FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH
Lynell Hamilton, RB, San Diego State
Might be the best Aztecs RB since someone named Marshall Faulk.
Todd Watkins, WR, BYU
One of league’s top deep threats.
Jovon Bouknight, WR/RS Wyoming
Former Manual High School quarterback can do it all as a multiple run/pass/receiving weapon.
Steve Fifita, DE, Utah
Best defensive player returning from unbeaten season.
Shaun Carney, QB, Air Force
At last, a Falcons quarterback who can throw the ball.
FIVE KEY GAMES
Sept. 24 Utah at TCU
Utes, with new coach, open two-time title defense vs. MWC newcomer.
Oct. 8 BYU at New Mexico
New BYU coach is a former New Mexico defensive coordinator.
Oct. 22 Wyoming at CSU
Border War stakes high for teams that look to be improved.
Nov. 12 New Mexico at Utah
Lobos own only MWC victory vs. Utes in past two years.
Nov. 19 Utah at BYU
MWC’s most bitter rivalry.
THE TEAMS
AIR FORCE
Coach: Fisher DeBerry, 22nd year, 161-94-1
2004: 4-5, 3-4 Mountain West
What’s new: This time, DeBerry really means it when he says the Falcons will throw the ball more. We think.
What to look for: MWC opponents long ago solved their option attack, so the Falcons are slowly converting to more of a passing game. Big improvement is needed on defense, where AFA allowed more than 30 points per game a year ago.
Prediction: 6-5, 3-5
BYU
Coach: Bronco Mendenhall, first year
2004: 5-6, 4-3
What’s new: Mendenhall, who rose from the ranks of defensive coordinator to get the top job.
What to look for: A decent passing game, a so-so running game and an inexperienced defense that adds up to a middle-of-the pack team.
Prediction: 4-7, 3-5
COLORADO STATE
Coach: Sonny Lubick, 13th year, 95-51
2004: 4-7, 3-4
What’s new: Offensive diversity, and the running game returns with a vengeance.
What to look for: The Rams shouldn’t have trouble scoring this year, but unanswered questions in the middle of the defense still cloud the picture.
Prediction: 8-3, 6-2
NEW MEXICO
Coach: Rocky Long, eighth year, 40-45
2004: 7-5, 5-2, lost to Navy in Emerald Bowl
What’s new: The offense, which ranked last in MWC scoring (20.3 points per game) and passing (119.1 yards per game) a year ago, finds a pulse with a maturing QB, Kole McKamey, and a better receiving corps.
What to look for: Long builds his teams to win with defense, and this year is no exception. RB DonTrell Moore has made an astounding recovery from surgery in February for a torn ACL in his left knee.
Prediction: 8-3 overall, 6-2 MWC
SAN DIEGO STATE
Coach: Tom Craft, fourth year, 14-22
2004: 4-7, 2-5
What’s new: 2003 1,000-yard rusher RB Lynell Hamilton returns after a medical redshirt season.
What to look for: Craft to be in trouble if his Aztecs don’t improve. He’s the one MWC coach on the hot seat, and NFL departures left a void on the defense.
Prediction: 3-8, 2-6
TCU
Coach: Gary Patterson, fifth year, 32-17
2004: 5-6, 3-5 (Conference USA)
What’s new: MWC newcomer looks to restore the quick, aggressive defense that suffocated CSU in 2002 Liberty Bowl
What to look for: Any home advantage TCU might have will be offset by unfamiliar road sites, especially playing at altitude. Fifth-year senior QB Tye Gunn has yet to get through a year without injuries.
Prediction: 6-5, 4-4
UNLV
Coach: Mike Sanford, first year
2004: 2-9, 1-6
What’s new: Sanford, the former Utah offensive coordinator, tries to revive a moribund offense and bring some discipline to a program in shambles.
What to look for: A long season, as Sanford gets his system in place and brings in new talent while attempting to change a losing mind-set.
Prediction: 4-7, 1-7
UTAH
Coach: Kyle Whittingham, first year
2004: 12-0, 7-0, Defeated Pittsburgh in Fiesta Bowl.
What’s new: Sophomore QB Brian Johnson takes over for Alex Smith, the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. Former Oregon offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig has been brought in to retool the No. 3 offense in the country.
What to look for: Only 10 starters return from the perfect season. Without coach Urban Meyer, and Smith, and the loss of several other key players, the Utes return to mortal status in the MWC.
Prediction: 8-3, 6-2
WYOMING
Coach: Joe Glenn, third year, 11-13
2004: 7-5, 3-4, Defeated UCLA in Las Vegas Bowl
What’s new: Optimism. Some preseason magazines have Wyoming in the top 25.
What to look for: Two of the MWC’s most electric players – WR Jovon Bouknight and CB Derrick Martin, both Denver Prep League products – making big plays. Wyoming, though, will get a reality check against Florida at The Swamp to start the season.
Prediction: 6-5, 5-3
