New Mexico Lobos (0-1)
Last season: 1-7 MWC, 4-9 overall
Key matchups: at Pittsburgh (Sept. 14) and at Boise State (Nov. 30)
Who to watch: QB Cole Gautsche. There are two reasons to watch this player: one, because of how he used his legs more than his arms in the opening game; and two, because he is listed as questionable with “concussion-like symptoms.” Gautsche only threw for 65 yards in the Lobos’ loss to the University of Texas – San Antonio. But what was astounding was how he ran for 118 yards on 16 carries, leading his entire team in the rushing category. Unfortunately for the Lobos, he suffered an injury during the game.
What to expect: Gautsche’s return is something to expect for New Mexico. Otherwise, it will be a season of trial-and-error for Lobos coach Bob Davie.
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Utah State Aggies (0-1)
Last season: 6-0 MWC, 11-2 overall
Key matchups: at USC (Sept. 21) and vs. Boise State (Oct. 12)
Who to watch: WR Travis Van Leeuwen – This senior wide receiver had a career-high five receptions for 107 yards during Utah State’s opener at Utah. That means that he is earning the top spot as Chuckie Keeton’s target. With the loss of running back Kerwynn Williams, the running game for the Aggies has not been established, so it’s expected that Keeton will go to the air.
What to expect: Newcomers to the MWC, the Utah State Aggies want to prove to the division that they are not going to be sleepers. They finished with a 6-0 record, en route to winning the Western Athletic Conference championship and will see familiar foes in San Jose State and Hawaii this season.
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Boise State Broncos (0-1)
Last season: 7-1 MWC, 11-2 overall
Key matchups: at Fresno State (Sept. 20) and at San Diego State (Nov. 23)
Who to watch: RB Joe Ajayi.z Broncos quarterback Joe Southwick can run and throw the ball, but it is who his wingman is that makes the difference. In the Broncos’ loss against the Washington Huskies, Ajayi ran for 93 yards on 23 carries. This style of play complemented Southwick’s decision to play small ball.
What to expect: Boise State’s loss at Washington did damage to the Broncos‘ reputation. Because of holes in the Broncos‘ defense (it allowed 38 points to a non-BCS championship school), it will need to redeem itself. Ranked No. 19 in the Associated Press Coaches’ Poll, the Broncos have to prove themselves or risk falling lower in rank or worse, completely out of the picture.
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Colorado State Rams (0-1)
Last season: 3-5 MWC, 4-8 overall
Key matchups: at Alabama (Sept. 21) and at Wyoming (Oct. 19)
Who to watch: QB Conner Smith. The redshirt sophomore ended last season as the No. 1 starter after an injury to M.J. McPeek forced Smith to take over last season. Although he finished the year 80 for 126 with 1,022 yards, Colorado State coach Jim McElwain decided to go with Garrett Grayson as his No. 1 quarterback to start 2013. Although Smith isn’t No. 1 on the depth chart, he did beat Grayson in yards, completion percentage and yards per game over a six-game span.
What to expect: The Rams had an unexpected loss in the Rocky Mountain Showdown. Now, having started the season off on a bad foot, the Rams will do what they can to keep themselves in the MWC race before it gets out of hand.
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Wyoming Cowboys (0-1)
Last season: 3-5 MWC, 4-8 overall
Key matchups: vs. Fresno State (Nov. 9) and at Boise State (Nov. 16)
Who to watch: QB Brett Smith. In the loss to No. 18 Nebraska, Smith threw a 67.4 completion percentage, with 383 yards and four touchdowns. He tried to rally the Cowboys by getting them within field-goal range with less than two minutes remaining, but threw an incomplete pass. Last season, Smith threw for 27 touchdowns and six interceptions, while tallying up 2,837 yards.
What to expect: Looking to rebound after a dismal season, the Cowboys have the opportunity to do so. Facing teams such as Idaho and North Colorado should help them out, as long as their defense prevents opponents from scoring.
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Air Force Falcons (1-0)
Last season: 5-3 MWC, 6-7 overall
Key matchups: at Boise State (Sept. 13) and vs. UNLV (Nov. 21)
Who to watch: RB Jon Lee. The junior running back is poised to fill in the vacant spot left by Cody Getz. While serving as the backup, Lee carried the ball 88 times for 545 yards. After having to sit out the final game of the 2012 season due to injury, he came back with a vengeance. In the season opener against Colgate, he rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns.
What to expect: With quarterback Kale Pearson suffering a knee injury, forcing sophomore backup Jaleel Awini to take control, it can be expected for Air Force to utilize the ground game even more.