MWC Week Four Outcomes & Game of the Week

A quick recap of the MWC action from Week Four:

Game 1 - Nevada 44, Toledo 63

This game was a shootout from start to finish. Nevada actually outgained Toledo in this game, 582 yds to 460 yds. The Wolf Pack was not able to keep up in this one because of big plays by Toledo on special teams. The Rockets had a kickoff returned for a TD and a punt blocked and returned for a TD as well.

Game 2 - Illinois State 35, Colorado State 19

Colorado State lost to an FCS team, and it was not a fluke. Colorado State scored first in this game, but that was the only part of the game where they held the lead in this one. Illinois State outgained Colorado State, 538 yard to 391 yards. The Rams also lost the turnover battle, 2 to 0. The Illinois State Redbirds ran for 267 yards and 3 TD’s, averaging 6.4 yds/carry.

Game 3 - UNLV 20, Arkansas State 27

The Rebels really missed an opportunity for a non-conference win in this game. UNLV continued to run the ball well this season, finishing with 310 yards and 3 TD’s on the ground. The problem was turnovers and the passing game. UNLV lost the turnover battle, 4 to 1. Armani Rogers finished with some of the ugliest passing stats that you’ll likely see this season as Rogers went 5/21 passing for only 23 yards (1.1 yd/pass attempt) and 3 INT’s.

Game 4 - Air Force 32, Utah State 42

A fairly evenly-matched game. Utah State gained 489 yards to Air Force’s 471 yards. Utah State just made more big plays than Air Force. While the Falcons were able to run for 323 yds and 3 TD’s, Air Force could not bust a big run all day (limited to a long of 15 yards). Meanwhile, the Aggies had 3 scoring plays of 30 yards or more. That helps account for the lopsided time of possession in favor of Air Force. The Falcons had the ball for 43:40 in defeat while the Aggies only needed the ball for 16:20 to get the win.

Game 5 - Eastern Michigan 20, San Diego State 23

It took overtime for the Aztecs to put away the Eagles. The two teams were very evenly matched. Eastern Michigan had 355 yards while San Diego State had 350 yards. Eastern Michigan had 14 first downs while San Diego State had 15 first downs. The key number was the turnover margin. The Aztecs won the turnover battle, 2 to 1. Eastern Michigan turned the ball over for the last time on their first possession in overtime, allowing San Diego State to win the game with a field goal on their possession.

Game 6 - Duquesne 21, Hawaii 42

The Duquesne Dukes were ready early in this one as they took a quick, 14 to 0 lead. After that, it was all Rainbow Warriors. Hawaii outgained Duquesne, 518 yards to 166 yards. Cole McDonald continued his strong play this season, finishing with 273 yards and 5 TD’s passing. McDonald did throw his first interception of the season early in this one. Still, McDonald has thrown for a spectacular 20 TD’s to the 1 INT so far on the season.

Game of the Week - Air Force at Utah State

It was an interesting game. Neither team ran away with it. Lots of yardage and lots of points. The MWC matchup wins it for me this week.

Let us know which game you thought was the Game of the Week in Week Four.