MWC Week One Outcomes & Game of the Week

A quick recap of the MWC action from Week One:

Game 1 - UC Davis at San Jose State on Thursday

Final - UC Davis 44, San Jose State 38

The Spartans defense was not ready for this Week 1 match-up. The UC Davis Aggies put up 589 yards of offense against San Jose State. San Jose State lost the turnover battle 3 to 1 and spent the majority of the game trailing UC Davis. Also, this was the first FCS win over an FBS team this season.

Game 2 - Utah State at Michigan State on Friday

Final - Utah State 31, Michigan State 38

The Aggies were ready to play in Week 1. Utah State had to travel to play the #11 ranked Spartans and were 23.5 point road-dogs, yet the Aggies were able to stay in it throughout and held the lead several times in this game, including a 31-30 lead with 5:05 left in the game. However, Utah State responded with a late TD drive with just 2 minutes remaining, and the Spartans held on to win the game.

Game 3 - San Diego State at Stanford on Friday

Final - San Diego State 10, Stanford 31

The Aztecs completely bottled up Bryce Love and the Stanford running game. Unfortunately, the Cardinal threw for 332 yards and 4 TD’s against the Aztecs. While Juwan Washington ran for 158 yards against Stanford, the Aztecs could not turn those yards into much in the way of points.

Game 4 - Portland State at Nevada on Friday

Final - Portland State 19, Nevada 72

The Wolf Pack offense rolled the Vikings defense to a total of 636 yards. The game was actually close at half, 30 to 19 Nevada. However, Nevada cruised in the 2nd half with a 42 to 0 half to close the game that led to this 53 point blowout.

Game 5 - Colorado vs Colorado State in Denver on Friday

Final - Colorado 45, Colorado State 13

The Rams defense is officially bad. The Buffaloes ran for 258 yards and 2 TD’s, averaging 6.4 yds/carry. Steven Montez completed 22/25 passes for 338 yards and 4 TD’s. This game was never really in doubt after the first quarter when Colorado had a 21-7 lead.

Game 6 - Stony Brook at Air Force on Saturday

Final - Stony Brook 0, Air Force 38

Air Force absolutely dominated this game. Stony Brook threw for only 45 yards. Stony Brook only ran for 30 yards for a 1 yd/carry average. Air Force ran the ball for 333 yards and 4 TD’s. An impressive way to start 2018 for the Falcons.

Game 7 - Washington State at Wyoming on Saturday

Final - Washington State 41, Wyoming 19

Wyoming was in it for three quarters after which Washington State held a 20-19 lead. Unfortunately, the Cougars outscored the Cowboys 21-0 in the 4th quarter. Washington State managed to throw the ball for 319 yards and 3 TD’s to move the ball against Wyoming. On the other side, Wyoming only managed to throw for 67 yards and had zero chance of coming back once they fell behind by multiples scores late in the 4th quarter.

Game 8 - UNLV at USC on Saturday

Final - UNLV 21, USC 43

The Rebels hung tough in this one due to their running game. These may truly be the Runnin’ Rebels as UNLV ran for 308 yards at USC. Unfortunately, the passing offense only managed 97 yards and was not strong enough to bring UNLV back once USC started to separate from the Rebels in the 2nd half.

Game 9 - Boise State at Troy on Saturday

Final - Boise State 56, Troy 20

Boise State impressively took care of business on the road. Boise State won the turnover margin 4 to 1. Brett Rypien threw for 305 yards and 4 TD’s. The Broncos rushing attack added another 111 yards and 2 TD’s. This game was over early as the Broncos led 35-7 at the half.

Game 10 - Incarnate Word at New Mexico on Saturday

Final - Incarnate Word 30, New Mexico 62

Well, New Mexico throws the ball now. The Lobos threw for 361 yards and 5 TD’s. They still have their old running attack as well since New Mexico ran for 319 yards and 4 TD’s. The only negative from this game was the Lobos defense. Incarnate Word put up 566 yards of offense.

Game 11 - Idaho at Fresno State on Saturday

Final - Idaho 13, Fresno State 79

The Bulldogs crushed the Vandals. Fresno State won the turnover battle 7 to 0. The Bulldogs capitalized on nearly all of those Idaho turnovers. Fresno State ran for 239 yards and 7 TD’s. Simply put, this was complete domination.

Game 12 - Navy at Hawaii on Saturday

Final - Navy 41, Hawaii 59

Similar to last week, Hawaii jumped out to a big early lead, going into the half up 38-14. While Navy might have moved the ball against the Hawaii defense, the story was the Warriors offense. Cole McDonald threw for 428 yards and 6 TD’s. I don’t think it’s too early to declare Hawaii a bowl team with this offense.

Game of the Week - Utah State at Michigan State

Some impressive performances this week, but this game seemed to turn the most heads. 23.5 point road-dogs that held a lead with just a couple of minutes to go. Almost knocking off the #11 ranked team on the road to start the season gets my vote this week.

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