Mountain West and their Road to the BCS: 11/6/09

Time to feature games of interest that will affect the possibility of the Mountain West getting into the BCS this year.  These games will not include all the teams ahead of any MWC team, but will be games that the higher ranked team may lose and thus drop in the rankings  All rankings listed are from the BCS.

TCU still controls their own destiny if they win out.   As always absolute chaos is my goal in an effort to promote change.

All time eastern:

New Mexico @ 14 Utah (MTN, 4pm)

Only reason Utah is here is because they technically are still in the BCS race by winning out and a Boise loss.  Utes are experimenting at the quarterback position with most likely Jordan Wynn getting the nod.

MWC rooting interest: The Utes of course, because if they can at least get into the top 14 to possibly force the BCS to take two non-BCS.

9 LSU @ 3 Alabama (CBS, 3:30pm)

This game will shape the SEC West to see who gets to go to the conference title game.  Now, if my research is right the winner clinches the SEC West title.  With only two teams per league able to get into the BCS the loser is essentially eliminated from the BCS and will be heading to the Cotton Bowl.

MWC rooting interest: LSU, because TCU should be able move ahead of Alabama --at least temporarily-- and move closer to the number two spot that even with an LSU win is still out of reach.

Connecticut @ 5 Cincinnati (ABC, 8pm)

Cincy wants revenge after last year beat down, and only conference loss en route to their first BCS apperance.   Cincinatti is the obviously better team, but the quarterback situation is still undecided whether starter Tony Pike or backup Zach Collaros will start.

MWC rooting interest: Connecticut, this is a long shot with the way the Bearcats playing at home and are just really good.  A Bearcat loss does essentiall the same as an LSU win over Alabama.

22 Navy @ Notre Dame (NBC, 2:30pm)

Notre Dame gets WR Michael Floyd back after breaking his collar bone earlier in the season.  Navy gave Ohio State all they could handle on opening day, and will need to have a similar game.  The Midshipmen need to control the time of possession and try to get pressure on QB Jimmy Clausen.

MWC rooting interest: Navy, but not likely.  The Irish only need to get into the top 14 to be considered, but everyone knows if they are available they will get in.

Northwestern @ 4 Iowa (ESPN, Noon)

Northwestern is not all that good, but Iowa seems to struggle against all opponents and has yet to blow any team all year.

MWC rooting interest: Northwestern, because Iowa is due for a loss someday, and if Iowa some how sneaks into the title game they will get crushed.  Who am I kidding they will get smoked in the Rose Bowl as well against Oregon.

16 Ohio State @ 11 Penn State (ABC/ESPN2, 3:30pm)

The Terrelle Pryor Nutcracker shirts are being recalled, but there is still reason to watch this game.  The winner will move into the top 14 of the BCS, and Ohio State controls their destiny to the Rose Bowl if they win out.  This game also is known as 'what quarterback is under-achieving the most.'

MWC rooting interest: Penn State, not for BCS standings but if the Buckeyes lose then ESPN's Gameday will most likely be headed to Fort Worth with the Utah vs. TCU game.

12 USC @ Arizona State (ABC, 8pm)

USC is trying to recover from their worse loss in the Pete Carrol era.  Arizona State could be in for a beat down by the revenge factor by the Trojans.

MWC rooting interest: Arizona State, but really?  No way Peter Carrol is losing three conference games, and USC is trying to stay in the picture for a BCS bowl game.

15 Houston @ Tulsa (CBS College Sports, 7:30pm)

Tulsa used to have a great offense, but it could re-emerge with the lackluster defense of Houston.  An interesting fact is that if Houston QB Case Keenum throws for 400 yards his passing average goes down!  Expect this to have a lot of points and go down to the end.

MWC rooting interest: Houston.  They should be in the top 14 in the BCS standings and be an at-large choice.  While they probably will not be choosen, but it narrows the BCS schools to be choosen and possibly for the BCS cartel to take two non-BCS teams in Boise or TCU/Utah and take away money from the Big Six leagues.