MWC Football Predictions 2017
By Tyler Smith
Tyler has had great success in picking the Mountain West conference over the past 5 years. Take a look at some of his accolades from the Stassen.
2013
MWC West (Perfect) |
2015
MWC Mountain |
Mountain
#1T Colorado State 9-3 (7-1)
#1T Wyoming 9-3 (7-1)
#3 Boise State 8-4 (6-2)
#4T Air Force 4-8 (3-5)
#4T New Mexico 5-7 (3-5)
#6 Utah State 3-9 (2-6)
West
#1 San Diego State 9-3 (7-1)
Coach: Rocky Long
Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Horton Defensive Coordinator: Danny Gonzales, Rocky Long Stadium: Qualcomm Stadium (70, 561) 2016 Record: 11-3 The Breakdown Offense: The Aztecs just keep dominating. Large in part because of the talented running backs that have come through the program. Since 2010 they have had Ronnie Hillman, Adam Muema and Donnel Pumphrey. Enter Rashaad Penny. Penny went over 1,000 yards on just 136 carries last year. His numbers this year should be some of the best in the country if the offensive line is in good shape. They enter the season with one starter backing the line and a slew of underclassmen filling in the starting line up. Christian Champman was very efficient in his first year as a starter. He had a completion percentage over 60 with 6 interceptions. Mikah Holder was the deep threat for the Aztecs. He averaged over 20 yards per receptions. TE David Wells was the next top target. The Aztecs don't have a dominant WR but they might find one this season in Isiah Macklin. Defense: The defense had only had three games where they gave up over 30 points, all three games were losses. With six starters back expect another dominant defense. They have been top in the country in tunrover margin so expect to continue with the secondary they have. Ron Smith is back at corner after having a good freshman season. Parker Baldwin holds the Aztec position. His junior season should be special. The front six brings back half it's starters. Ronley Lakalaka is going to be the teams top tackler this season. OLB Ryan Dunn will need to take his game to the next level this season. The line should be good with Dakota Turner and Noble Hall at DE. Sergio Philips can make plays from nose guard. His senior season should be his best yet. Special Teams: Rashad Penny returning kicks is must see TV. John Baron is a top level kicker. He also handles punting duties. Final Thoughts: Everything is adding up for another great season in sunny San Diego. The offensive line is the biggest concern but with Penny in the backfield he will make things happen. The defense lost some key contributors from the 2016 squad that was one of the best in the MWC. They have plenty of talent coming back though. Toughest conference road game is Air Force. San Diego State welcome back to the Mountain West championship game. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Christian Chapman, JR, QB Rushing Rashaad Penny, SR, RB Receiving Mikah Holder, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Kameron Kelly, SR, CB Sacks: Noble Hall, JR, DE and Sergio Phillips SR, DT Tackles: Ronley Lakalaka, JR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 11-3 2015 11-3 2014 7-6 2013 8-5 2012 9-4 |