after a rough start. San Diego State announces redshirt freshman QB Stone Saunders to start versus Washington State after a 369‑yard debut. The post also highlights Week 8 Player of the Week honors, a Net Success Rate graphic, and upcoming coverage on Week 8 analysis and the 2026 College Football Award Watch List.
MWCConnection Recruiting Roundup 10-26-26. Why do players decommit?
The latest Mountain West Connection Recruiting Roundup (Oct. 26, 2026) explains why players decommit, highlighting two main reasons: better offers from higher‑profile schools and coaching changes that make a recruit no longer fit. This week saw three decommits (WR Joe Barrett to Air Force, DB Ashton Jones to Colorado State, OL Seth Sullivan to San Diego State) and 24 new offers, with Nevada and Texas State leading the tally. The Class of 2027 cover features four schools each with three offers, while the NCAA Evaluation Period now runs through November, allowing coaches to evaluate recruits on campus but limiting off‑site contact.
Mountain West Football Rankings: Week 8. New Mexico is the unqestioned top team.
New Mexico solidifies its position as the Mountain West's top team after a dominant defensive showcase in a 2026 win over North Dakota State, putting the Lobos on the cusp of national poll recognition. UNLV climbs one spot despite a bye, while Wyoming jumps ahead after quarterback Tyler Huges revitalizes the offense and defeats Air Force. Air Force slips two places amid injuries, and Nevada rises two spots thanks to a strong performance from QB Luke Duncan. San Jose State, Hawaii, and others shuffle in the rankings as the conference heads into its final stretch toward the championship and bowl bids.
PAC-12 Power Rankings: Week 8
Week eight PAC‑12 power rankings reveal Boise State holding the top spot after a 31‑10 road win over Washington State, highlighted by Dylan Riley’s two fourth‑quarter TD runs and a strong defensive showing against freshman QB Owen Eshelman. Oregon State stays at #2, smashing Washington State 48‑30 with AJ Newberry’s career game (105 rushing yards, 120 receiving yards). Texas State clings to #3 despite a narrow 20‑17 win over Utah State, relying on a kickoff‑return TD and facing a tough two‑week road stretch against Boise State and Oregon State. Fresno State drops to #4 after a lackluster performance post‑bye. The rankings reflect shifting momentum as teams chase bowl eligibility and conference titles.
Mountain West Connection Football: MW Week 8 Players of the Week
Week 8 of Mountain West football delivers big wins and standout performances. Wyoming’s Tyler Hughes earns Offensive Player of the Week after a 28‑14 win over Air Force, racking up 259 yards and three touchdowns on the ground and through the air. New Mexico’s defensive back Austin Brawley is Defensive Player of the Week, returning a 56‑yard interception for a TD in a 21‑16 victory over North Dakota State that lifts the Lobos to 6‑1 overall. Nevada’s Ky Woods captures Special Teams honors with a 90‑yard kickoff return that sparks a 28‑13 home‑coming win over San José State. Honorable mentions include Hawai‘i’s Micah Alejado (323 passing yards, three TDs) and Nevada’s QB Luke Duncan.
PAC-12 Players of the Week: Week 8
Week 8 PAC‑12 honors spotlight Colorado State’s returning quarterback Hauss Hejny, who threw for 333 yards and three TDs while rushing for two more in a 7‑touchdown showing. Boise State linebacker Boen Phelps earns Defensive Player of the Week after six tackles and a pivotal interception in a 31‑10 win over Washington State. Texas State’s senior back Jaylen Jenkins is the Special Teams standout, returning a kickoff 100 yards for a TD in a 20‑17 upset of Utah State. Freshman quarterback Stone Saunders of San Diego State claims Freshman of the Week, posting 369 yards and two TDs despite two interceptions against the Rams.
Mountaintop View 10-26-26
The AP Top 25 poll drops Boise State at #20, with New Mexico and Oregon State close behind. Greg Woods (The Spokesman‑Review) critiques Washington State’s offensive line after the Cougars’ 31‑10 loss to Boise State, noting the defense’s effort was undermined by offensive struggles. WSU’s 84‑80 exhibition win over Washington in the Apple Cup pre‑season game is highlighted, and weekend betting lines and CFP bracketology buzz are shared via Twitter. The post also tees up upcoming PAC‑12 Player of the Week, Power Rankings, and a recruiting roundup discussing why players decommit.
The Mountain West/PAC-12 in the Rankings
The latest polls show Boise State climbing in the national rankings after its 24‑Oct win over Washington State. In the USA Today Coaches Poll the Broncos hold steady at #22 but surge 130 points to 396, while New Mexico earns 43 votes (#29) and Oregon State 15 votes (#34). In the AP Top 25, Boise State jumps to a season‑high #20, tying Northwestern, as New Mexico garners 41 votes (ranked 27) and Oregon State 10 votes (ranked 29). The article asks whether Mountain West and Pac‑12 programs are getting fair treatment in the rankings.
COLORADO STATE TOPS AZTECS 56-49 FOR THEIR FIRST CONFERENCE WIN
Colorado State snaps a four‑game losing streak with a 56‑49 victory over San Diego State in Fort Collins, earning their first conference win (1‑2 Pac‑12). Quarterback Hauss Hejny, back from injury, throws for 333 yards, three TDs and adds 85 rushing yards and two scores, including a pivotal 30‑yard QB draw in the fourth quarter. Freshman starter Stone Saunders matches him with 369 passing yards, two TDs and two interceptions for the Aztecs, who also feature 98‑yard rushing from Lucky Sutton and a 164‑yard receiving day from Jaylon Hawkins. The Rams built a 35‑24 halftime lead and held on despite a late Aztec touchdown, while the Aztecs look to bounce back against Washington State next week.
2026 Mountain West Football Week 8 Recap
Week 8 of the 2026 Mountain West season delivered big wins for three of four spread favorites. Nevada beat San Jose State 28‑13, highlighted by defenders Dylan LaBarbera and Tanner Vaughan celebrating the victory. Wyoming rebounded with a 28‑14 upset of Air Force, thanks to Tyler Hughes’ 259 rushing yards, three touchdowns and a defense that forced three fumbles and seven tackles for loss. Hawaii dominated Northern Illinois 56‑21, racking up over 500 yards and eliminating the Huskies from bowl contention. The conference title race tightens as teams eye crucial late‑season matchups.
When the Pack Hunts Together: Appreciating New Mexico’s Magic
After a 21-16 win over North Dakota State on Oct. 24, 2026, the New Mexico Lobos find themselves on the brink of an outright Mountain West regular‑season title and a chance to host the conference championship on Dec. 4. The article draws a parallel to the iconic 1997 season—when the Lobos went 9-2, breaking long‑standing losing streaks and earning their first bowl appearance since 1961—and argues that this year’s magic could even spark a Group of 6 playoff bid. Fans are urged to savor the unprecedented excitement in Albuquerque.
Two Lukes, two coaches and what one game in Reno reveals
In a gritty Oct. 25 showdown at Reno's Mackay Stadium, Nevada kept its edge over San Jose State, winning 28-13 despite a revived Wolf Pack defense and a 90‑yard kickoff return by Ky Woods. New SJS quarterback Luke Weaver sparked a fourth‑quarter touchdown, but the Spartans struggled offensively, converting just 1 of 14 third downs and amassing only 65 rushing yards. First‑year defensive coordinator Bojay Filimoeatu’s unit held Nevada to 324 yards, while Nevada’s transfer QB Luke Duncan threw for 178 yards and two scores. Coaches Jeff Choate and Ken Niumatalolo emphasized resilience over revenge, noting the game reveals each team’s current identity rather than settling past scores.
MWCConnection Reacts Results: Rank the Beavers.
The Oregon State Beavers are sparking a ranking debate after a thrilling win over Washington State at Reser Stadium on Oct. 17, 2026. Though they haven’t yet beaten a top‑tier opponent, two‑thirds of poll voters say the Beavers deserve a spot in the rankings, with New Mexico and North Dakota State also receiving votes. Fans are watching closely to see if the Beavers break into the college football poll.
Hawaii Warriors Weekly Countdown: Northern Illinois
Hawaii heads into its longest road trip of the season—a 4,200‑mile trek to DeKalb, Illinois—for a Saturday night showdown with the winless Northern Illinois Huskies. The Warriors, 4.5‑point favorites, rebound from a heartbreaking loss to New Mexico where a potential game‑winning run by Micah Alejado was lost on the goal line. Key matchups include cornerback Jeremiah Hughes versus Huskies receiver DeAree Rogers (422 yards on 49 catches) and Devin Alves against NIU cornerback Yassine Falke, who already owns three interceptions. With both teams languishing at the bottom of the Mountain West, the game could hinge on whether Hawai‘i’s late‑season fight resurfaces, perhaps sparked by a predicted 56‑yard touchdown from Alejado to Alves.
Open Your Calendars: The Ideal Schedule For The New 24-Team Playoff
The Mountain West Connection outlines a possible calendar for a 24‑team College Football Playoff, which would expand the postseason from 11 to at least 23 games. It proposes a detailed schedule—including play‑in games around Army‑Navy weekend on Dec. 12, first‑round double‑headers Dec. 18‑19, second‑round games Dec. 24‑26, quarterfinals Dec. 31‑Jan. 1, semifinals Jan. 14‑15, and a Saturday national championship on Jan. 25 at Allegiant Stadium. The piece notes challenges such as network bandwidth, NFL holiday clashes, and the need for a March‑Madness‑style presentation, while highlighting New Mexico coach Jason Eck’s push for Group‑Five play‑ins. The author argues a Saturday championship is essential for a proper season finale.
Mountain West in the NBA: Only 5 alums suiting up ahead of 2026-27 season
Only five Mountain West alums remain on NBA rosters as the 2026-27 season begins. Caleb Martin (31) is a veteran role player for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 3.9 points last year. Kobe Sanders, a 2025 second‑round pick, earns a four‑year, $11.2 million deal with the LA Clippers after posting 7.3 points per game. UNLV’s Derrick Jones Jr. continues to excel as a defensive wing for the Clippers, scoring 10.1 points on 49.9% shooting, while Elijah Harkless signs a two‑way deal with the Detroit Pistons after strong G‑League numbers. Wyoming veteran Larry Nance Jr., now with the Indiana Pacers, provides veteran depth but is past his prime. The article reviews each player's stats and contract status ahead of the new NBA season.
Air Force Football: Ground Operation Midnight
The 2026 Air Force Falcons are emerging as genuine Mountain West contenders, fueled by a dominant ground attack. Averaging 5.5 yards per rush and more than 60 carries per game, the team boasts standout runs from Rocco Conti (6.2 YPC) and Matt Long (8.4 YPC). Sophomore quarterback Evan Medders, stepping in after Liam Szarka’s season‑ending injury, has delivered 152 rushing yards and three touchdowns in a recent game, posting 7.2 yards per carry on over 50 attempts without a turnover. Recent victories over UNLV and NIU, plus a solidifying defense led by safety Max Mustell, underscore the Falcons' upward trajectory.
2026 Mountain West Football Week 8 Game Preview & Predictions
Week 8 of the 2026 Mountain West season features four tightly contested games. The marquee matchup pits Air Force (5-1) against Wyoming (4-3) in Laramie on Friday night, with both teams tied for second in the conference and a bowl berth on the line; the preview predicts a 31-27 upset win for Wyoming despite Air Force’s top‑10 rushing attack. Saturday’s early‑morning “Tank Bowl” sees struggling Hawaii (1-6) travel to face winless Northern Illinois (0-6), where the Huskies' stronger pass defense could exploit Hawaii’s anemic 77.4 YPG ground game, leading the author to back a NIU upset. The preview also previews two other evenly matched contests, framing the week as a battle of contenders, bottom‑feeders, and title hopefuls.
Mountaintop View 10-23-26: Air Force/Wyoming, New Mexico Uniforms, Coaching Openings, Washington State/Boise State, Nevada/SJSU, Hawaii Travel
The Mountain West roundup spotlights several key storylines ahead of Week 8. Air Force and Wyoming continue their road‑win drought, with neither team tallying a victory away since 2017. New Mexico unveils striking turquoise uniforms for Saturday’s clash, while speculation swirls around potential head‑coach vacancies at New Mexico and UNLV. Washington State vows to curb No. 21 Boise State’s rushing attack, highlighted by CB Khamari Terrell’s vocal confidence. A preview previews Nevada’s showdown with San Jose State, noting a stronger Spartans defense and SJSU offensive playmakers. Finally, Hawaii embarks on a record‑breaking 4,255‑mile road trip to Northern Illinois, underscoring the logistical challenges of recent realignment.
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