MWCConnection Power Rankings: Week 3. Bulldogs, Aztecs, & Aggies rise up, Wolf Pack fall, Broncos plummet.

We are back at it. Every Mountain West team played this past weekend. There were two big PAC-12 wins, and three other P5 defeats. The ranking of teams is becoming more clear as the weeks press on.

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.

Week 2 Rankings

1) Fresno State

The Bulldogs are clearly the best team in the conference. They upset a PAC-12 team and took another one to the wire. They are firing on all cylinders, turning in complete performances in every facet of the game. Until further notice, it’s their league.

2) San Diego State

The Aztecs are playing some great football the past two games, stepping up to play power five competition. This is what it looks like to be at their best for their style of play; solid special teams, great defense, an outstanding rushing attack, and just enough of a passing game to keep defenses honest. As of now, they have figured out a winning formula.

3) Nevada

The Wolf Pack took a loss this weekend and their style of play is being exposed a bit. The offense is truly boom or bust, and if it’s more bust, there doesn’t seem to be a Plan B. Also, their defense was exposed against a stronger offense. They are still a good team but this likely ends their dreams of a special season. There is still a lot of time left for growth though.

4) Utah State

The Aggies are 3-0 and deserve all the credit in the world for their best start in decades. The offense is prone to slow starts but when they come alive in the second half, they are tough to defend. The defense is stout in big moments and more importantly, the team has confidence and believes they can win.

5) San Jose State

The Spartans are a strong fifth-place team but it’s hard to ignore the teams above them. They are executing game plans and their style of play but they seem to lack the firepower compared to some other teams. So far, they are winning the games they should win and that works for now.

6) Wyoming

Speaking of winning the games they should win, the Cowboys are also 3-0. They have had perhaps the easiest schedule in the conference at this point, but have passed every test. More importantly, this past game was by far their most dominant and complete game of the season, finally pairing a high-scoring offense with a stifling defense.

7) Air Force

The Falcons drop off a few spots, potentially unfairly. They lost to the Aggies, their toughest game to date. However, it was a back and forth affair and they could have just as easily won the game. However, someone had to lose and the rankings reflect that. But I’d expect the Falcons to bounce back next week.

8) Boise State

The Broncos have fallen significantly. That’s what happens when a team can’t run the ball, can’t pass-block, and can’t tackle with any consistency. Currently, the talent can keep them in games but it can’t win them games against even above-average teams at this point. They have a lot to prove at this game.

9) Hawaii

The Rainbow Warriors dropped a close game of their own, which doesn’t pair well with the blowout losses they have suffered. Their only win is against FCS Portland State and even that had its fair share of concerns. Add it all up and it is becoming clear that Hawaii is not looking strong this year.

10) New Mexico

The Lobos got destroyed by TAMU, as expected. After two games against lackluster competition and now a payday game, they haven’t played a game to get an accurate measure of how good they are or aren’t. Still, they have won and lost the games they are supposed to, which is a nice step up in year two.

11) Colorado State

The Rams finally won a game, and good for them. They only scored one touchdown and that was on special teams, doing the rest on field goals. So the offense is still lackluster (aside from McBride and a decent run game). Getting the win should ease the tension and it will be interesting to see how they look going forward.

12) UNLV

Props to the Revels for getting Iowa State to come to Nevada, so at least they didn’t have to travel to get killed by the Cyclones. Outside of Charles Williams, little went right on offense and the defensive showing speaks for itself on the scoreboard. Things won’t get easier next week against Fresno State.