The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: Week 6
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Week six featured some of the most compelling games of the season in both the Mountain West and the PAC-12. North Dakota State traveled to Las Vegas to take on the Rebels in its first real test as a member of the Mountain West. One of the best rivalries on the West Coast was renewed as Boise State traveled to Fresno in a hostile environment, with the winner earning the right to hold the Milk Can Trophy for the next year. How did this week’s results impact the conference standings and the battle for the Group of Six playoff spot? Let’s find out in this week’s edition of “The Good, the Bad, the Ugly.”
A Tier
Oregon State
The Beaver offense continues to be one of the best stories in college football this season. The quarterback-receiver tandem of Braden Atkinson and Jesse Legree continues to play like a pair of All-Americans. They decimated a clearly overmatched San Diego State squad on their way to a 66–14 victory. The Beaver defense continues to show improvement, limiting the Aztecs to seven points and allowing just 147 yards of total offense. Oregon State’s hot streak should continue this weekend as the Beavers host rival Washington State.
UNLV
The Rebel defense played like a unit with a chip on its shoulder. Much of the talk surrounding the Mountain West had revolved around New Mexico and North Dakota State, while the Rebels entered this matchup coming off three consecutive appearances in the conference title game.
This was an absolute prizefight for 60 minutes, with both teams trading punches while struggling to put points on the board. The difference came in the opening quarter, when defensive end Andre Porter intercepted a Nathan Hayes pass and returned it for a touchdown. That play accounted for the Rebels’ only touchdown of the game and proved to be the difference in their 13–7 victory.
B Tier
Boise State
Beating Fresno State is always a victory for the Broncos, regardless of how the game plays out. The Bulldogs entered this matchup with plenty of hype, leading the PAC-12 in points allowed. It turns out their relatively soft schedule may have inflated those numbers quite a bit.
Boise State moved the ball at will, gaining more than 500 yards of offense on just eight possessions. The Broncos’ ability to possess the ball for 39 minutes proved to be a major difference-maker. The defense had another abysmal showing, making it essential for the Broncos to keep it off the field as much as possible. It also helped that quarterback Maddux Madsen played sharply despite missing four of his top receiving targets. The return of Sire Gaines was another major factor, as the explosive backfield tandem of Dylan Riley and Gaines combined for 334 yards of total offense.
Nevada
After a string of close losses, Jeff Choate’s team desperately needed a win, and a trip to El Paso proved fruitful for the Wolf Pack. Nevada’s 30–13 victory over UTEP was powered by an effective rushing attack. Running back Herschel Turner had an outstanding performance, carrying the ball 19 times for 192 yards. He was complemented by fellow running back Dominic Kelly, who rushed 22 times for 99 yards. This is exactly what Nevada needs: a dominant rushing attack that allows its quarterbacks to do less of the heavy lifting.
The Nevada defense is good enough for this team to compete. If the Wolf Pack can run the ball effectively, they will have a chance to win every game they play.
C Tier
Utah State
The Aggies earned their first PAC-12 win in dramatic fashion, overcoming a 16–3 halftime deficit to win 17–16. Utah State’s defense continues to be the strength of this team, making life uncomfortable for Cougars quarterback Caden Pinnick. Utah State’s defense also forced two turnovers, helping swing the momentum in the Aggies’ favor. The offense, however, continues to be a mess. Bronco Mendenhall’s offensive system relies on elite quarterback play, something this team simply hasn’t had.
Wyoming
The Jay Sawvel experience in Wyoming continues to be a roller coaster. The Cowboys traveled to San Jose this weekend and escaped with a 16–13 win despite trailing for much of the game. The Cowboy defense came up big, holding the Spartans to just three second-half points. A crucial fourth-down stop in overtime helped Wyoming escape with the victory. Things on the offensive side of the ball remain a struggle, but a competent defense has helped the Cowboys improve to 3–3 and become realistic contenders for a bowl berth when December rolls around.
D Tier
Washington State
There isn’t much to say about this team. An awful offense is wasting a defense that could potentially be special if it didn’t have to spend so much time on the field. In the Cougars’ loss to Utah State, head coach Kirby Moore took over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Matt Miller. In the first half, the move appeared to be paying early dividends, as the Cougar offense showed signs of life and built a 16–3 lead heading into halftime.
However, Washington State managed just 59 yards of total offense in the second half. Now, the Cougars face the daunting task of going on the road to take on one of the hottest teams in college football when they travel to Oregon State.
NIU
The Huskies’ time in the Mountain West continues to be a disappointment. They hosted Air Force in front of a nearly empty stadium and managed just seven points against a defense that has struggled at times this season. This once-great program is currently on life support. The Huskies will need to make some drastic moves this offseason if they hope to contend in the Mountain West anytime soon.
F Tier
San Diego State
The Aztecs and Cougars are battling for the title of most disappointing team in the conference. I would give the Aztecs a slight edge because they were expected to contend for a conference title. San Diego State was completely outmatched in its 66–14 loss to Oregon State. The Aztecs had no answer for Oregon State’s elite passing attack, and their offense couldn’t stay on the field long enough to give the defense a break. Injuries have plagued this team, and incompetent quarterback play continues to be a major storyline of Sean Lewis’ tenure in San Diego. The seat appears to be getting much hotter for the third-year head coach.
UTEP
The Miners had a golden opportunity to show they could compete with teams in the middle and bottom half of the conference when they hosted Nevada this past weekend. However, it quickly became apparent that this program is nowhere near ready for this level of football. The Wolf Pack’s rushing attack ran over an overmatched UTEP defensive line. Things weren’t much better on the offensive side of the ball, as the Miners managed just 211 total yards and were dominated in the trenches. UTEP has another chance to salvage its season this weekend when it plays host to a San Jose State squad coming off a tough loss to Wyoming.
How did you feel about your team’s performance this past weekend? Which Mountain West or PAC-12 team has the best shot at making the College Football Playoff? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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