MWC Predictions, 2010 Week Seven

UNLV at Colorado State
CSU finally got the offense going a little bit last week, albeit in an atrocious defensive effort, against Air Force.  UNLV has been scoring some points, but giving up much, much more.  Look for CSU to feed off the home crowd and use the altitude to their advantage and pull away in the second half.  If they can continue to throw the ball, that should help with both of those factors.  Colorado State 27, UNLV 17.

Utah at Wyoming
The last time Utah went up to Laramie was the first time the fans started to believe they had the makings of a BCS team in 2008.  This year, they have been feeling that way from the get-go.  Is Laramie, the place where previous dreams were born, the place where they die this year?  Not likely, but it's a decent, much improved Wyoming squad, by recent Wyoming standards.  Their offense has struggled against good defenses, and, while I don't believe Utah has a great, 2008-caliber defense this season, Utah is a good one.  Their defense has been shredded by anyone with athletic ability on the other side, which Utah has plenty of.  Although in Utah's last trip to Laramie, Wyoming actually outgained them offensively.  One big play and two big turnovers put Wyoming down 21-0 and effectively ended the game.  I expect a similar result this time around, but with better offensive output by Utah.  Utah wins on the road 31-17 over Wyoming.

Air Force at San Diego State
Two poor rushing defenses, two great rushing offenses.  This sounds fun.  San Diego State brings a lot more balance to the table than the triple-option Air Force offense.  BYU pounded SDSU for over 250 yards last week.  However, Air Force's attack is much different than BYU's and more perimeter-focused, which plays more to SDSU's defensive strengths.  San Diego State has the better statistical defense of the two, but Air Force has held stronger opponents in check.  But Air Force has to go on the road, where they are 1-1, with a loss to Oklahoma and a near-loss to Wyoming.  This will be a huge test for San Diego State to see if they have really arrived, as people think they have.  If Jared Tew (Air Force FB) can rush for near 100 yards, I like their chances.  If Lindley can throw for 250, I like SDSU.  Air Force secondary is too good for Lindley to have a good enough day and Air Force pulls this one out on the road: 31-20.  The win pushes Air Force to 20th in the polls, and a similar ranking in the BCS standings, to come out Sunday night.