Utah at Notre Dame
The Utes would be wise to get off to a strong start. After the thumping they took last weekend, Notre Dame is going to really believe they can win this game. Plus their own confidence is probably fragile right now. A bad first quarter would get the crowd into the game, it could make the Utes start to question themselves, and they would find themselves in a dogfight all of a sudden in a game they should win handily. It would take a true leader to emerge and get them back into it. I haven't seen that yet from this Ute team. Frankly, they haven't needed it. Could Jordan Wynn rally the troops if they find themselves staring at an early deficit on the road against a bunch of former blue-chip recruits? I don't think he could right now. Who is the Morgan Scalley, Eric Weddle, Brian Johnson of this Ute team? Like I said, it would be wise for the Utes to get off to a good start so they don't have to find out. That is the big question: how will Utah rebound?
Of course, will all of that said, this is a Notre Dame team that lost at home to Tulsa two weeks ago. They are starting a true freshman QB in his first collegiate start. They are without RB Armando Allen. But they had a bye week to get things figured out. I'm tempted to go with the upset: I don't think Jordan Wynn has what it takes to lead his team at this crucial juncture in their season. However, the Utes are still the Utes. They live for this type of game. I think it will end up being a dogfight, however, and if it comes down to Jordan Wynn at the end, Utah loses, if it comes down to Utah's D, Utah wins. Utah 31, Notre Dame 27.
San Diego State at TCU
If this game were in San Diego, the Aztecs might stand a chance. As it is, even as improved as they are, we will learn just how far they still have to go. This game clinches the MWC championship. It seals TCU as a BCS-bound team. When has Gary Patterson ever not had his team ready for that moment? I'd put the over/under for SDSU stud RB Ronnie Hillman rushing yards at 50. Any takers on the over? He is averaging 116 yards/game. SDSU is a nice story this year. They may become a top three team in the new MWC next season (if Hoke doesn't get lured away by open jobs at CU and Minnesota). But this is the year of the Horned Frog. TCU 38, SDSU 14.
New Mexico at Air Force
New Mexico is riding high after their first win of the season, and second in the past two seasons. Sorry to spoil the party, but the Falcons will run all over them. Air Force 38, New Mexico 17.
Wyoming at UNLV
This is the battle for last place in the MWC. If you ask me, both teams belong there. How do you decide between the team that just gave up 55 points to the 2010 BYU Cougars and the one that just lost to New Mexico? I'll give the edge to the home team. Reluctantly. UNLV 24, Wyoming 21.
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