Mountaintop View 11-14-18

Struggling Lobos prepare for Boise State

New Mexico will host ranked Boise State on Friday night after losing 5 straight games. The Lobos struggled against Air Force’s triple-option last week as the Falcons reached a season-high in rushing yards. UNM’s offense didn’t fare much better than the defense, and the road doesn’t get any easier as they take on the Broncos who are fresh off a win over No. 16 Fresno State.

Granderson set to return

Wyoming’s star defensive end Carl Granderson missed last week’s win over San Jose State due to a death in his family. He’s back in Laramie and preparing for the team’s home finale against Air Force.

Nevada’s path to the Mountain West championship game

After a 3-game win streak, Nevada is in the West Division race for the first time since 2014. To remain in it, they first must win its remaining games against San Jose State and UNLV. Since Nevada lost to the current West leader Fresno State earlier this season, a two-way tie between the teams would result in Fresno State being the divisional champion. The three-way tie tiebreaker scenario is a bit more confusing (given a Fresno loss to San Diego State), but it would also result in a Fresno State championship. The Bulldogs are currently one game ahead of Nevada, so they must lose their two remaining games for the Wolfpack to represent the West Division in the championship.

Weekly power rankings

A little shuffling at the top as Boise State knocked off Fresno State. The Utah State-Boise State matchup to end the season looks like it could decide the Mountain Division.

Two Mountain West teams in latest CFP rankings

On the horizon:

• Later today: Our latest bowl projections. There is sure to be some movement this week.
• Later today: A look at the odds of each MWC coach being back next season.
• Starting Thursday: Our game previews for the week start rolling out.