No.1: Boise State (8-0, 3-0 in WAC)
Last week: beat San Jose State, 45-7, in Boise
Next Opponent: at Louisiana Tech
Why No. 1: The Broncos are coming off a dominating victory over San Jose State. Boise State has outscored their opponents 99-16 over the past two weeks.
The Buzz: Boise State is ranked No. 7 in the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) rankings this week, but the Broncos continue to fall after debuting at No. 4 in the first rankings. Boise State, however, seems to still be in good shape to get a spot in a BCS game.
No. 2: Nevada (5-3, 4-0 in WAC)
Last Week: beat Hawaii, 31-21, in Reno
Next Opponent: at San Jose State
Why No. 2: After starting the season 0-3, the Wolf Pack has gone back to being one of the dominant teams in the WAC. They have the No. 1 ranked rushing offense in the nation and continue to impose their will on the WAC.
The Buzz: Nevada is traveling to San Jose State this week were they should be heavily favored against the Spartans. This will be a good tune up for the Wolf Pack before their showdown with Fresno State next week.
No. 3: Fresno State (5-3, 4-1 in WAC)
Last Week: beat Utah State, 31-27, in Fresno
Next Opponent: at Idaho
Why No. 3: Fresno State pulled out a hard-fought victory over Utah State. Junior tailback Ryan Mathews again showed why he has been one of the best running backs in the nation all year, as he carried the Bulldogs in the second half.
The Buzz: Fresno State now travels to Idaho, where they will face a much-improved Vandals team. Fresno State has dominated the series between these schools, however, the ’Dogs can’t overlook the Vandals.
No. 4: Idaho (7-2, 4-1 in WAC)
Last Week: beat Louisiana Tech, 35-34, in Moscow
Next Opponent: Fresno State
Why No. 4: Idaho remains the story in the WAC, as they have won seven games this year and are looking to be in position to head to a bowl game.
The Buzz: After a 70-45 loss to Nevada, Idaho barely got by Louisiana Tech on a game-winning touchdown run by DeMaundry Woolridge with 52 seconds to go. They now must face Fresno State and Boise State in back-to-back weeks.
No. 5: Louisiana Tech (3-5, 2-3 in WAC)
Last Week: lost to Idaho, 35-34, in Moscow
Next Opponent: Boise State
Why No. 5: Simply because they played Idaho and only lost by one point. The Bulldogs had a 21-7 lead after the first quarter, but were unable to hold it.
The Buzz: Louisiana Tech seems to be running out of time to salvage its season as they have lost three of its last four games. The Bulldogs will play Boise State this week followed by a trip to LSU.
No. 6: New Mexico State (3-6, 1-3 in WAC)
Last Week: lost to Ohio State, 45-0, in Columbus
Next Opponent: at Hawaii on Nov.14
Why No. 6: The game in Columbus was over when Ohio State stepped on the field.
The Buzz: New Mexico State only had a total of 62 yards against Ohio State. Quarterback Jeff Flemming continues to struggle, going 6-for-13 for 22 yards at OSU.
No. 7: Utah State (2-6, 1-3 in WAC)
Last Week: lost to Fresno State, 31-27, in Fresno
Next Opponent: at Hawaii
Why No. 7: Utah State hung in there with the Bulldogs, and were even up by 10 points at the half. However, the Aggies were not able to hold off Ryan Mathews and the Bulldogs and were held scoreless in the second half.
The Buzz: One major bright spot for Utah State was the play of quarterback Diondre Borel, who showed why he is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the WAC. Borel had 345 all-purpose yards throwing for 240 yards and rushing for another 105.
No. 8: Hawaii (2-6, 0-5 in WAC)
Last Week: lost to Nevada, 31-21, in Reno
Next Opponent: Utah State
Why No. 8: The Warriors played Nevada tough, taking a 14-7 lead after one quarter. However Nevada would score 24 out of the last 31 points in the game to win by 10.
The Buzz: Hawaii quarterback Bryant Moniz threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns in the game, but he also threw two interceptions.
No. 9: San Jose State (1-6, 0-3 in WAC)
Last Week: lost to Boise State, 45-7, in Boise
Next Opponent: Nevada (Nov. 8)
Why No. 9: San Jose State is one of the worst teams in the nation in almost every offensive category and was completely outmatched by Boise State.
The Buzz: San Jose State gave up 45 points to Boise state after giving up 41 to Fresno the previous game. The Spartans have been outscored 86-28 in their last two games.