Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Breaking Down the NCAA Part 6 of 12


Mountain West Conference Order Of Finish

1. Texas Christian University- DE Jerry Hughes leads a stellar defense for the Horned Frogs in TCU's best chance for the MWC Title in years. Utah and BYU look to be on the downswing and TCU's defense and experience could put them over the top. WR Jimmy Young and QB Andy Dalton lead a steady attack.

2. BYU-The popular pick for BCS Buster last year but disappointed with an awful defense that looks like could be just as awful this year. QB Max Hall should be the best QB in the conference, but he lost reliable target Austin Collie early to the NFL. He still has TE Dennis Pitts and RB Harvey Unga. They should play in a big bowl game, but the high expectations are not there.

3. Utah- QB Brian Johnson graduated but LB Stevenson Sylvester leads a defense that should well make up for it. They have to travel to Fort Worth to play the Horned Frogs, in the most important game in the MWC. If the offense can find a leader and produce. this could be a very good team once again.

4. Air Force- After legendary coach Fisher DeBerry left many questions came up on how the most successful military academy would continue its winning ways. Enter Troy Calhoun who kept the triple option foundation. QB-RB combination Tim Jefferson and Asher Clark are a tad small but lead the attack masterfully despite just being sophomores this season. They return the entire offensive line, consisting of only seniors. Should be another productive season in Colorado Springs.

5. Colorado State- After having a winning season last year the Rams need to build on that. Dual Wideout threats Rashaun Greer and Dion Morton should lead the offense and LB Mychal Sisson and CB Gerard Thomas will lead the defense. It will hurt losing RB Gartrell Johnson but they can make up for that with a more balanced attack.

6. New Mexico- The Lobos are coming off a 4-8 season and have a new Head Coach for the first time in 11 years after Mike Locksler (former Illinois Offensive Coordinator) replaces Rocky Long. A lot of questions must be answered like the QB battle but at running back they have nice depth with James Wright and AJ Butler. Changes on defense include ditching the 3-3-5 for a more traditional 4-3. It could be a tough few years for Lobo Fans.

7. Wyoming- QB Karsten Sween needs to bring production and consistency for the Cowboys to be anywhere successful this year. Former Missouri offensive coordinator Dave Christensen will try to bring spark to a sputtering attack. A tough non conference schedule featuring Texas and Colorado could lead to another losing season in Laramie.

8. UNLV- The Rebels have QB Omar Clayton coming back from injury and that could instantly help a club that just missed a bowl game last fall. Coach Mike Sanford is on the hottest of seats after only going 11-36 in his tenure. A terrible defense does UNLV no favors this season, who have to overcome a lot to even be bowl eligible.

9. San Diego State- Coach Brady Hoke left a pretty good situation for a total rebuilding job in San Diego. I can not really see how this was a job upgrade, but the Aztecs look to build a solid foundation. WR Vincent Brown is the only outstanding player on the offense. The defense is switching to the 3-3-5 set which will be tough for the first part but probably better for the long run.

Corbitt Gutsy Guarantee: TCU will not go to a BCS Bowl. It seems like every year the MWC produces a BCS Buster, but this year I do not see it. Trips to BYU, Clemson and Air Force could be too much, and an undefeated season is the only way the Horned Frogs would sniff a prime time bowl.

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