The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: Week 10

Week 10 of the college football season is behind us, and the race to the Mountain West competition is becoming clearer. The West Division is down to two, and the Mountain Division will have some key matchups in week 11. Let’s take a look at the good, bad, and ugly moments of week 10.

The Good:

Colorado State

This squad continues to improve and has plenty to play for the last three weeks of the season. Rams fans should be encouraged about the future of this team, but the biggest question might be whether or not Mike Bobo has done enough to keep his job. The Rams did what they needed to do and had a convincing victory over a reeling, UNLV squad at home. We will learn a lot about this Colorado squad as they finish the season against Air Force, Wyoming, and Boise State.

Air Force

It wasn’t pretty, but rivalry games rarely are. The Falcons escaped with a narrow 17-13 victory over Army thanks to a red zone stop. The Falcons had plenty of opportunities to put this game away, but they struggled to defend the pass and had a difficult time finishing drives. But, in rivalry games, a win is a win, and the Falcons’ hopes of a double digit win season are still alive. Air Force finishes the season with games against New Mexico, Colorado State, and Wyoming. They will likely be favorites in all three.

Fresno State

This is the Bulldog squad of years past, but they found a way to get it done and are still very much alive in the race for the West Division. In recent years, the Bulldogs have relied heavily on a great defense and a capable offense. This year, they may have to rely more heavily on their offense. The Bulldogs will host Utah State this weekend in a game that will likely decide the bowl fate of these teams The loser will likely be eliminated from the conference championship picture.

Nevada

It wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was ugly. But, the Wolf Pack were efficient through the air and were able to secure the win in Reno. Nevada improved to 5-4 and will only need to win one of their last three games to go bowling. Considering how much this team has struggled this season, the Wolf Pack and their fans should feel pretty good.

The Bad:

Boise State

I hate putting a victorious team in the “Bad” category, but like I have said before, the Broncos are held to a different standard. Boise State was completely dominated in the first half, and if it wasn’t for an Avery Williams return for a touchdown, the outcome of this game might have been different. Credit to Zak Hill and the offensive staff of the Broncos who realized that they could control the game through the run. Boise State was fortunate to leave the Bay Area with a victory, but they remain undefeated in conference play and still have a chance at a New Year’s Six bowl game.

San Jose State

I seriously considered putting the Spartans in the “Good” category despite losing. Josh Love is clearly the best quarterback in the Mountain West and threw for over 400 yards against a Bronco secondary that came in allowing just over 200 yards per contest. The inability to stop the run in the second half lands the Spartans in the “Bad” category. San Jose State will take on Hawaii this week, and a win will give them an excellent chance at sneaking into a bowl game.

Hawaii

The Rainbow Warriors almost pulled off a miracle. But, the Hawaii defense continued to struggle, and a promising season now comes down to a team that will look to scratch their way into a bowl game. It will not be an easy task, as the Rainbow Warriors will face a resurgent San Jose squad and still have San Diego State on the schedule.

The Ugly:

UNLV

You know things are getting bad when the media asks your coach if he is going to consider resigning at the end of the season. UNLV was never in this game and made a poor Colorado State defense look unstoppable in the first half. The Rebels are now 2-7 and probably won’t win another game this season. Let the coaching speculation begin!

New Mexico

I don’t know what to say about the Lobos. Like UNLV, they are a team without an identity. They managed only 10 points against Nevada in a game that was likely their last chance for a victory. Considering the financial issues the athletic department has, the Lobos will be hard pressed to find a qualified coaching candidate.

Utah State

Wait...Jordan Love had 394 yards passing, the Aggies had 521 yards of total offense, and they got destroyed. This game had one of the more confusing box scores in recent memory. The Aggie offense looked solid for the most part, but turnovers eliminated any chance at victory. Love continues to be plagued by interceptions, and the season-ending injury to David Woodward leaves the Utah State defense more than vulnerable. A BYU offense that has struggled for much of the season had more than 600 yards of total offense. Utah State’s season is on the line this Saturday when they travel to Fresno to take on the Bulldogs.

That’s it for this edition of “The Good, the Bad, the Ugly.” What were some moments from week 10 that stand out to you?