Power Rankings: Preseason Edition

We are back at it. Football games will be played this Saturday for Week 0, so it’s time to rank the teams to enter the year. Take a look at this week’s MWCConnection Power Rankings, and let us know what you like and what you don’t. Feel free to drop your own rankings in the comments section.

Because there have not been any games yet, the rankings are admittedly pretty subjective. Due to that, there are a few different ways this post can go. Below are some options:

“Your” rankings

1. The team you love

2-11. Every other team

12. The team you hate

The “fair” rankings.

T1. Everyone

The “how last season ended” rankings

1) San Jose State

2) Boise State

3) Nevada

4) Air Force

5) Hawaii

6) Fresno State

7) San Diego State

8) Wyoming

9) New Mexico

10) Colorado State

11) Utah State

12) UNLV

Official Rankings

1) San Jose State

The defending champs usually have the right to start the year as the top-ranked team and this year is no different.

2) Nevada

The team with the most hype and highest expectations.

3) Boise State

The Broncos have the most talent on the roster but need to show they can put it all together on the field.

4) Air Force

The Falcon’s offense is a bit unknown entering the year but should be solid. And the defense could be elite.

5) Wyoming

Similarly, the Cowboy’s offense has potential but will remain a question mark until proven otherwise. The defense is as legit as they come. Really, they would be higher than #5 most years and may rise before too long once the season starts.

6) San Diego State

In what is becoming a pattern in the rankings, the Aztecs defense is a proven strength of the team but the offense remains a work in progress. Middle of the conference seems right for now.

7) Hawaii

Last year the team was inconsistent but this year with a full offseason to solidify the schemes, it would not be surprising to see an improvement, especially with the offense. The defense has quite a few playmakers.

8) Fresno State

The Bulldogs have legit talent at the skill positions but need to demonstrate improvement in the trenches. They are a good bet to be the surprise of the conference but also a good bet to remain inconsistent.

9) Colorado State

It’s a team in transition and they are an unknown. They still have some major playmakers on the team and there’s reason to believe year two in the system will help them progress.

10) Utah State

The Aggies are perhaps the biggest enigma in the conference. The talent is there, the coaching is there now, but how long will the growing pains take? Conventional wisdom says this probably isn’t their year. But if things come together, watch out.

11) New Mexico

There are signs of life but since they are in a long-term rebuild, it’s still a big uphill battle for the Lobos. Taking a step forward should be the goal for the season.

12) UNLV

It’s tough to be anything but last when the Rebels didn’t win a game last year.