The Bulldogs secured another sizable victory against the Cowboys, winning 24-3 at home this week — but I still don’t think it’ll be enough to take them to the championship.
They won, but winning was the expectation. Wyoming didn’t play well. The ‘Dogs did just enough to win, taking a big lead toward the end, but they were up by only four for almost the entirety of the first half.
Standout players this week were linebacker Tytus Khajavi, running backs Jonathan Arceneaux and Rayshon Luke and wide receiver Josiah Freeman. Khajavi put up a team-high six tackles, leading the defense, and Luke led the ‘Dogs in rushing with 92 yards on 16 carries.
Luckily, the rain didn’t affect the ‘Dogs too badly regarding their run game. I know the football was wet, but that’s no excuse. I don’t blame the ball slipping through their fingers — I blame the passes that were thrown.
The running backs are good, but the Red Wave needs Carson Conklin to step up as a starting quarterback. His debut against the Aztecs is the only time this season he has put up over 100 yards so far. I think starting him was the right choice, but I think he’ll need to give more if he wants to start in a championship game.
The Bulldogs’ last year in the Mountain West Conference is a stacked one. San Diego State leads the Mountain West with a 5-1 conference standing. Fresno State is currently in third place — but the ‘Dogs are tied up in standings with four other teams.
To make it to the championship, there’s a few factors in play. The ‘Dogs need to keep their win streak and win against Utah State and San Jose State as well as take advantage of their tiebreakers with Boise State and Hawaii — they hold the head-to-head edge there.
They have a home state upper hand for their next two games. Set to play the Aggies at Valley Children’s, the Bulldogs will hopefully use that to their advantage. Even though San Jose is always a hard game for the ‘Dogs, the travel will be easy there.
Because Fresno State doesn’t play the New Mexico Lobos or the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rebels, fans have to bank on them losing, as well as maintaining the tiebreakers. Some of the chances aren’t up to the ‘Dogs.
However, if everything plays in their favor that way, the Bulldogs will have one of the best conference records.
If you look at the numbers, the Bulldogs have a decent shot at making it to the championship — but only if the odds fall into their favor, and the team shows out for their final two conference games of the season.
They absolutely need to win out and aim for a 6-2 conference record, hope other contenders lose and keep their head-to-head advantages if they want to see the Mountain West championship one last time.
The Bulldogs play their final home game against the Utah State Aggies on Saturday, Nov. 22. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
