Mountain West Conference: Boise State’s to Lose
Though the Mountain West Conference isn’t the strongest in college football, it usually produces at least one or two surprise teams. However, the odds-on favorite to win the division, and the team that has ran the show for almost a decade, is the Boise State Broncos.
In case if you missed them, here are all of the odds for the Mountain West Conference in the upcoming college football season, courtesy of Bovada.lv.
Odds to win the 2013-2014 Mountain West Conference    Â
- Boise State                 7/5
- Fresno State               2/1
- Utah State                  11/2
- San Diego State         13/2
- San Jose State            10/1
- Colorado State            33/1
- Nevada                       33/1
- Air Force                    40/1
- Hawaii                        40/1
- Wyoming                   40/1
- New Mexico              100/1
- UNLVÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 100/1
Odds to win the 2013-2014 Mountain West Conference – Mountain Division       Â
- Boise State                 2/5
- Utah State                  11/4
- Colorado State            12/1
- Air Force                    15/1
- Wyoming                   15/1
- New Mexico              40/1
Odds to win the 2013-2014 Mountain West Conference – West Division  Â
- Fresno State               5/7
- San Diego State         11/4
- San Jose State            9/2
- Nevada                       12/1
- Hawaii                        14/1
- UNLVÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 40/1
Despite being favored to win the conference (they’re currently ranked 19th in the preseason AP Poll), the Broncos expect to struggle at times this season. They’re only returning 10 of 25 starters, and have thus far struggled to find a rhythm in training camp.
“We’re in a good spot right now,†senior quarterback Joe Southwick said. “We’re ahead of where we were (last year). A lot of guys are back. I know not necessarily a lot of the ‘starters,’ but a lot of guys are back. That makes it easier on everyone.â€
However, Boise State’s head coach was more cautious in his assessment of his team’s chances.
“Questions across the board,†coach Chris Petersen said. “I think we’re really excited because there are so many unknowns.â€
It’s particularly unclear how Boise State is going to address their running game, long a source of strength. They have a handful of running backs that could all play, though it remains to be seen how they’ll be used and incorporated into the offense. Much of the team is green and untested, including their running back depth chart.
“This is hard for young guys to get: it’s really not about the guy next to him. I really think that every guy in that backfield, if they’re playing at their very best and can stay healthy, every guy has a chance to be the guy,†said Boise State coach Chris Petersen. “Sometimes it takes a little bit longer just through process of elimination, getting enough reps, elevating your game, so they really need to not pay attention. It’s not about the other guy; it’s about being the best they can be.â€
“If we have three guys going into the season, you’re not thinking ‘oh great’, because you’re going to need all three of them and keep your fingers crossed,†Petersen said. “We’re probably going to need four or five.â€
Though they’re favored to win the conference because of their past success, Boise State stands a strong chance of faltering this season. If you want to place a bet that’s a bit outside the box, consider wagering on Fresno State to win. They have slightly better odds, and if anyone is going to unseat the longtime favorites in the conference, it’s the Bulldogs.
