In the new-look Mountain West, the media tabbed Boise State as the pre-season favorite to win the conference even though reigning MWC champion TCU returns with a #14 pre-season ranking and an always formidable team with Gary Patterson at the helm. It seems the Broncos will probably not roll through MWC as easily as many expect, but it will be intriguing to see them play new conference opponents in different locations after beating up on the WAC for the past 10 years (8 conference championships). As we close in on the beginning of the season, here are our predictions and thoughts.First, based on our individual team predictions we have posted, here are our predicted Mountain West standings:
BRETT'S STANDINGS
ZACH'S STANDINGS
Visit our full team previews and game-by-game predictions here:
Air Force
Boise State
Colorado State
New Mexico
San Diego State
TCU
UNLV
Wyoming
PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Mountain West contributor Bradford Christensen offers his thoughts on players of the year and other players to watch:
As the media announced its pre-season All-Conference Team and players of the year, here are my predictions and other players to keep an eye on:
Offensive POY: Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
The 2010 Heisman Finalist returns for his senior season after completing 71.3% of his passes for 3,845 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions last year. His numbers might decline with the loss of Austin Pettis and Titus Young but the unproven wide receivers are progressing so I wouldn’t expect too much of a drop in production. Not only is he the best quarterback (and offensive player) in the conference, he’s arguably the best signal caller in the country.
The 2010 Heisman Finalist returns for his senior season after completing 71.3% of his passes for 3,845 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions last year. His numbers might decline with the loss of Austin Pettis and Titus Young but the unproven wide receivers are progressing so I wouldn’t expect too much of a drop in production. Not only is he the best quarterback (and offensive player) in the conference, he’s arguably the best signal caller in the country.
Defensive POY: Billy Winn, DT, Boise State
Chances are Billy Winn won't actually win defensive player of the year but he (along with Chase Baker) anchor Boise State’s deep, physical, athletic defensive line that enables the defense to be so successful. Last year Winn had 29 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, this after 44 tackles, 12.5 TFL and 6 sacks in 2009 – pretty impressive numbers for a defensive tackle. The senior is a nightmare for opposing offensive lines who can stuff the run and harass the quarterback.
Chances are Billy Winn won't actually win defensive player of the year but he (along with Chase Baker) anchor Boise State’s deep, physical, athletic defensive line that enables the defense to be so successful. Last year Winn had 29 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, this after 44 tackles, 12.5 TFL and 6 sacks in 2009 – pretty impressive numbers for a defensive tackle. The senior is a nightmare for opposing offensive lines who can stuff the run and harass the quarterback.
Others To Watch:
Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State. Hillman will likely lead the conference in rushing after carrying 262 times for 1,532 yards and 17 touchdowns as a freshman. Don’t be surprised if he gets even more carries this year with the departures of wide receivers Vincent Brown and DeMarco Sampson.
Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State. Hillman will likely lead the conference in rushing after carrying 262 times for 1,532 yards and 17 touchdowns as a freshman. Don’t be surprised if he gets even more carries this year with the departures of wide receivers Vincent Brown and DeMarco Sampson.
Doug Martin, RB, Boise State. Martin’s workload and production will depend on how new offensive coordinator Brent Pease decides to use him. The “Muscle Hamster” carried 201 times for 1,260 yards and 12 touchdowns and caught 28 passes for 338 yards and 2 touchdowns last year.
Tank Carder and Tanner Brock, LBs, TCU. Carder seems to get more of the publicity but these two are both ballers, combining for 167 tackles (96 solo), 15 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. The star linebackers are two of only five returning starters on Patterson’s defense, but should help ease the transition for the newcomers. Don’t be surprised to see either of these guys making game changing plays for the Horned Frogs this season.
Mychal Sisson, LB, Colorado State. If Sisson played on a better team he would surely be a household name after raking up 106 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles and 1 interception last year. If the Rams can improve on last year’s dismal season, Sisson will likely play an important role and get some recognition.
Boise State Defensive Line – Obviously the defensive line can’t win MWC Defensive Player of the Year but keep your eye on Chase Baker, Tyrone Crawford, Shea McClellin, and Billy Winn. These four will be among the best defensive lines in the country and their play will play a major role if the Bronco’s are successful this season.
Read more from Bradford Christensen at Drofdarb Sports
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