MWCConnection Power Rankings: Week 0. Games are played and some rankings change.

We are back at it. Football games were played this past Saturday for Week 0, so some of the rankings now have data behind them, even if it’s a small sample size. 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 only three MWC teams have played, the rankings are admittedly pretty subjective, but here they are nevertheless.

Week 0 Only Rankings

1) San Jose State

2) Fresno State

3-11) Everyone else

12) Hawaii

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. Regardless, the Spartans kicked off their 2021 season with a convincing win, even if it was against an inferior team.

2) Nevada

From last week: The team with the most hype and highest expectations.

3) Boise State

From last week: 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

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

5) Wyoming

From last week: 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

From last week: 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. The middle of the conference seems right for now.

7) Fresno State

For at least one week, the Bulldogs looked like a force to be reckoned with this season. While UConn isn’t a powerhouse by any stretch of the imagination, Fresno State took care of business in all facets of the game. They rise one spot this week and likely will rise more after every other team plays, but it’s hard to drop teams when they don’t play.

8) Hawaii

The Rainbows Warriors forgot their season started last weekend. They were never really in the game against UCLA and their offense showed little signs of life. That may or may not be better than the defensive showing, which was overall embarrassing.

9) Colorado State

From last week: 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

From last week: 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

From last week: 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

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