Mountain West Connection - Mountain West football Week 8 coverageAll you need to know about the Mountain West, and then somehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50409/mwc-fav.png2015-10-27T08:40:11-07:00http://www.mwcconnection.com/rss/stream/93408302015-10-27T08:40:11-07:002015-10-27T08:40:11-07:00Mountain Division is tightening up after USU loss
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<figcaption>Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The division race in the Mountain is heating up.</p> <p>Yes, technically the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/new-mexico-lobos">New Mexico Lobos</a> can win the division as their final four games are intra-division games but they include Boise State, Utah State, Colorado State and Air Force. In realistic Mountain Division news, Utah State is still in the drivers seat to win the division even after their loss to San Diego State as they own the tiebreaker over Boise State.</p>
<p>Utah State needs to win out to represent the Mountain Division in the title game but any slip up will allow Boise State or Air Force to take that spot. Boise State bounced back with a win over Wyoming to stay in the race. Air Force is in the same position as New Mexico by winning out and they win the division.</p>
<p>The West Division is much more simple: San Diego State has a two-game lead in the loss column, and they already defeated San Jose State and would need to lose at least two conference games to be knocked out of the West lead.</p>
<table width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3">Mountain West</td>
</tr>
<tr id="special">
<td align="left"><b>Mountain</b></td>
<td align="center">Conf. W-L</td>
<td align="center">Overall W-L</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left">Boise St.</td>
<td align="center">3-1</td>
<td align="center">6-2</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left">Air Force</td>
<td align="center">3-1</td>
<td align="center">4-3</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left">Utah St.</td>
<td align="center">3-1</td>
<td align="center">4-3</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left">New Mexico</td>
<td align="center">2-2</td>
<td align="center">4-4</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left">Colorado St.</td>
<td align="center">1-2</td>
<td align="center">3-4</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left">Wyoming</td>
<td align="center">1-3</td>
<td align="center">1-7</td>
</tr>
<tr id="special">
<td align="left"><b>West</b></td>
<td align="center">Conf. W-L</td>
<td align="center">Overall W-L</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left">San Diego St.</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">5-3</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left">San Jose St.</td>
<td align="center">3-2</td>
<td align="center">4-4</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left">Nevada</td>
<td align="center">2-2</td>
<td align="center">4-4</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left">UNLV</td>
<td align="center">1-2</td>
<td align="center">2-5</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left">Fresno St.</td>
<td align="center">1-4</td>
<td align="center">2-6</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left">Hawaii</td>
<td align="center">0-4</td>
<td align="center">2-6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/mountain-west-football/2015/10/27/9618280/week-8-mountain-west-football-standingsJeremy Mauss2015-10-26T19:50:57-07:002015-10-26T19:50:57-07:00Where are MW teams projected to go bowling?
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<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Take a look at the latest Mountain West bowl projections which could see games against Cal, Nebraska, Temple, Oregon and others.</p> <p>We saw a lot of shake up in this past week of Mountain West play, but we also learned a lot about the overall state of the conference. None more surprising however is how bad Utah State lost to San Diego State, one week removed of upsetting Boise State. San Jose State also became just two wins away from bowl eligibility with a good win over now 4-4 New Mexico. Also, Air Force and Boise State bother got back into the swing of things by both grabbing hoe victories on Saturday. So without further ado, let's take a look at our bowl projection from ESPN, CBS, and SB Nation.</p>
<p><b>Boise State:</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">New Mexico Bowl vs Rice in Albuquerque, New Mexico. CBS Sports</p>
<p dir="ltr">Las Vegas Bowl vs Washington State in Las Vegas, Nevada. SB Nation</p>
<p dir="ltr">Las Vegas Bowl vs California in Las Vegas, Nevada. ESPN</p>
<p dir="ltr">Hawaii Bowl vs Temple in Honolulu, Hawaii. ESPN</p>
<p dir="ltr">They're chances of making a New Year's Bowl are 99 percent done, but a lot of competitive teams are still out there for the Broncos to play. Temple is looking like a great opponent out in Hawaii.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>San Diego State:</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Arizona Bowl vs Louisiana Tech in Tuscon, Arizona. CBS Sports</p>
<p dir="ltr">Poinsettia Bowl vs Kansas State in San Diego, California. SB Nation</p>
<p dir="ltr">Poinsettia Bowl vs Northern Illinois in San Diego, California. ESPN</p>
<p dir="ltr">Poinsettia Bowl vs Arizona State in San Diego, California. ESPN</p>
<p dir="ltr">Most likely the Aztecs are going to play in the Poinsettia Bowl, however they want to play a Power Five team. Kansas State or ASU would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Utah State:</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Poinsettia Bowl vs Ohio in San Diego, California. CBS Sports</p>
<p dir="ltr">Arizona Bowl vs Rice in Tuscon, Arizona. SB Nation</p>
<p dir="ltr">Potato Bowl vs Central Michigan in Boise, Idaho. ESPN</p>
<p dir="ltr">Potato Bowl vs Western Michigan in Boise, Idaho. ESPN</p>
<p dir="ltr">This team is pretty confusing right now. Out of all these teams, they would want Central Michigan the most. A solid MAC team that has given some Power Five teams a lot of trouble this year.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Colorado State:</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Hawaii Bowl vs East Carolina in Honolulu, Hawaii. CBS Sports</p>
<p dir="ltr">Potato Bowl vs Bowling Green in Boise Idaho. SB Nation</p>
<p dir="ltr">New Mexico Bowl vs Rice in Albuquerque, New Mexico. ESPN</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Rams just want to get in a bowl game, and they need to keep playing the same football they played against Air Force. They do that, I can see 6-6.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>San Jose State:</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Hawaii Bowl vs BYU in Honolulu, Hawaii. SB Nation</p>
<p dir="ltr">Arizona Bowl vs Arizona is Tucson, Arizona. ESPN</p>
<p dir="ltr">SJSU is that team that I believe will make a bowl game and win. This is a very dangerous team that could beat teams, like BYU and Arizona.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Nevada:</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Arizona Bowl vs Middle Tennessee State in Tucson, Arizona. ESPN</p>
<p dir="ltr">Only one projection as of now, and rightfully so. They end with San Jose State, Utah State, and SDSU. All games are very losable games for the Wolfpack.</p>
<p><b>New Mexico:</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">New Mexico Bowl vs Rice in Albuquerque, New Mexico. ESPN</p>
<p dir="ltr">They are 4-4, but have a very tough remaining four games. I don't think they can get to six wins needed to go to the post season, but it is possible only because they have their last two games vs Air Force and CSU at home.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Air Force:</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Armed Forces Bowl vs MInnesota in Fort Worth, Texas. CBS Sports</p>
<p dir="ltr">Armed Forces Bowl vs Oregon in Fort Worth, Texas. SB Nation</p>
<p dir="ltr">Armed Forces Bowl vs Oregon in Fort Worth, Texas. ESPN</p>
<p dir="ltr">Armed Forces Bowl vs Nebraska in Fort Worth, Texas. ESPN</p>
<p dir="ltr">They're going to play in the Armed Forces Bowl, but who are they going to play? Oregon honestly isn't that attractive in their on field play but would draw the most viewers nationally due to its name.</p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/mountain-west-football/2015/10/26/9618746/updated-mountain-west-bowl-projectionsjoebrisson122015-10-26T09:30:26-07:002015-10-26T09:30:26-07:00Week 8 Mountain West players of the week<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1N30K_zFfLM" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Air Force QB Karson Roberts, Nevada DE Ian Seau and PK Brent Zuzo honored as players of the week.</p></p></div>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2015/10/26/9616280/week-8-mountain-west-players-of-the-weekJeremy Mauss2015-10-26T02:13:43-07:002015-10-26T02:13:43-07:00PODCAST: New Mexico can still win the division
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<figcaption>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Jeremy and Matt recap the eighth week of Mountain West football.</p> <p>This week Jeremy is joined by our Fresno State writer Matt Kenerly to talk about Week 8 of Mountain West football. We discuss another interesting blowout at San Diego State topping Utah State. We wonder if San Diego State is actually the best team in the conference and could actually win the whole thing.</p>
<p>With Matt on the show we dive deeper than normal than Fresno State about the future of head coach Tim DeRuyter and also about the quarterback situation which seems to be more stable with Kilton Anderson.</p>
<p>Late in the show we realize that if New Mexico is able to win out they will win the Mountain Division. Let that sink in for a minute.</p>
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https://www.mwcconnection.com/2015/10/26/9614254/podcast-week-8-mountain-west-football-recapJeremy MaussMatthew Kenerly2015-10-25T13:04:18-07:002015-10-25T13:04:18-07:00McNichols is McMoney
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<figcaption>Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Boise State RB had a pretty outstanding game against Wyoming</p> <p>This Boise State Bronco football team is bound to give you a heart attack.</p>
<p>Last week against Utah State, the team suffered it's worst loss in more than ten years with a 52-26 drubbing at the hands of the Aggies. The passing game wasn't there, and the Bronco running game was held to just 34 yards the whole evening. Some in Bronco Nation were panicking.</p>
<p>Well, calm down Virginia, because everything is going to be A-OK.</p>
<p>Boise State bounced back from that loss to slam Wyoming 34-14 on Saturday night at Bronco Stadium. Granted, most of Boise State's points came in the first half, but it was a nice bounce back win that puts the Broncos back in a three way tie for first place in the Mountain Division with Air Force and Utah State.</p>
<p>And one of the reasons for that win is because <span>Jeremy McNichols</span> ran like he was running from a freight train. He rushed for 166 yards and one touchdown. McNichols also added some receiving to his game, catching 7 balls for 36 yards and a score.</p>
<p>McNichols is McMoney.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2z6nmX53tjs" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>McNichols makes this offense a whole lot better. Last week, other than <span>Thomas Sperbeck</span>, the Broncos looked lost in the woods against Utah State. The whole game, Brett Rypien was being chased by the Aggies linebackers and defensive linemen. The return of McNichols from injury gives Rypien a chance to not have to do everything.</p>
<p>This is the third straight game where McNichols has ran for 100 yards or better. On October 3rd against Hawaii, McNichols ran for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Two weeks ago against Colorado State, McMoney rushed for 104 yards and two scores. Having McNichols healthy is absolutely vital to the Broncos winning out the rest of the way.</p>
<p>And the beauty part is, McNichols is just a sophomore.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.idahostatesman.com/2015/09/15/3987220/boise-state-rb-jeremy-mcnichols.html">Boise State coach Bryan Harsin told the Idaho Statesman last month</a> he was pleased with McNichols progress.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span><b>"He’s done a great job," coach Bryan Harsin said. "His best games are yet to come. He’s feeling it, just getting back there and carrying the ball. ... That second effort has become more explosive. He’s got a very good second effort. That’s where that power comes in, which we need to have success in the run game."</b></span></p>
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<br>Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2015/09/15/3987220/boise-state-rb-jeremy-mcnichols.html#storylink=cpy</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Since then, he has gotten even better.</p>
<h4>Jeremy McNichols Stats-Boise State</h4>
<h4></h4>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="1152">
<colgroup> <col width="64" span="18"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="19">
<td height="19" width="64"></td>
<td width="64"></td>
<td width="64"></td>
<td width="64"></td>
<td width="64"></td>
<td width="64"></td>
<td width="64"><b>Rushing</b></td>
<td width="64"><b>Rushing</b></td>
<td width="64"><b>Rushing</b></td>
<td width="64"><b>Rushing</b></td>
<td width="64"><b>Receiving</b></td>
<td width="64"><b>Receiving</b></td>
<td width="64"><b>Receiving</b></td>
<td width="64"><b>Receiving</b></td>
<td width="64"><b>Scrimmage</b></td>
<td width="64"><b>Scrimmage</b></td>
<td width="64"><b>Scrimmage</b></td>
<td width="64"><b>Scrimmage</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19">
<td height="19"><b>Year</b></td>
<td><b>School</b></td>
<td><b>Conf</b></td>
<td><b>Class</b></td>
<td><b>Pos</b></td>
<td><b>G</b></td>
<td><b>Att</b></td>
<td><b>Yds</b></td>
<td><b>Avg</b></td>
<td><b>TD</b></td>
<td><b>Rec</b></td>
<td><b>Yds</b></td>
<td><b>Avg</b></td>
<td><b>TD</b></td>
<td><b>Plays</b></td>
<td><b>Yds</b></td>
<td><b>Avg</b></td>
<td><b>TD</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="19">
<td height="19">*2014</td>
<td>Boise State</td>
<td>MWC</td>
<td>FR</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td align="right">17</td>
<td align="right">159</td>
<td align="right">9.4</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td align="right">155</td>
<td align="right">10.3</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">32</td>
<td align="right">314</td>
<td align="right">9.8</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="19">
<td height="19" align="right">2015</td>
<td>Boise State</td>
<td>MWC</td>
<td>SO</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">133</td>
<td align="right">651</td>
<td align="right">4.9</td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">27</td>
<td align="right">232</td>
<td align="right">8.6</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">160</td>
<td align="right">883</td>
<td align="right">5.5</td>
<td align="right">16</td>
</tr>
<tr height="19">
<td height="19">Career</td>
<td colspan="2">Boise State</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">150</td>
<td align="right">810</td>
<td align="right">5.4</td>
<td align="right">14</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
<td align="right">387</td>
<td align="right">9.2</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">192</td>
<td align="right">1197</td>
<td align="right">6.2</td>
<td align="right">18</td>
</tr>
<tr height="19">
<td height="19"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>He is also very underrated as a receiving threat. Thus far in 2015, he has 232 yards for 3 touchdowns. He can be a double threat if need be. His quickness and hands make him one of the most dangerous players in all the Mountain West. If Brett Rypien can't find Sperbeck, <span>Shane Williams-Rhodes</span> or <span>Chaz Anderson</span> in the end zone, he can make sure to call on McNichols if need be.</p>
<p><a href="http://isportsweb.com/2015/10/21/boise-state-football-jeremy-mcnichols-topping-the-fbs/">iSportsweb.com thinks McNichols</a> has all the makings of a college superstar.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>"The sophomore has been a breakout player for Boise State keeping the momentum strong. McNichols has not disappointed in his college career and will continue to prove himself this season. "</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JpEAW2rx0WI" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>It would be unfair to compare him to past Boise State running backs like Brock Forsey, <span>Ian Johnson</span>, <span>D.J. Harper</span>, <span>Jay Ajayi</span> and <span>Doug Martin</span>, but McNichols is making a nice statement in his first year as Boise State's premier back. McNichols looks to have another impressive outing against UNLV, who give up an average of 28 points a game. It helps McMoney get into the discussion and one of the best running backs in college football.</p>
<p>And Boise State's chances going forward.</p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2015/10/25/9610788/boise-state-football-mcnichols-is-mcmoneyJake Hamar2015-10-25T11:08:50-07:002015-10-25T11:08:50-07:00San Jose State rushes their way to victory
<figure>
<img alt="Tyler Ervin may have crushed New Mexico's hopes for a bowl game" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/L6VV9Vf-P1HJgYgevwTYsY9caQA=/0x0:3738x2492/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47513017/usa-today-8882048.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tyler Ervin may have crushed New Mexico's hopes for a bowl game | Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The University of New Mexico (4-4) comes up short as San Jose State (4-4) wins 31-21 in a battle of two running offenses. </p> <p>San Jose State's second play of the game was an impressive 71 yard run by <span>Tyler Ervin</span> who ran up the middle of the New Mexico defense untouched. He would continue running on the Lobos all night long. The slim and quick do-all back would go off for 263 yards on 36 carries and the New Mexico defense, led by <span>Kimmie Carson</span>, never found a way to stop him.</p>
<p>Though they were up one point 14-7 in the second quarter, New Mexico's offense came to a screeching halt after the Spartans blocked a field goal attempt. San Jose State, on the other hand, featured a balanced attack by getting wide receiver <span>Hansell Wilson</span> and tight end <span>Billy Freeman</span> involved too. Freeman, for example, scored a momentum-shifting touchdown with 18 seconds left in the first half on quite possibly the most wide open out and go route in the history of Mountain West football, giving SJSU a halftime lead of 21-14.</p>
<p>Indeed, at halftime the Spartans had accumulated 292 total yards of offense to New Mexico's 175. 116 of those 292 were passing yards, while the Lobos only had five.</p>
<p>The second half was more of the same as the Spartans continued their offensive attack. San Jose State's quarterback Kenny Potter showed off his athleticism on more than one occasion by scrambling for positive yards when it looked like he would surely be sacked.</p>
<p>One such scramble resulted in a stunning 13 yard touchdown run with 3:05 left in the third quarter that put SJSU up 28-14. New Mexico, after doing nothing in the third quarter, would try to make a comeback in the fourth, but couldn't come from behind. Ultimately, the Spartans' offense was varied enough that it kept the short-handed Lobos' defense on their toes all night and consistently capitalized on lapses.</p>
<p>For New Mexico, it appears that the <span>Austin Apodaca</span> era has begun. Apodaca earned his first career start in a Lobo jersey last night after his impressive two minute, game-winning touchdown drive against Hawaii on October 24. Davie must've seen something in Apodaca during practice this past week to award him the starting job and re-igniting the dual quarterback debate that <span>Lamar Jordan</span> seemingly silenced earlier in the season. Apodaca played a decent game, showing that he can be a threat in the option as a runner in addition to his passing capabilities. Apodaca ran the ball 12 times for 59 yards and threw 8/20 for 130 yards and an interception.</p>
<p>However, some questions persist: Apodaca only threw the ball three times in the first half. If Jordan is the superior runner and Apodaca the superior thrower, wouldn't Davie vary up the offense to allow Apodaca more throwing opportunities in the first half? If Davie is going to continue to run the ball in such an unbalanced attack (most of Apodaca's throws came in the second half when the Lobos were behind and trying to score quickly), wouldn't Jordan, the team's leading rusher, be the logical choice at quarterback?</p>
<p>I am not suggesting that the Lobos completely revamp their offense, but if the coach is going to insert a passing quarterback, it seems to me that the coach should implement a few more passing plays to add that dimension to the offense.</p>
<p>Apodaca made some great throws, including a beautiful cross body pass to <span>Carlos Wiggins</span> towards the end of the third quarter that kept a drive alive. However, he was also inconsistent, often rushing easy passes that could have led to positive yards. Nerves clearly played a role in Apodaca's game. <span>Teriyon Gipson</span> put forth another solid contest for UNM, rushing for 99 yards (including a 79 yard touchdown run on the cherry-and-silver's second drive of the game. He also caught a timely 44 yard pass in the fourth quarter that eventually led to a <span>Jhurell Pressley</span> touchdown run up the middle, giving New Mexico hope in the fourth quarter.</p>
<p>However, it was all for naught. SJSU's offense was too powerful and UNM's defense could not get significant stops. Both teams needed a win tonight, and Ervin powered the Spartans to victory.</p>
<p>Both teams have four games left on the schedule and one wonders if either will pull out the magic six wins to reach a bowl game. This was an important game for the Lobos, as their remaining schedule is difficult: Utah State, Boise State, Colorado State, and Air Force. The Spartans might have an easier path to six with games against BYU, Nevada, Hawaii, and Boise State. Can either team collect two more wins?</p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/mountain-west-football/2015/10/25/9610342/san-jose-state-tyler-ervin-too-much-for-new-mexicodan arbino2015-10-24T18:16:25-07:002015-10-24T18:16:25-07:00Nevada comes from behind to defeat Hawaii
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<figcaption>Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Wolf Pack came back from a 17-0 deficit to defeat Hawaii 30-20 on Homecoming.</p> <p></p>
<p>It looked dismal for Nevada after Hawaii quarterback Max Wittek connected with <span>Devan Stubblefield</span> for a second touchdown pass of the game to give the Warriors a 17-0 lead in the second quarter. The Wolf Pack, <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2015/10/17/9561803/wolf-pack-football-nevadas-comeback-rally-falls-short-as-they-fall-to?_ga=1.196090348.195444746.1445728818">already coming off a loss last week to previously win-less Wyoming, </a>looked like they had not recovered from that game and in that moment, their season looked lost. But the team fought back and played one of their best games of the season as they relied on their defense and the running of <span>James Butler</span> (28 carries, 134 yards, two touchdowns) to come from behind to defeat Hawaii 30-20 to improve to 4-4 on the season.</p>
<p>The comeback began on the following Wolf Pack possession when Butler scored on a one-yard touchdown run which capped off a nine play, 52-yard drive to put Nevada on the board 17-7. After the score, Hawaii was flagged for two personal fouls which led to Nevada kicking off from the Hawaii 35-yard line. Nevada attempted and recovered the onside kick and the Wolf Pack was able to score after the recovery with a <span>Brent Zuzo</span> field goal four plays later to cut the Warrior lead to 17-10 at the half.</p>
<p>In the third quarter after both teams exchanged punts, Nevada got the ball and went on a nine play, 60-yard drive that put them in the red zone but the drive stalled and the Wolf Pack had to settle for a Zuzo field goal to make it a 17-13 Hawaii lead. The Warriors responded with a long drive of their own that put them in the red zone but <span>Ian Seau</span> (four sacks, one forced fumble, and once fumble recovery) sacked Wittek on third down and forced Hawaii to settle for Rigoberto Sanchez field goal to extend the Warriors lead to 20-13.</p>
<p>Early in the fourth quarter, after Wolf Pack quarterback <span>Tyler Stewart</span> (12/23, 128 yards, one touchdown, one interception) connected with junior wide receiver Hassan Henderson (three catches, 44 yards) for a 21-yard pass completion on 3<sup>rd</sup> and 11, Stewart hit tight end Jared Gipson (five catches, 57 yards, one touchdown) on a five-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 20. From there, it was the Wolf Pack defense who was already playing great defense for two and a half quarters got some key turnovers. On Hawaii's next possession, <span>Max Wittek's</span> pass was overthrown and intercepted by Wolf Pack safety <span>Asauni Rufus</span> and seven plays later, Zuzo kicked his third field goal of the day to give Nevada a 23-20 lead. After a Nevada punt, Hawaii got the ball with five minutes left in the game but three plays into their drive, Wittek threw another interception this time to <span>Jordan Dobrich</span> and Nevada scored four plays later on a <span>James Butler's</span> second one-yard touchdown run of the day which gave Nevada a 30-20 lead.</p>
<p>Hawaii did have a chance to cut into the lead late in the game and had the ball at the Nevada 17-yard line late in the game when Ian Seau strip sacked Wittek and recovered the ball which sealed the win for Nevada. This was a big win for Nevada as they could have packed it in after being down 17 to Hawaii but they played tough defense and leaned on their running game in order for them to come from behind and secure the win. The Wolf Pack have a bye next week and after that, have four games left in the season. They maybe a long shot to win the Western Division of the Mountain West but bowl eligibility is possible if they continue to play like they did today.</p>
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https://www.mwcconnection.com/2015/10/24/9608976/nevada-football-wolf-pack-rally-to-defeat-hawaiiBrandon_Blake2015-10-24T15:10:30-07:002015-10-24T15:10:30-07:00Air Force rolls against Fresno State, 42-14
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<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Last week's win might have been a false flag for Fresno State, as Air Force rebounded from a disappointing loss to stay in the Mountain division race.</p> <p>For about nine minutes, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/fresno-st-bulldogs">Fresno State Bulldogs</a> were able to punch the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/air-force-falcons">Air Force Falcons</a> in the mouth with a surprisingly explosive running attack. Then, the rest of the game unfolded.</p>
<p>Air Force recovered after their early defensive lapses and put a world of hurt on the Bulldogs with a decisive 42-14 victory in Colorado Springs. As you might expect, the Falcons did it with the running game, as their stable of running backs mauled the Fresno State defense to the tune of 459 yards, their highest team total against an FBS opponent since 2012. <span>Karson Roberts</span> led the way with 92 yards and four rushing touchdowns on 18 carries, but Bryan Driskell and <span>Jacobi Owens</span> also ran for well over 100 yards, as well (144 and 137, respectively).</p>
<p>That same figure, by the way, is reminiscent of the <a target="_blank" href="http://cfbref.com/tiny/b9kxv">defensive nightmares</a> that Fresno State had against Vai Taua and Colin Kaepernick in 2008 and 2009. They commanded a time of possession advantage so lopsided (42:38 to 17:22), I don't even want to bother looking up whether a Bulldogs offense has been quite so manhandled before.</p>
<p>The most damning indictment, though, the most obvious sign of the Academy's dominance on Saturday afternoon, is <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2015/10/24/9608548/air-force-trick-play-is-amazing">the touchdown pass</a> that <span>Jalen Robinette</span> threw to Roberts for a startlingly easy score. He spun out of a potential tackle for loss by linebacker <span>Tobenna Okeke</span> and found the quarterback on a blown coverage. It was out and out trolling, and there was nothing that Fresno State could do about it.</p>
<p>Or maybe it was the ease with which the Falcons converted again and again to extend drives, a problem which has plagued Fresno State all season: Air Force was 8-of-16 on third down and 3-for-4 on fourth down. Maybe it was the ease with which they kept the Bulldogs from doing the same, since Fresno was just 2-of-12 and 0-for-2, respectively.</p>
<p>Or maybe it was Driskell absolutely trucking <span>Shannon Edwards</span> in the red zone, or <span>Weston Steelhammer</span> mauling <span>Marteze Waller</span> in the backfield for one of seven AFA tackles for loss. Take your pick.</p>
<p>In a season full of dominant performances by Fresno State opponents, this one might have been the most egregious because, following the two early scores, the offense essentially disappeared for more than half the game. A run down of Fresno State's drive chart after Air Force scored their first touchdown: <i>interception, three-and-out, three-and-out, three-and-out, minus-6 yards before the half, three-and-out, three-and-out, three-and-out.</i></p>
<p>It may not have been like setting a program low for total offense, as the 'Dogs did against San Diego State, but it was an inspired new kind of abysmal. Aside from the two long touchdown runs by Waller and <span>Dustin Garrison</span>, the Falcons held Fresno to just 10 yards on 15 carries. <span>Kilton Anderson</span> had an afternoon to forget, as well, as the redshirt freshman finished with a 14-39-177-0-1 line -- a 68.89 quarterback rating, for those keeping score at home, which rivals the overall lines from the 2014 season opener at USC and the Hawaii Bowl from that year.</p>
<p>The upside of the performance? At least the coaching staff didn't look tempted to bring <span>Zack Greenlee</span> into the game at any point, content to let Anderson throw his way out of trouble, even when the game had slipped well out of reach.</p>
<p>What does this mean going forward for the Academy? It's difficult to say. The Aztecs have vaulted to the top of the West division since their own dominant defensive showing against the 'Dogs, and Utah State had done more or less the same before their own stumble on Friday. San Jose State has been a mixed bag. What might be telling is that, for as powerful as the ground attack looked, the passing attack still looked shaky here and there, as Roberts floated most of his passes into subpar coverages.</p>
<p>Air Force (4-3, 3-1 Mountain West) makes a trip to the islands next week to face Hawaii on Halloween, while Fresno State (2-6, 1-4) heads back to Bulldog Stadium to play Nevada on November 5.</p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2015/10/24/9608310/fresno-state-football-falcons-roll-over-bulldogs-42-14Matthew Kenerly