Mountaintop View 9-8-21. Strong’s story, Expansion paused? Spartan success, Cowboy confidence, Rebel QB.

It’s halfway through the week and Mountain West games are just two days away. As always, the links press on. Check out what is coming your way today as the links press on.

Strong proving everyone wrong.

What makes Carson Strong special? He elevates those around him. He is always looking for ways to get better. He overcame an injury senior year and improved mentally. He led an upset over Purdue in his first college game. That’s how he went from a recruit with only one FBS offer to a potential first-round NFL draft pick.

CFP Expansion in doubt?

While the summer was focused on playoff expansion, the fall has quickly turned to conference realignment talk. And that talk has put a big pause on the 12-team playoff. Sources are now saying the playoff format was rushed out and perhaps eight teams would be a better number. It is expected new proposals would come forward, with many saying the process would pretty much start from scratch. The 12-team model was praised for inclusiveness and balance in appealing to bigger and smaller programs alike. All of that may now be in jeopardy.

Spartan’s success isn’t random.

Those who know or were part of the San Jose State football program know that it has historic and deep roots. Their success hasn’t always been present every year but it didn’t just start last season. Part of that reason is a pattern of coaching not staying long term, but the former coaches remain connected and lend their support to the current staff to maintain and build upon what makes the school and program special to those who know it.

Cowboys confident OL will improve.

Craig Bohl was disappointed by the play of the offensive line on Saturday but is confident it will improve. They had a few penalties and were a big factor in why the run game could not take off. Still, Bohl says they will look at why they were tentative, why they weren’t completing blocks and why they weren’t exploding off the snap.

Rebels going with Brumfield at QB.

On the horizon:

• Later today: Peak Perspective: Small Sample Sized First Impressions
• Later today: Week 1 Bowl Predictions.
• Thursday: Hawaii @ Oregon State: 3 Things to Look for, Prediction
• Thursday: Falcons Take on Midshipmen in Annapolis
• Friday: More game previews coming your way.