Game of the Week

Air Force (4-4) at Colorado State (3-5)
Saturday, October 31st (4:00 PM EST, The Mountain)

When Air Force has the ball: Things are looking up for the struggling Falcons offense. Despite playing well last week in an overtime loss, sophomore QB Connor Dietz is down with a broken hand. But regular starter Tim Jefferson is back, and ready to turn around a unit that has scored just 17 touchdowns in 8 games this season. Jefferson gives Air Force a lift, but they will need more production from RB Jared Tew, who has just 465 yards despite carrying the ball 135 times this season. They should have plenty of opportunities to score this week, as they face a Colorado State defense that has given up more than 400 yards and 30 points per game. Only Rice has given up more passing touchdowns than the Rams (19), and Jefferson had success through the air when they met last season (6/8 175 yards 2 TD).

When Colorado State has the ball: The Rams haven't gotten much production from their offense. Despite scoring 23.1 points per game, the Rams have dropped five games in a row. The passing game has had moderate success passing the ball (1811 yards, 15 TD), they have thrown 11 interceptions. That's not good news going against the stingiest pass defense in the Mountain West. Air Force ranks 4th in the nation, allowing a meager 142.6 yards per game. Even more impressive, the Falcons have allowed just 3 passing touchdowns, but have 10 interceptions. The key for the Rams will be to establish a ground game – in their 3 wins, the Rams have averaged 136 yards per game. If they are able to drive the ball down the field with their running game, it will go a long way in keeping the Air Force offense off the field.

Intangibles: Air Force has won 4 of the last 5 meetings, including outscoring the Rams 83-37 in the past two seasons.

Prediction: Air Force is thrilled to have Jefferson back, and his first game back from injury will be a solid one. The Air Force defense is just too strong to be outwitted by the Rams.

My pick: Air Force

Keep an eye on: Colorado State QB Grant Stucker has been absolutely dreadful lately. In the past three weeks he has just 425 passing yards, with 2 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. For the Rams to win this game, Stucker is going to need to play more like he did against Idaho (4 TD, 1 INT). But even in that game, the Rams finished with another loss.

Upset Alert

Wyoming (4-3) at Utah (6-1)
(8:00 PM EST)

Utah barely escaped last week with an overtime win over Air Force. The Falcons were able to shut down the Utah offense, and they will face another tough defense this week. The Cowboys defense has been good and their offense has been fantastic at limiting turnovers. Wyoming is 5th in the nation in fewest turnovers lost (6). If Utah looks past this game, they may be in for an upset.

About to go Nuclear

QB Ryan Lindley, San Diego State

Look, I know I picked Lindley last week (and what a game he had, by the way) but I just can't find another player that is poised to fission this weekend. In his last two games, Lindley has 757 yards, 9 touchdowns, and just 1 interception. Scary good.

Best of the West

102-30

Total points scored and allowed by the TCU Frogs during their three-game conference winning streak this season. Two of those wins were on the road. It's safe to say TCU is the best team in the Mountain West right now.