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Back in June 5Dimes put out its money line for who will win the Mountain West and it was Boise State and Fresno as the projected winner, and way in last place is Hawaii. Now actual odds are placed on who will likely finish where, and Boise State and Fresno State are pegged to win the title game, plus their division.
Boise State and Fresno State have been the clear choice by nearly everyone to win their division, so lets look at the rest of the teams. The biggest shock, and I mean really big, is that Hawaii is not given the worst odds in the Mountain West. Hawaii is actually given 14/1 to win the West Division and that is very close to Nevada who is at 12/1, but miles ahead of the 40/1 odds placed on UNLV
Looking at the overall odds, Hawaii is still a long shot at 40/1, but they are given the same amount of odds as Air Force -- a likely bowl team this year -- and Wyoming, and well ahead of the 100/1 odds placed on UNLV and New Mexico.
Unless Las Vegas knows something no one else in college football knows, giving them better odds over teams that should improve from 2012 to 2013 is puzzling. Maybe Taylor Graham is the real deal at quarterback and Hawaii has found a running game for this year, doubtful to know at this time.
The other less peculiar odds is having Colorado State at 12/1 to win the Mountain Division, not that they will win but they are getting a better shot than Air Force and Wyoming.
If there was one team I would take a flyer on would be Wyoming. They are at 40/1 to win the league and if Brett Smith to Robert Herron is the real deal they could surprise a few teams, plus they host Boise State and playing at 7,220 feet is no easy task.
A more realistic pick that is not Boise State or Fresno State would for me be San Diego State. They have the defense back and Adam Dingwell will be more tuned into the system rather than be tossed in last year when after Ryan Katz's injury, plus they have Adam Muema.
Odds to win the 2013-2014 Mountain West Conference
Boise State 7/5
Fresno State 2/1
Utah State 11/2
San Diego State 13/2
San Jose State 10/1
Colorado State 33/1
Nevada 33/1
Air Force 40/1
Hawaii 40/1
Wyoming 40/1
New Mexico 100/1
UNLV 100/1
Odds to win the 2013-2014 Mountain West Conference - Mountain Division
Boise State 2/5
Utah State 11/4
Colorado State 12/1
Air Force 15/1
Wyoming 15/1
New Mexico 40/1
Odds to win the 2013-2014 Mountain West Conference - West Division
Fresno State 5/7
San Diego State 11/4
San Jose State 9/2
Nevada 12/1
Hawaii 14/1
UNLV 40/1