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Week 1 is in the books. Catch up on some news from around the conference to get you through the short week.
Fresno State stays on track in season opener
The opponent may have been Idaho, but Fresno’s first game indicates there won’t be much drop off after last year’s surprise MWC championship game appearance. There was little to complain about as QB Marcus McMaryion and his backup Jorge Reyna both played well, the rushing game that struggled last season was productive, and the defense remained strong after losing its defensive coordinator in the offseason. We’ll learn a lot more about Fresno State in the next few weeks as they’ll play two Power 5 schools in Minnesota and UCLA and reigning MAC champion Toledo.
Boise State dominates in battle of Group of 5 heavyweights
Troy was one of the best Group of 5 schools in the country last season, finishing with a record of 11-2, and Boise is expected to contend for a New Year’s bowl this season. While a showdown between the two teams was expected, that was not the case as Boise rolled. The game was already out of hand by halftime as Boise led 35-7.
Colorado State has work to do
CSU is reeling after two embarrassing losses to start the season. The Rams have a lot to work on before Arkansas visits this week. Coach Mike Bobo said that the team will work first on “fixing ourselves” before preparing for Arkansas.
College football territory map is back
The College Football Empires Map (formerly College Football Imperialism Map) debuts after week 1. The idea is that teams play for each other’s territory each week, and the goal is to take over the most land. It’s a pointless, yet fun, competition to follow along with each week during the season.
West Coast focused news for Week 1
The first installment of Chantel Jennings’ column at the Atlantic that maintains a West Coast focus covers topics such as Mike Leach’s innovative formations, FCS success, Boise State’s turnover throne, Oregon State, and BYU.
On the horizon:
- Later today: Our team offers some bowl projections following Week 1
- Later today: Snapshot thoughts following Labor Day weekend games.
- Coming Thursday: Previews are back. Read about your favorite team and how their matchup this weekend.
- From yesterday: We threw a lot at you yesterday. Make sure you didn’t miss anything. Week 1 Power Rankings, Week 1 Good/Bad/Ugly, Hawaii Preview, our Week 1 outcome/game of the week post, Hawaii in the polls, and the debut of our MWC Meets NFL feature.