The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: Preseason Awards Edition

For the last few weeks, we have been taking a look at the upcoming season. The Mountain West may have postponed media days. But they went ahead and released their preseason awards and teams. Let’s take a look at how the Mountain West did with their selections.

The Good:

Boise State vs. San Diego State for the Mountain West Championship

If preseason awards mean anything, these two teams should have the best defenses in the Mountain West. Both teams combined to make up 8 of the 12 selections on the all-conference defensive team. However, San Diego State did not have anyone on the offensive side of the ball, while the Broncos had three selections there.

Warren Jackson for Offensive Player of the Year

Do I think Warren Jackson will win this award if we have a season? No. Do I think he was the most deserving player to recognize this preseason? Yes. Donald Hammond III probably would have been recognized if not for recent disciplinary issues. But Jackson is the most talented player in the conference, and this was the right decision. I think the award will probably end up in the hands of a running back or quarterback considering a wide receiver has not won the award this century. Hard to see Jackson winning the awards when guys like Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson put up better numbers.

The All-Conference Teams

I want to give a special shout out to the voters. Usually if feels like there are always a few significant snubs. This year, the conference got it right. I think Donald Hammond III probably would have received the nod at quarterback over Hank Bachmeier had it not been for the news of him not being in good standing. I also think Jalen Walker would have gotten the nod at defensive back over his teammate Avery Williams, but he was left off the ballot for some reason.

The Bad:

Savon Scarver for Special Teams Player of the Year

Give Avery Williams some respect. The reigning special teams player of the year has been receiving some All-American recognition, and he isn’t good enough to repeat? Look, I understand that winning the award twice in a row is hard and Scarver would be a fine choice most years, but Williams deserves the nod here.

The Ugly:

Justin Rice for Defensive Player of the Year

Justin Rice is arguably the best linebacker in the conference, but he is not the best defensive player. Tariq Thompson should have been the guy here. Thompson is a lock to be drafted and was one of the best players in the conference last year. With that being said, it wouldn’t shock me if an up and coming player like Demitri Washington at Boise State makes some noise and garners some votes at the end of the season.

That’s it for this edition of “The Good, the Bad, the Ugly.” Stay tuned, as we will continue previewing the coming season.