*2023 Record in Parenthesis
*Rosters are Subject to Change
1. UNLV (9-5)
Good News- the Rebels’ offense returns its’ top 2 receivers and a rising star in sophomore RB Jai’Den Thomas (12 TD’s)
Bad News- the defense, which was a liability in 2023, imploded the final 3 games allowing 130 points in 3 consecutive losses
OVER/UNDER TOTAL WINS 7.5
2. Boise St. (8-6)
Good News- junior RB Ashton Jeanty, the 2023 Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, will have the luxury of 4 returning O-lineman blocking for him
Bad News- projected starting QB Malachi Nelson, a transfer from USC, has thrown only 3 career passes
OVER/UNDER TOTAL WINS 9.5
3. Air Force (9-4)
Good News- senior NG Payton Zdroik (9.5 career sacks) anchors the Falcons defensive line
Bad News- the offense will be breaking in an entire O-line and starting QB which will be a major challenge under the triple option attack
OVER/UNDER TOTAL WINS 6.5
4. Wyoming (9-4)
Good News- the Cowboys are stacked on defense and should maintain continuity under former coordinator now HC Jay Sawvel
Bad News- projected starting QB Evan Svoboda has lots of potential but little experience with only 38 career pass attempts
OVER/UNDER TOTAL WINS 6.5
5. Fresno St. (9-4)
Good News- the offense is poised for another big year with 4 returning O-lineman to protect junior All-MWC QB Mikey Keene,
Bad News- Jeff Tedford, who led the Bulldogs to 4 bowl victories in 5 seasons, was forced to step down as HC in July due to health reasons
OVER/UNDER TOTAL WINS 7.5
6. Utah St. (6-7)
Good News- 9 starters are back from last year’s 25th ranked total offense including all 5 starters on the O-line
Bad News- defensively the Aggies were gashed for 213.5 rush yards per game last season while allowing 40 plus points 5 times
OVER/UNDER TOTAL WINS 5.5
7. Colorado St. (5-7)
Good News- the passing attack will once again be a force with first team All Mountain West senior receiver Tory Horton (1,136 yards, 8 TD’s) back
Bad News- a shaky defense cost the Rams a bowl bid in 2023 and now must replace Mountain West Defensive POY Mohamed Kamara at DE
OVER/UNDER TOTAL WINS 6.5
8. San Jose St. (7-6)
Good News- new HC Ken Niumatalolo brings a winning culture having won 109 games while reaching 11 bowls in 16 seasons at Navy (2007-2022)
Bad News- the DL lost top pass rusher and First-Team All Mountain West DE Tre Smith who followed former HC Brent Brennan to Arizona
OVER/UNDER TOTAL WINS 4.5
9. San Diego St. (4-8)
Good News- accidently the Aztecs will improve offensively under new HC Sean Lewis, who helped guide Kent State to a MAC title in 2021 while averaging 33 points
Bad News- 1 lone starter is back on defense and the schedule features road matchups against MW favorites UNLV and Boise State
OVER/UNDER TOTAL WINS 5.5
10. Hawaii (5-8)
Good News- senior QB Brayden Schager (3,542 yards, is back to lead the offense after flirting with the transfer portal
Bad News- the defense has yet to find its footing under third-year HC Timmy Chang and special teams is unsettle at both kicker and punter
OVER/UNDER TOTAL WINS 4.5
11. Nevada (2-10)
Good News- first-year HC Jeff Choate has options at QB and RB and returning junior LB Drue Watts (60 tackles, 6 TFL) leads the defense
Bad News- the Wolf Pack face 10 teams that played in a bowl in 2023 likely putting any postseason aspirations on hold
OVER/UNDER TOTAL WINS 2.5
12. New Mexico (4-8)
Good News- new Lobos HC Bronco Mendenhall is a proven winner (135-81 career record) and has experience in the Mountain West having coached BYU from 2005-10 prior to their move to Independent
Bad News- Mendenhall, like many other new coaches in 2024, will be taking over a revamped roster
OVER/UNDER TOTAL WINS 2.5
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2023 FBS Statistical Rankings
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