Three key numbers to know about every Mountain West team heading into 2024 college football season
After a seismic shift over the last 12 months, the world of college football has become unrecognizable from what it was just one year ago. The College Football Playoff expanded from four to 12 teams, and the power conferences effectively condensed from five to four. The Big Ten could be called the Big Eighteen; the Big 12 could be the Big 16; the SEC added Texas and Oklahoma in its quest to become more like the Premier League in English soccer; the ACC added three schools while at the same time dealing with lawsuits from schools that are looking to leave.
There is, though, a conference that remains the same heading into 2024: the Mountain West. The number of teams is still 12 and the rivalries remain the same. In some ways, it is the last vestige of consistency in college football. It won’t get as much publicity as the Power Four media days will this month, but for those who want some stability in college football, the Mountain West will be a fun watch in 2024 — not only because it’s good football, but also for its familiarity. In a sport with more than a century and a half of tradition, the Mountain West has become a conference of football heritage by not changing one bit since its last 2013 round of realignment.
As the Mountain West coaches and players head to Las Vegas for media days, let’s look at some important numbers for each school heading into the 2024 season.
Air Force Falcons
Preseason MWC poll: 4
- 306.3 –Averaging 306.3 rush yards per game since 2016 (most in FBS).
- 20 –Ranked top-20 in FBS in scoring defense in five consecutive seasons (2019-23).
- 9 –Coming off nine-plus wins in three straight seasons for the first time in program history.
The Air Force Falcons have built a reputation for being one of the most consistent teams in the Mountain West, and their 2024 season looks to be no different. They’ve consistently been among the top rushing offenses in the country, and their defense has been incredibly stingy, especially against the run. With a strong core returning and a familiar system, the Falcons have a legitimate shot at challenging for the Mountain West title.
Here are some key aspects of the Air Force offense that make them so difficult to defend:
- Option Offense: The Falcons utilize a triple-option offense that features a variety of running plays, making it hard for defenses to predict who will be carrying the ball. This unpredictable style of play can be incredibly effective against teams that aren’t prepared for it.
- Strong Offensive Line: The Air Force has always boasted a strong offensive line, and this year is no exception. Their offensive line creates large holes for their running backs and provides excellent protection for their quarterbacks, giving them ample time to make decisions. This is essential for their offense to function.
- Disciplined Runners: Air Force running backs are known for their toughness, physicality, and ability to follow their blocks. They’re not afraid to run between the tackles and gain tough yards. This relentless running style makes them a threat on every play.
Air Force’s defense is just as impressive. With a strong defensive line and a talented secondary, they’ve been able to shut down opposing offenses with consistency. The Falcons’ defense is built on fundamentals, discipline, and a strong knowledge of the game. They’re not flashy, but they do the job of stopping opponents. But how have they achieved this level of consistency?
- Experience: The Air Force has a history of developing talented defensive players, and that’s a result of a solid coaching staff and a strong culture. Players know their roles and their responsibilities, and they play with a sense of purpose. This experience and focus contribute to their defensive success.
- Strong Defensive Line: The Air Force defense is anchored by a strong defensive line that can disrupt opponents’ offensive lines and pressure quarterbacks. Their ability to generate a pass rush makes life difficult for opposing quarterbacks and forces them into quick throws. This puts a lot of pressure on opposing offenses.
- Talented Secondary: Air Force’s secondary is talented and can cover receivers effectively. Their ability to limit big plays through the air is crucial, as it takes away a key weapon for opposing offenses. This makes the defense even more effective and allows the Falcons to control the game.
The Air Force has a lot to look forward to in 2024, and their recent success is a testament to their dedication to the program. Their focus on running the ball and stopping the run has allowed them to build a winning culture and compete in the Mountain West. With a strong core of returning players, the Falcons are poised to make another run at the conference title.
Boise State Broncos
Preseason MWC poll: 1
- 1,916 –2023 Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year Ashton Jeanty had 1,916 total yards (second in FBS).
- 26 –Number of consecutive seasons with a winning record (longest active FBS streak).
- 4 –Won fourth MWC Championship Game in 11 years in 2023 (most in MWC history).
The Boise State Broncos are the perennial favorites in the Mountain West, and for good reason. They’ve been a powerhouse program for years, with a consistent winning tradition and a knack for producing talented players. They’ve consistently been one of the top programs in the conference, and they’re always a threat to make a run at the national championship. They’re the clear favorite to win the Mountain West in 2024.
The Broncos have a strong foundation built on a powerful offense and a solid defense. Here’s a look at the key components of their offense:
- Offensive Balance: Boise State is known for its offensive balance, with the ability to both run and pass the ball effectively. This makes them incredibly difficult to defend, as defenses must respect both aspects of their offense. This balance is a significant advantage that allows them to control the pace of the game.
- Talented Quarterback: Boise State has always had a talented quarterback leading the offense, and this year is no different. The Broncos’ signal-caller has shown the ability to make big plays with his arm and his legs, making him a constant threat to opposing defenses. This makes them a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
- Experienced Offensive Line: Boise State has an experienced offensive line that provides solid protection for their quarterbacks and creates holes for running backs. This allows them to control the game by sustaining long drives. This is a key ingredient to their success.
The Broncos’ defense is just as impressive. They’re known for their tenacity, athleticism, and ability to make big plays. They’ve been able to shut down opposing offenses and force turnovers, giving their offense a chance to take control of the game.
- Strong Defensive Front: Boise State has a solid defensive front that can disrupt offenses and generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This makes it difficult for teams to establish a consistent ground game and forces quarterbacks into quick throws, which can lead to turnovers.
- Agile Linebackers: The Broncos’ linebackers are known for their athleticism and ability to cover ground quickly. They’re able to make plays all over the field, both in run support and pass coverage, making them a force to be reckoned with. This makes them one of the most feared defensive units in the conference.
- Playmaking Secondary: Boise State’s secondary is full of playmakers who can create turnovers and break up passes. Their ability to disrupt passing plays is crucial to their success. This creates a lot of problems for opposing offenses and makes it difficult for them to score.
The Boise State Broncos are a program on the rise, and their success is a testament to their commitment to excellence. With a strong foundation and a talented roster, the Broncos are poised to continue their dominance in the Mountain West and make a run at the national championship in 2024.
Colorado State Rams
Preseason MWC poll: 5
- 306.5 –Led MWC in passing yards (3,678) and passing yards per game in 2023 (306.5).
- 6 –The number of consecutive seasons with a losing record (school’s longest streak since 1967-74).
- 3 –Suffered losses after leading or tied with less than a minute left in three games in 2023.
The Colorado State Rams have been struggling in recent years, and their 2024 season might be another rocky one. They’ve been plagued by inconsistency and have struggled to establish a winning culture. However, they have a chance to turn things around with a new coaching staff and some promising young players.
The Rams have a solid foundation in their offense. They’ve shown the ability to move the ball through the air, but their run game has been inconsistent. They’ll need to find a way to improve their rushing attack and create more balance on offense.
- Strong Quarterback: The Rams are led by a talented quarterback who can make plays with his arm and his legs. He’s a threat to opposing defenses, and he has the potential to be a star in the Mountain West. His ability to extend plays with his legs can be a game-changer for Colorado State.
- Talented Receiving Corps: The Rams have a talented receiving corps that can make big plays downfield. They’ve shown the ability to take the top off of defenses and create opportunities for the offense. This is a significant strength that opponents must be aware of.
- Work in Progress Run Game: The Rams’ run game has been inconsistent. They need to find a way to establish a more consistent rushing attack to take the pressure off of their quarterback and open up the passing game. This is a key area they need to improve in order to be successful.
On defense, the Rams have struggled to find consistency. They’ve struggled against the run and haven’t been able to create enough turnovers. Their defense needs to improve in all areas if they want to be competitive in the Mountain West. Here are some key areas where they need to improve:
- Run Defense Improvement: The Rams need to find a way to improve their run defense. They’ve been giving up big plays on the ground, and they need to find a way to stop opponents from running the ball effectively. This will be a major focus for their defensive coordinator.
- Creating Turnovers: The Rams haven’t been able to create many turnovers. They need to find a way to force more turnovers and give their offense more opportunities to score. This will require a commitment to aggressive play and a focus on creating disruption in the backfield.
- Defensive Consistency: The Rams need to be more consistent on defense. They’ve had games where they’ve played well, but they’ve also had games where they’ve been completely outmatched. They need to find a way to play at a high level on a more consistent basis. This will involve improving their fundamentals and playing with more confidence and intensity.
The Colorado State Rams have a lot of work to do to turn things around. They have talent on offense, but they need to find a way to improve their run game and make their defense more consistent. If they can do those things, they’ll be in a position to compete in the Mountain West.
Fresno State Bulldogs
Preseason MWC poll: 3
- 34 –Averaged 34.0 PPG during 8-1 start in 2023 (averaged 22.5 in going 1-3 over final four games).
- 4 –Seeking program record tying nine-plus wins in four consecutive seasons and first since 2001-04.
- 3 –Added EDGE Korey Foreman in transfer portal from USC (No. 3 overall ranked recruit in 2021, per 247Sports).
The Fresno State Bulldogs are a team with a lot of potential. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance in recent years, but they’ve also been inconsistent. They’ll need to find a way to put together a complete season to be a contender in the Mountain West. They’ve got the talent to make some noise in the Mountain West, but they’ll need to find a way to be more consistent on both sides of the ball.
The Bulldogs have a talented offense that has the potential to be one of the best in the conference. They have a strong running game, a talented quarterback, and a group of receivers who can make big plays. Their offense is built on a strong foundation with a lot of upside.
- Powerful Running Game: Fresno State has a powerful running game that can wear down defenses. They have a group of talented running backs who can run between the tackles and make big plays. This can be a huge advantage, allowing them to control the pace of the game and keep defenses off balance.
- Experienced Quarterback: The Bulldogs have an experienced quarterback who has shown the ability to make plays with his arm and his legs. He’s a threat to opposing defenses, and he has the potential to be a star in the Mountain West. This is a key component to their offense.
- Explosive Receivers: Fresno State has a group of receivers who can make big plays downfield. They’ve shown the ability to take the top off of defenses and create opportunities for the offense. This can be a game-changer for the Bulldogs. This creates a lot of problems for opposing defenses and makes it difficult for them to score.
On defense, the Bulldogs have a lot of room to improve. They’ve struggled to stop the run and haven’t been able to create enough turnovers. They’ll need to find a way to tighten up their defense if they want to be a contender in the Mountain West. This is a key area they need to improve in order to be successful.
- Run Defense Improvement: The Bulldogs need to find a way to improve their run defense. They’ve been giving up big plays on the ground, and they need to find a way to stop opponents from running the ball effectively. This will be a major focus for their defensive coordinator.
- Creating Turnovers: The Bulldogs haven’t been able to create many turnovers. They need to find a way to force more turnovers and give their offense more opportunities to score. This will require a commitment to aggressive play and a focus on creating disruption in the backfield.
- Defensive Consistency: The Bulldogs need to be more consistent on defense. They’ve had games where they’ve played well, but they’ve also had games where they’ve been completely outmatched. They need to find a way to play at a high level on a more consistent basis. This will involve improving their fundamentals and playing with more confidence and intensity.
The Fresno State Bulldogs have a lot of potential, but they need to find a way to be more consistent on both sides of the ball. If they can do that, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the Mountain West. Their offense is a major strength, but their defense needs to improve if they want to be a true contender.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
Preseason MWC poll: 9
- 332 –QB Brayden Schager completed 332 passes in 2023 (fourth-most in FBS).
- 76.1 –Averaged 76.1 rush yds per game in 2023 (second-worst in FBS, ahead of Colorado).
- 70.5 –Threw the ball more than any team in FBS last season (70.5% drop-back percentage).
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are a team with a lot of potential, but they’ve been plagued by inconsistency in recent years. They’ve struggled to find a winning formula, and they’ll need to make significant strides on both sides of the ball to be competitive in the Mountain West. Their offense is built around a pass-heavy attack, but they’ve struggled to establish a consistent run game. The Rainbow Warriors have a talented quarterback, but they need to find a way to be more balanced on offense.
Here’s a closer look at their offense:
- Pass-Happy Offense: The Rainbow Warriors have a pass-happy offense that can put up points in a hurry. They have a talented quarterback who can make plays with his arm, but they’ve struggled to establish a consistent run game. This makes them very vulnerable against defenses that can shut down their passing game.
- Talented Quarterback: Hawaii has a talented quarterback who has shown the ability to make plays with his arm and his legs. He’s a threat to opposing defenses, and he has the potential to be a star in the Mountain West. However, he needs more support from his running game to be truly successful.
- Limited Running Game: The Rainbow Warriors’ running game has been a major weakness in recent years. They’ve struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack, and they need to find a way to improve in this area. This is a key area they need to improve in order to be successful.
On defense, the Rainbow Warriors have struggled to find consistency. They’ve been giving up big plays, and they haven’t been able to create enough turnovers. They’ll need to find a way to tighten up their defense if they want to be competitive in the Mountain West. They struggle to contain opposing offenses, and their defense will need to improve significantly if they want to be a contender.
- Struggling Run Defense: The Rainbow Warriors have struggled to stop the run in recent years. They’ve been giving up big plays on the ground, and they need to find a way to stop opponents from running the ball effectively. This will be a major focus for their defensive coordinator.
- Turnover Issues: The Rainbow Warriors haven’t been able to create many turnovers. They need to find a way to force more turnovers and give their offense more opportunities to score. This will require a commitment to aggressive play and a focus on creating disruption in the backfield.
- Defensive Consistency: The Rainbow Warriors need to be more consistent on defense. They’ve had games where they’ve played well, but they’ve also had games where they’ve been completely outmatched. They need to find a way to play at a high level on a more consistent basis. This will involve improving their fundamentals and playing with more confidence and intensity.
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors have a lot of work to do to turn things around. They have a talented quarterback, but they need to find a way to improve their running game and make their defense more consistent. If they can do those things, they’ll be in a position to compete in the Mountain West. They need to find a way to build a more balanced offense and to improve their defense if they want to be competitive.
Nevada Wolf Pack
Preseason MWC poll: 12
- 1,912 –Transfer portal RB Patrick Garwo III had 1,912 career rushing yards in five seasons at Boston College.
- 10 –Coming off 10-plus losses in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program history.
- 9 –Nine of 10 losses in 2023 were by double digits.
The Nevada Wolf Pack are a team in transition. They’ve been struggling in recent years, and they’ll need to make significant strides on both sides of the ball to be competitive in the Mountain West. They’ve been plagued by inconsistency and a lack of depth, making it difficult for them to compete with the top teams in the conference. The Wolf Pack have a long way to go to return to being a contender in the Mountain West.
Here’s a closer look at their offense:
- New Running Back: The Wolf Pack are hoping that their new running back will provide a spark to their offense. He’s a talented player who has the potential to be a star in the Mountain West, but he’ll need time to adjust to his new surroundings and to learn the offense. This could be a game-changer for Nevada.
- Experienced Quarterback: The Wolf Pack have an experienced quarterback who has shown the ability to make plays with his arm and his legs. He’s a threat to opposing defenses, and he has the potential to be a star in the Mountain West. However, he needs more support from his running game to be truly successful.
- Developing Receiving Corps: The Wolf Pack have a developing receiving corps that has the potential to be a strength in the offense. They have a few talented players, but they’ll need to develop more consistency and depth to be a true threat to opposing defenses. This is a key area they need to improve in order to be successful.
On defense, the Wolf Pack have struggled to find consistency. They’ve been giving up big plays, and they haven’t been able to create enough turnovers. They’ll need to find a way to tighten up their defense if they want to be competitive in the Mountain West. Their defense has struggled to stop opponents, and they need to improve in all areas if they want to be competitive in the Mountain West.
- Struggling Run Defense: The Wolf Pack have struggled to stop the run in recent years. They’ve been giving up big plays on the ground, and they need to find a way to stop opponents from running the ball effectively. This will be a major focus for their defensive coordinator.
- Turnover Issues: The Wolf Pack haven’t been able to create many turnovers. They need to find a way to force more turnovers and give their offense more opportunities to score. This will require a commitment to aggressive play and a focus on creating disruption in the backfield.
- Defensive Consistency: The Wolf Pack need to be more consistent on defense. They’ve had games where they’ve played well, but they’ve also had games where they’ve been completely outmatched. They need to find a way to play at a high level on a more consistent basis. This will involve improving their fundamentals and playing with more confidence and intensity.
The Nevada Wolf Pack have a lot of work to do to turn things around. They need to find a way to improve their offense and to make their defense more consistent. If they can do those things, they’ll be in a position to compete in the Mountain West. They’re a team with a lot of potential, but they need to find a way to be more consistent on both sides of the ball.
New Mexico Lobos
Preseason MWC poll: 11
- 6.7 –Defense allowed 6.7 yds per play in 2023 (3rd worst in FBS).
- 4 –4-8 in 2023 (most wins since going 9-4 in 2016).
- 2 –Bronco Mendenhall arrives with only two losing seasons in 17 as head coach at BYU and Virginia.
The New Mexico Lobos are a team with a new head coach and a new attitude. They’re hoping that a change in leadership will lead to a turnaround in their fortunes. The Lobos have struggled in recent years, but they have the potential to be a competitive team in the Mountain West. They’ve been one of the worst defensive teams in the country, and they need to find a way to be more consistent on both sides of the ball if they want to be competitive.
Here’s a closer look at their offense:
- Developing Offense: The Lobos have a developing offense that has the potential to be a strength in the conference. They have a few talented players, but they’ll need to develop more consistency and depth to be a true threat to opposing defenses. This is a key area they need to improve in order to be successful.
- Experienced Quarterback: The Lobos have an experienced quarterback who has shown the ability to make plays with his arm and his legs. He’s a threat to opposing defenses, and he has the potential to be a star in the Mountain West. However, he needs more support from his running game and receivers to be truly successful.
- Finding a Running Game: The Lobos have struggled to establish a consistent running game in recent years. They need to find a way to improve in this area to take the pressure off of their quarterback and open up the passing game. This is a key area they need to improve in order to be successful.
On defense, the Lobos have been one of the worst in the country. They’ve given up big plays on both the ground and through the air, and they haven’t been able to create enough turnovers. They’ll need to find a way to tighten up their defense if they want to be competitive in the Mountain West. Their defense is a major weakness, and they need to improve in all areas if they want to be competitive in the Mountain West.
- Struggling Run Defense: The Lobos have struggled to stop the run in recent years. They’ve been giving up big plays on the ground, and they need to find a way to stop opponents from running the ball effectively. This will be a major focus for their defensive coordinator.
- Turnover Issues: The Lobos haven’t been able to create many turnovers. They need to find a way to force more turnovers and give their offense more opportunities to score. This will require a commitment to aggressive play and a focus on creating disruption in the backfield.
- Defensive Consistency: The Lobos need to be more consistent on defense. They’ve had games where they’ve played well, but they’ve also had games where they’ve been completely outmatched. They need to find a way to play at a high level on a more consistent basis. This will involve improving their fundamentals and playing with more confidence and intensity.
The New Mexico Lobos have a lot of work to do to turn things around. They need to find a way to improve their offense and to make their defense more consistent. If they can do those things, they’ll be in a position to compete in the Mountain West. They need to find a way to be more consistent on both sides of the ball.
San Diego State Aztecs
Preseason MWC poll: 8
- 3,579— Added RB Marquez Cooper from Ball State, whose 3,579 yards rushing since 2021 are second-most in FBS.
- 20.5— Averaged 20.5 PPG in 2023 (fewest since 2008).
- 8 –Coming off most losses in a season since 2009 (4-8).
The San Diego State Aztecs are a team with a lot of potential, but they’ve been struggling in recent years. They’ve been plagued by inconsistency and a lack of depth, making it difficult for them to compete with the top teams in the conference. They’ll need to find a way to put together a complete season to be a contender in the Mountain West. They’ve got the talent to make some noise in the Mountain West, but they’ll need to find a way to be more consistent on both sides of the ball.
Here’s a closer look at their offense:
- New Running Back: The Aztecs are hoping that their new running back will provide a spark to their offense. He’s a talented player who has the potential to be a star in the Mountain West, but he’ll need time to adjust to his new surroundings and to learn the offense. This could be a game-changer for San Diego State.
- Experienced Quarterback: The Aztecs have an experienced quarterback who has shown the ability to make plays with his arm and his legs. He’s a threat to opposing defenses, and he has the potential to be a star in the Mountain West. However, he needs more support from his running game to be truly successful.
- Developing Receiving Corps: The Aztecs have a developing receiving corps that has the potential to be a strength in the offense. They have a few talented players, but they’ll need to develop more consistency and depth to be a true threat to opposing defenses. This is a key area they need to improve in order to be successful.
On defense, the Aztecs have struggled to find consistency. They’ve been giving up big plays, and they haven’t been able to create enough turnovers. They’ll need to find a way to tighten up their defense if they want to be competitive in the Mountain West. Their defense has struggled to stop opponents, and they need to improve in all areas if they want to be competitive in the Mountain West.
- Struggling Run Defense: The Aztecs have struggled to stop the run in recent years. They’ve been giving up big plays on the ground, and they need to find a way to stop opponents from running the ball effectively. This will be a major focus for their defensive coordinator.
- Turnover Issues: The Aztecs haven’t been able to create many turnovers. They need to find a way to force more turnovers and give their offense more opportunities to score. This will require a commitment to aggressive play and a focus on creating disruption in the backfield.
- Defensive Consistency: The Aztecs need to be more consistent on defense. They’ve had games where they’ve played well, but they’ve also had games where they’ve been completely outmatched. They need to find a way to play at a high level on a more consistent basis. This will involve improving their fundamentals and playing with more confidence and intensity.
The San Diego State Aztecs have a lot of work to do to turn things around. They need to find a way to improve their offense and to make their defense more consistent. If they can do those things, they’ll be in a position to compete in the Mountain West. They’re a team with a lot of potential, but they need to find a way to be more consistent on both sides of the ball.
San Jose State Spartans
Preseason MWC poll: 10
- 109 –Ken Niumatalolo enters first season (won program record 109 games in 15 years at Navy).
- 6 –Won six conference games in 2023, tied for the most since joining MWC in 2013 (went 6-0 in 2020).
- 2— Finished above .500 in back-to-back seasons for first time since 1989-92 (as member of Big West).
The San Jose State Spartans are a team on the rise. They’ve been making steady progress in recent years, and they’re hoping to take the next step in 2024. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance, but they’ve also been inconsistent. They’ll need to find a way to put together a complete season to be a contender in the Mountain West. Their offense is built on a strong foundation with a lot of upside. They’ve got the talent to make some noise in the Mountain West, but they’ll need to find a way to be more consistent on both sides of the ball.
Here’s a closer look at their offense:
- Emerging Offense: The Spartans have an emerging offense that has the potential to be a strength in the conference. They have a few talented players, but they’ll need to develop more consistency and depth to be a true threat to opposing defenses. This is a key area they need to improve in order to be successful.
- Experienced Quarterback: The Spartans have an experienced quarterback who has shown the ability to make plays with his arm and his legs. He’s a threat to opposing defenses, and he has the potential to be a star in the Mountain West. However, he needs more support from his running game to be truly successful.
- Developing Receiving Corps: The Spartans have a developing receiving corps that has the potential to be a strength in the offense. They have a few talented players, but they’ll need to develop more consistency and depth to be a true threat to opposing defenses. This is a key area they need to improve in order to be successful.
On defense, the Spartans have struggled to find consistency. They’ve been giving up big plays, and they haven’t been able to create enough turnovers. They’ll need to find a way to tighten up their defense if they want to be competitive in the Mountain West. Their defense has struggled to stop opponents, and they need to improve in all areas if they want to be competitive in the Mountain West.
- Struggling Run Defense: The Spartans have struggled to stop the run in recent years. They’ve been giving up big plays on the ground, and they need to find a way to stop opponents from running the ball effectively. This will be a major focus for their defensive coordinator.
- Turnover Issues: The Spartans haven’t been able to create many turnovers. They need to find a way to force more turnovers and give their offense more opportunities to score. This will require a commitment to aggressive play and a focus on creating disruption in the backfield.
- Defensive Consistency: The Spartans need to be more consistent on defense. They’ve had games where they’ve played well, but they’ve also had games where they’ve been completely outmatched. They need to find
- Air Force Falcons average 306.3 rush yards per game since 2016, the most in FBS.
- Air Force Falcons have ranked in the top 20 in FBS in scoring defense for five consecutive seasons (2019-23).
- Air Force Falcons achieved nine-plus wins in three straight seasons for the first time in program history.