Fresno State Bulldogs (1-0)

Last season: 7-1 MWC, 9-4 overall

Key matchups: vs. Boise State (Sept. 20), at San Diego State (Oct. 26) and at San Jose State (Nov. 29)

Who to watch: QB Derek Carr returns for a fifth and final season, his Heisman push receiving a heavy first push with his performance against Rutgers. He currently leads the nation in passing yards and attempts. The Fresno State offense goes as he goes in what might be a record-breaking season for Carr.

What to expect: They still have the unimpressive Aztecs and San Jose State at the end of the season to reach the inaugural Mountain West Championship game. If that happens — and they beat Boise State twice en route to an undefeated or 11-1 season — the Bulldogs will bust the BCS. Now seems like the Bulldogs’ brightest chance.

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Nevada Wolf Pack (0-1)

Last season: 4-4 MWC, 7-6 overall

Key matchups: at Florida State (Sept. 14), at UNLV (Nov. 2) and vs. BYU (Nov. 30)

Who to watch: QB Cody Fajardo will continue to operate the pistol offense under new coach Brian Polian, which should help him build on last season’s performance. He and the Wolf Pack are being thrown in the fire early in the season. A season-opening loss to UCLA and on deck: nationally ranked Florida State on the road.

What to expect: This does not seem to be the year the Wolf Pack make a strong run at a conference crown, not with Fresno State, San Diego State and San Jose State standing in the way. A fourth-place West Division finish seems fitting.

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San Jose State Spartans (1-0)

Last season: 5-1 WAC, 11-2 overall

Key matchups: at No. 4 Stanford (Sept. 7), vs. Utah State (Sept. 27) and vs. Fresno State (Nov. 29)

Who to watch: QB David Fales and WR Noel Grigsby formed a lethal tandem last season. Fales had a breakout season (4,193 passing yards for 33 touchdowns) with Grigsby catching most of his passes.

What to expect: The West Division might come down to the final game of the season when Fresno State makes the trip to Spartan Stadium in a game that will likely feature two future NFL Draft picks go toe-to-toe. This is the most talented quarterback Fresno State will face this season. San Jose State cracked the AP Top 25 to finish last season. Can they do it again with a new coach?

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San Diego State Aztecs (0-1)

Last season: 7-1 MWC, 9-4 overall

Key matchups: vs. Oregon State (Sept. 21), vs. Fresno State (Oct. 26) and vs. Boise State (Nov. 23)

Who to watch: RB Adam Muema was part of a two-headed running attack last season for the Aztecs who should have most of the carries this season as the featured back. Muema rushed for 1,458 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2012. His workload seems like it will remain steady — quarterback Adam Dingwell didn’t instill much confidence with his season-opening performance.

What to expect: Did that really happen? The reigning co-Mountain West champs dropped their season opener at home to Eastern Illinois, an FCS school, 40-19. They have Ohio State on the road this week, but at least play most of their crucial conference games at home. The Aztecs still have to go through Fresno State — and San Jose State — to win the West Division.

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UNLV Rebels (0-1)

Last season: 2-6 MWC, 2-11 overall

Key matchups: vs. Arizona (Sept. 7) and vs. Utah State (Nov. 9)

Who to watch: RB Tim Cornett stands out on the offense. He rushed for 1,232 yards last season averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Cornett is currently fifth in UNLV career rushing yards, a record he looks to break if he stays healthy. UNLV and Fresno State did not face each other last year in conference play.

What to expect: The Rebels do not give off much confidence based on their performance last season — but have most of their tough West Division opponents (not including Fresno State) at home.

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Hawaii Warriors (0-1)

Last season: 1-7 MWC, 3-9 overall

Key matchups: at Oregon State (Sept. 7) and vs. Army (Nov. 30)

Who to watch: QB Taylor Graham doesn’t seem like the answer, but in an offense that has yet to pick up under coach Norm Chow, that’s the position that will be under the spotlight. Graham finished 16 of 41 for 208 passing yards and a touchdown — and four interceptions.

What to expect: Hawaii is not likely to compete for a top spot in the conference, nor the division. The Warriors were picked to finish last in the conference in the preseason poll. Somebody has to.