Mountaintop View 10-19-20

It’s Monday and we are back. It’s also GAME WEEK!!! Get ready to see your favorite Mountain West teams in action. That and more is coming your way this week.

Fresno State cutting three sports.

This was a classic Friday afternoon news-dump and one that was surely a crushing blow to the Bulldog student athletes. Wresting, men’s tennis and lacrosse have officially been cut by the athletic department, which cited a projected huge revenue loss even with football returning this fall. The move impacts 70 student athletes and will save $2.5 million. Lost in the article is the news that Fresno State will also let go 20 staff members and 27 staff managers at the end of the sports season.

5 things to watch for the Aztecs.

With the opener this week, this post lays out five remaining questions for SDSU heading into the season. Questions include: unknown starters on offense, the X-factor RB Greg Bell, unknowns at linebacker, Araiza both kicking and punter, and playing games with no fans in the stadium.

The Broncos have a pair of sixth-year seniors ready to contribute to the defense.

Safety Evan Tyler and defensive end Sam Whitney have been seemingly been at Boise State forever. Both have had moments of production on the field in between seasons lost, each having two major knee injuries which required surgery. Both have persevered and both bring needed experiences to their respective positions after losing key players at each spot. Even more interesting is that with the NCAA eligibility rulings, both could choose to return for a seventh season next year if they so desired.

Cowboys announce their captains.

Wyoming announced their four football captains for the season. Among them is QB Sean Chambers, who is in the middle of a battle for the starting spot. Chambers, along with OL Keegan Cryder, DE Garrett Crall, and LB Chad Muma will be the 2020 captains.

Hawaii will have no fans for home games this season.

On the horizon:

• Later today: A new MWC Recruiting Roundup, filled with the latest news and offers, plus a glance at Hawaii recruiting.
• Later today: Utah State Defense Preview
• Later today: Pre-season Power Rankings
• Coming Tuesday: Another edition of The Good, The Bad, The Ugly: Final Predictions
• Coming Wednesday: Peak Perspective: What will make the 2020 season a success for the Mountain West?
• Coming Wednesday: Preseason Bowl Predictions