Mountain West Football: Week 1 Lines and Predictions
Lots of Mountain West football action means lots of action on the betting lines.
Contact/Follow @MattK_FS & @MWCwire
A full slate and lots of decisions to make.
We are in it now, and it feel good to be back, doesn’t it?
With 12 games on the Mountain West football schedule, we’ll treat this like a lightning round. For those games without lines, the FBS-vs.-FCS matchups, I’ll simply give you my pick straight up. All lines are from Vegas Insider as of Friday morning.
LAST WEEK: 1-1
SEASON: 1-1
UC Davis at San Jose State
This one already happened, but it’s worth reflecting upon briefly to think ahead. Quite simply, the Spartans defense looked outclassed for far too long and were chewed up by UCD’s passing game, while the offense didn’t get going until Brent Brennan put Montel Aaron in the game during the third quarter.
So what do we have on our hands? Perhaps a lot of high-scoring affairs, which would certain make SJSU more entertaining and might make me more optimistic about taking future points. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Utah State at Michigan State (-25)
I’m optimistic about the Aggies’ chances of getting off to a fast start, while I’m lukewarm about the Spartans’ ability to, say, drop 50 on a seasoned defense and run away. Take Utah State and the points.
Portland State at Nevada
Just take Nevada to win. The Vikings are young and might be able to move the ball a little, but the Wolf Pack should be explosive enough to keep them at bay.
San Diego State at Stanford (-14.5)
Personally, I like San Diego State to win outright, but I think the line is a reflection of others’ preference for the Cardinal offense, especially Bryce Love. I also think they are underestimating the Aztecs defense.
Colorado (-6) vs. Colorado State
If the Rams defense can get things together, I’m confident that the offense will be able to put together another effort like last week. And even if they can’t, I’m not certain the Buffs will be able to create that much separation on the scoreboard with so many new offensive pieces to consider. Take Colorado State and the points.
Stony Brook at Air Force
Take Air Force to win.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=645997029]
Washington State (-3.5) at Wyoming
The Cougars have never been particularly good at protecting the quarterback, and I suspect Gardner Minshew will have brown jerseys in his face more often than he’d prefer. I also think Wyoming’s offense will be able to put in another workmanlike effort, which is why I picked the Cowboys to win outright at home.
UNLV at USC (-26.5)
I get the sense this line is asking a lot of a true freshman quarterback, so while the Trojans should put up some points against a promising but raw Rebels defense, the running game makes this seem like a backdoor cover situation in the making. Take UNLV and the points.
Boise State (-10.5) at Troy
This one will be fun, but I think Boise State’s defense will be a force against the Trojans offense, which is replacing a few key offensive pieces. Take Boise State as a road favorite.
Incarnate Word at New Mexico
Take New Mexico to win.
Idaho at Fresno State
Take Fresno State to win (and if you can, to win big).
Navy (-15.5) at Hawaii
This has the look of an offensive barnburner. Don’t be shocked if the two teams combine for something like 800 or 900 offensive yards, but Navy’s tendency to chew clock, and their questions on defense, make me hesitant to bet on them to do more than win a close game. Take Hawaii and the points.