Matt Wadleigh’s 2022 Week 4 Mountain West Previews

Nevada at Air Force

Friday, September 23
5:00 p.m. PT, FS1

The Falcons tripped up against Wyoming for their first loss of the year and proceeded to drop from the top spot in the latest MWC Power Rankings.

However, Nevada’s performance has been concerning as of late, and the Wolfpack have no chance to stop the dangerous Air Force rushing attack.

Prediction: Air Force 38, Nevada 20

Boise State at UTEP

Friday, September 23
6:00 p.m. PT, CBSSN

I mean, the Broncos shouldn’t have any issues whatsoever with the Miners from UTEP.

The only game UTEP has won this season was against New Mexico State by a touchdown, and they haven’t played a close game besides that. The Broncos cruise to a 3-1 record.

Prediction: Boise State 27, UTEP 6

Toledo at SDSU

Saturday, September 24
12:30 p.m. PT, FS1

The Aztecs have been perhaps the most surprising team in the MWC this season—and not for winning games.

The only victory came against Idaho State, although losses against Utah and Arizona aren’t exactly terrible.

On the other hand, Brady Hoke’s seat is getting warmer by the week, and the Aztec offense looked terrible (with just seven points) against Utah.

The Rockets get the victory, and Hoke might be headed for the unemployment line.

Prediction: Toledo 30, SDSU 20

Sacramento State at Colorado State

Saturday, September 24
1:00 p.m. PT, MWN

The Rams haven’t won a single game this season, and they haven’t looked good whatsoever.

So, this is their best chance to get a victory for a long time—perhaps the rest of the season.

A home loss to Sacramento State (with wins are against Northern Iowa and Utah Tech) would be an awful look. The Rams squeak by.

Prediction: Colorado State 24, Sacramento State 21

UNLV at Utah State

Saturday, September 24
3:00 p.m. PT, CBSSN

A good old-fashioned MWC battle.

The Aggies have just one victory against UConn, and UNLV is a much-improved team from the past few years.

The Rebels stun the Aggies on the road, and UNLV’s surprise season continues.

Prediction: UNLV 23, Utah State 16

New Mexico at LSU

Saturday, September 24
4:30 p.m. PT, SECN/ESPN+

Why are the Lobos going to Baton Rouge to play LSU?

Money, that’s all.

Brian Kelly’s team has won back-to-back games since losing the opening weekend thriller to Florida State, and the Tigers should absolutely steamroll New Mexico.

Prediction: LSU 54, New Mexico 10

Hawai’i at New Mexico State

Saturday, September 24
5:00 p.m. PT, FloSports

The Rainbow Warriors got a victory, the first of Timmy Chang’s tenure on the Island.

Can they keep it up?

Well, New Mexico State hasn’t won a game all year, and they don’t win this one, either.

Prediction: Hawai’i 20, New Mexico State 10

Wyoming at BYU

Saturday, September 24
7:15 p.m. PT, ESPN2

This is easily the best game of the weekend for anybody in the MWC.

BYU is coming off a loss to the Oregon Ducks, and the Cowboys are riding high after taking down the dangerous Air Force Falcons.

But BYU is even more motivated (and has a home game), while Wyoming doesn’t have enough on either side of the ball to hang with the 19th-ranked Cougars.

Prediction: BYU 42, Wyoming 27

Western Michigan at San Jose State

Saturday, September 24
7:30 p.m. PT, CBSSN

Can this game be a toss-up?

Both teams have one win: Western Michigan beat Ball State while San Jose State defeated Portland State.

So it’s tough to say how these teams really look.

The Spartans are at home and lost to Auburn, but Western Michigan’s losses have come against Michigan State and Pitt, two top-25 teams.

So, let’s ride with the Broncos over the Spartans in a weird game.

Prediction: Western Michigan 27, San Jose State 20 (OT)