Here comes the WAC
Utah State’s brutal non-conference schedule is complete and it wrapped up with the results most expected — losses to Utah, Texas A&M and BYU but a win over I-AA — err, Football Championship Subdivision — Southern Utah.
At 1-3 the Aggies aren’t exactly winning people over with results. Effort and attitude, however, are a couple of things USU fans have been happily observing in the losses.
With that said, Utah State is more than happy to see its non-conference opponents in the rear-view mirror. And with good reason. USU’s non-conference foes currently have a combined 12-6 record.
Things should get a little bit — OK, a lot – easier this weekend when Utah State visits New Mexico State. With only one win on their resume at this point, the USU Aggies are desperate for another win and NMSU is generally more than capable of losing to Utah State.
If USU hopes to go bowling the Ags will need five more wins. They have only eight more games to get them and the WAC is proving to be more challenging than some expected.
Here’s a look at how I’d stack up the WAC race as we hit Week No. 6 of the season.
1. Boise State (5-0, 1-0) — The Broncos are head and shoulders better than the rest of the league. The only thing that might prevent them from another BCS berth is a monumental collapse.
2. Louisiana Tech (2-2, 1-0) — The Bulldogs throttled Hawaii last week and appear to be a well-balanced team ready to make another bowl run.
3. Nevada (1-3, 0-0) —?The Wolf Pack struggled in the early season against a rough schedule. But against UNLV last week, the boys from Reno run roughshod, literally, over the Rebels to the tune of 559 yards ON THE GROUND.
4. Idaho (4-1, 1-0) — The Vandals are only two wins away from being bowl eligible. That’s something few ever would have imagined possible. Last week’s win over Colorado State could be a season-turner.
5. Fresno State (1-3, 0-1) —?The Bulldogs have played as difficult a schedule as anyone and, like USU, must be eager to get into the WAC portion of their schedule. They’ll make a run.
6. Utah State (1-3, 0-0) —?The Aggies have the offense to make a serious run toward bowl eligibility. They might not have the defense or the time to get there, though.
7. Hawaii (2-2, 0-1) —?The Warriors looked formidable. Formidable until the beatdown suffered at LaTech and the loss of their quarterback for the rest of the season to injury.
8. San Jose State (1-3, 0-0) —?The Spartans have impressed no one. SJSU hosts Idaho this week in a game the Spartans can not afford to lose.
9. New Mexico State (2-3, 0-0) — These Aggies beat their neighbors from Albuquerque but that’s been their only highlight and last week’s loss to San Diego State is a return to reality.
And finally: I’ve created a twitter account where I’ll post semi-frequent updates, tidbits and newsy items about Utah State and the WAC. If you’re down with twitter, follow me at http://twitter.com/DesNewsEborn