Air Force do-it-all guy Chad Hall may miss tomorrow's game with flu-like symptoms. Matt Quillen isn't exactly at 100%, but he's going to play.
This is the biggest game of the year to-date. Of course, as long as the Lobos keep winning every week is going to be a big game. With a win the Lobos would improve to 6-2, be bowl-eligible, and have a secure lock on second place in the conference behind TCU. The loss means a likely 6 or 7 win season and likely no real shot at a bowl game. I'm hoping for a win.
Tune in tomorrow morning for more game analysis and my final prediction.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
MWC Power Ranking
1. Air Force - These guys just keep on winning, and they only have two conference games left.
2. BYU - They're obviously nowhere close to the level they were playing at last year, but they're still atop the standings. They need to play better, however, if they're going to stay there.
3. Utah - It's not easy beating TCU on the road, and the Utes are starting to come together. The only drawback is that they're already at two losses in conference.
4. New Mexico - Let's not mince words; UNM played poorly against SDSU. But they came out with a win, and that's all that really matters. They'll have to step it up big-time for Air Force on Thursday.
5. TCU - What has heppened to these guys? Injuries? Distractions? I don't know, but they'd better turn it around quick if they have any prayer of making a bowl game.
6. Wyoming - The Cowboys were on top of the world just two weeks ago, but their offense has really let them down. Is their defense good enough to keep them in the hunt for a bowl game?
7. San Diego State - The Aztecs showed some life against UNM but still suffered a heart-wrenching defeat. When will these guys catch a break?
8. Colorado State - They beat UNLV, so they get to move up.
9. UNLV - See Colorado State.
2. BYU - They're obviously nowhere close to the level they were playing at last year, but they're still atop the standings. They need to play better, however, if they're going to stay there.
3. Utah - It's not easy beating TCU on the road, and the Utes are starting to come together. The only drawback is that they're already at two losses in conference.
4. New Mexico - Let's not mince words; UNM played poorly against SDSU. But they came out with a win, and that's all that really matters. They'll have to step it up big-time for Air Force on Thursday.
5. TCU - What has heppened to these guys? Injuries? Distractions? I don't know, but they'd better turn it around quick if they have any prayer of making a bowl game.
6. Wyoming - The Cowboys were on top of the world just two weeks ago, but their offense has really let them down. Is their defense good enough to keep them in the hunt for a bowl game?
7. San Diego State - The Aztecs showed some life against UNM but still suffered a heart-wrenching defeat. When will these guys catch a break?
8. Colorado State - They beat UNLV, so they get to move up.
9. UNLV - See Colorado State.
Lobos 20, Aztecs 17
Whew! Well, that was a relief, wasn't it? The Lobos escaped San Diego with an incredible come-from-behind victory, stunning the 20,000 in attendance. Next up, a big-time matchup against Air Force on Thursday night.
More to come...
More to come...
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Lobo Football vs. SDSU: Fearless Predictions
This Saturday's football game is a really interesting game to predict. It's what sports journalists refer to as a "trap game," with the Lobos riding high after a big win over Wyoming and Air Force and TCU right on the horizon.
On the other hand, if there's one team that the Lobos just know how to beat, it's San Diego State. The Lobos have beaten the Aztecs six times in a row now, and the last two in particular were over almost as soon as they started.
On defense, the Lobos must watch Senior QB Kevin O'Connell, who is just about the only bright spot for this team. He's a dual-threat, so look for some big hits by the blitzing UNM defense.
On offense, the plan looks simple: SDSU has a porous run defense and Rodney Ferguson is the conference's leading rusher. Put two and two together, and the key to the game becomes pretty obvious. Look for a couple of big plays on play-action.
This game shouldn't be close, but there's just something about this game that has me worried. San Diego State isn't very good, but they're still better than last year. I think Chuck Long will turn this program around, just not yet. This one still may be closer than people would think.
UNM - 22
SDSU - 13
On the other hand, if there's one team that the Lobos just know how to beat, it's San Diego State. The Lobos have beaten the Aztecs six times in a row now, and the last two in particular were over almost as soon as they started.
On defense, the Lobos must watch Senior QB Kevin O'Connell, who is just about the only bright spot for this team. He's a dual-threat, so look for some big hits by the blitzing UNM defense.
On offense, the plan looks simple: SDSU has a porous run defense and Rodney Ferguson is the conference's leading rusher. Put two and two together, and the key to the game becomes pretty obvious. Look for a couple of big plays on play-action.
This game shouldn't be close, but there's just something about this game that has me worried. San Diego State isn't very good, but they're still better than last year. I think Chuck Long will turn this program around, just not yet. This one still may be closer than people would think.
UNM - 22
SDSU - 13
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
MWC Media Day!
So the MWC media and coaches will release their preseason picks today. Here's a look at mine:
1. BYU
2. SDSU
3. UNM
4. UNLV
5. WYO
6. UTAH
7. AFA
8. TCU
9. CSU
Lots of people have returning talent which will make for a topsy-turvy year. Anyone from 1-6 has a legitimate shot at winning the MWC. UNLV, last year's darlings, won't fall back too far because I think Lon Kruger is that good of a coach. I'm still not sold on Utah and its four guard lineup. Air Force has Tim Anderson and not much else; CSU and TCU will be bad.
New Mexico's finish will largely depend on if Tony Danridge returns in time for conference. With him, they're one of the favorites. Without, they're middle-of-the-pack.
All-MWC
Guard - Brandon Ewing
Guard - JR Giddens
Forward - Lorenzo Wade
Forward - Kevin Langford
Center - Luke Nevill
MWC MVP - Brandon Ewing. Darren Prentice has this guy's number, frustrating him to the point that he threw some blows in UNM's victory over Wyoming in the Pit, but no one else has an answer for him. He'll hover around 20 ppg and keep Wyoming in the mix.
1. BYU
2. SDSU
3. UNM
4. UNLV
5. WYO
6. UTAH
7. AFA
8. TCU
9. CSU
Lots of people have returning talent which will make for a topsy-turvy year. Anyone from 1-6 has a legitimate shot at winning the MWC. UNLV, last year's darlings, won't fall back too far because I think Lon Kruger is that good of a coach. I'm still not sold on Utah and its four guard lineup. Air Force has Tim Anderson and not much else; CSU and TCU will be bad.
New Mexico's finish will largely depend on if Tony Danridge returns in time for conference. With him, they're one of the favorites. Without, they're middle-of-the-pack.
All-MWC
Guard - Brandon Ewing
Guard - JR Giddens
Forward - Lorenzo Wade
Forward - Kevin Langford
Center - Luke Nevill
MWC MVP - Brandon Ewing. Darren Prentice has this guy's number, frustrating him to the point that he threw some blows in UNM's victory over Wyoming in the Pit, but no one else has an answer for him. He'll hover around 20 ppg and keep Wyoming in the mix.
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