Week 5 in the Mountain West features high-stakes matchups and critical nonconference tests that could shape bowl aspirations and conference rankings. Below is an in-depth preview, including analysis for each key matchup and expert picks for the weekend’s games.
Key Mountain West Week 5 Games
Utah State at Vanderbilt
Utah State travels to face No. 20/18 Vanderbilt on a tough SEC Network road test. The Aggies have put up 20+ points in four straight games against ranked opponents, showcasing offensive resilience. Expect a competitive showing, but the Commodores’ physicality and home advantage should prevail.
Air Force vs Hawai‘i
Air Force hosts Hawai‘i in the lone Mountain West conference game this week (FS1). The Falcons have broken conference records with their seven-game streak of 250+ rushing yards and three rushing TDs per game. Cade Harris remains a rare dual threat (323 receiving, 153 rushing yards). Hawai‘i’s pass-heavy offense could pose challenges, but Air Force’s ground game and disciplined play make them favorites.
San Diego State at Northern Illinois
SDSU, remaining turnover-free this season, brings an opportunistic defense to DeKalb. NIU has dealt with inconsistent QB play. Gabe Plascencia (SDSU) is perfect on field goals and playmakers like him make the Aztecs roadworthy. Still, NIU’s home field could keep it close.
New Mexico State at New Mexico
A rivalry game in Albuquerque, New Mexico leads FBS with only seven penalties accepted this year and outscored UCLA 21-0 in the fourth quarter in Week 3. Expect a disciplined, defense-focused contest. Player turnover and coaching changes are concerns for the Lobos, but they should be able to utilize their home advantage.
San José State at Stanford
The Spartans take on Stanford at the ACC Network. SJSU has historically struggled in tough road games. Their defense has limited penalties, but Stanford’s rebounding offense and home crowd will likely overwhelm SJSU.
Appalachian State at Boise State
Boise State remains dominant at Albertsons Stadium (142-15 at home since 2000). Dylan Riley leads the FBS with 9.81 yards per carry, and App State faces an uphill battle against Boise’s multidimensional attack. Expect the Broncos to continue their home streak.
Washington State at Colorado State
Washington State visits Fort Collins. CSU’s Owen Long leads the FBS in tackles per game (12.7). While the Rams have struggled against ranked opponents, their defense could keep things tight. WSU’s passing attack and speed should decide the matchup.
Players and Trends to Watch
- UNLV’s Aamaris Brown has four interceptions, leading the nation in picks per game. UNLV maintains one of the longest regular-season 20+ point streaks (26 games).
- Boise State’s Dylan Riley exploded last week with 171 rushing yards, 84 receiving yards, five total TDs.
- Air Force’s Cade Harris is in rare territory with dual-threat yardage.
Schedule Table
| Matchup | Network | Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Utah State at Vanderbilt | SEC Network (stream) | Vanderbilt by 10 |
| Hawai‘i at Air Force | FS1 (stream) | Air Force by 13 |
| San Diego State at NIU | ESPN+ (stream) | SDSU by 6 |
| NMSU at New Mexico | MWN/Altitude | UNM by 3 |
| San José State at Stanford | ACC Network (stream) | Stanford by 17 |
| App State at Boise State | FS1 (stream) | Boise State by 14 |
| WSU at Colorado State | CBSSN (stream) | WSU by 7 |
Best of the rest
Air Force, Boise State, and UNLV remain the class of the Mountain West, while Utah State faces its toughest test yet at Vanderbilt. Watch disciplined teams like New Mexico and defensive playmakers like UNLV’s Brown, Boise’s Riley, and CSU’s Long. Expect home favorites to mostly hold serve, with potential for close contests in the games featuring SDSU and New Mexico.