The WAC had an outstanding weekend, which is good considering they’ve had a few rough weeks leading up to kickoff. Capped off by Boise State’s win last night, all but one team was competitive against good competition, and nobody was threatened by a FCS team. To recap the Saturday games:
Oklahoma 31, Utah State 24- Utah State rallied back from a 21-0 second quarter deficit to keep the Sooners on their toes. They arrived at the final score with 2:31 to go, but weren’t able to add on from there. Still, the Utah State passing attack looks like the real deal (Prediction: Oklahoma by a ton. 0-1). Next Week: Idaho State at Utah State
Alabama 48, San Jose State 3- This was never going to be anything else. We knew SJSU was in a tough spot, new coach and all, so this is nothing to be surprised or concerned with (Prediction: Alabama would cover 38. 1-1). Next Week: San Jose State at Wisconsin
Louisiana Tech 20, Grambling State 6- A solid first effort for La Tech, dispatching an overmatched in-state school. Next Week: Louisiana Tech at Texas A&M
Fresno State 28, Cincinnati 14- The highlight of the weekend until the Monday game, Fresno turned Cincy back after the Bearcats jumped out to a 14-0 lead. An excellent beginning to the post Ryan Matthews era in Fresno, and a win that gives the WAC some credibility as they have teams vying for national attention (Prediction: Fresno to cover a 2.5 line. 2-1 for WAC Saturday). Next Week: Fresno State is idle. At Utah State September 18.
New Mexico State was idle, and gets San Diego State at home next week.
What We Learned This Week
First, Boise State looks like the real deal. But with an eye on a championship game berth, they’ll still need help. Fresno winning is a good step. They now need Virginia Tech to be excellent for the rest of the year, and that seems very possible.
Fresno State looks strong too, beating a quality opponent. But how good are the Bearcats, with their new coach?
Tough to learn too much from Nevada, Idaho, or Louisiana Tech, playing FCS opponents, although Nevada giving up 24 is worth a raised eyebrow.
Utah State might do some serious damage this year. Looking forward to seeing them play Fresno in 2 weeks.
Hawaii has a passing game that could cause fits for the defensively challenged, which the WAC has plenty of.
San Jose State can be forgiven for getting crushed this week. And maybe next week. Still, no fun to start the season this way.
Week 1 Power Rankings
- Boise State
- Fresno State
- Utah State
- Idaho
- Louisiana Tech
- Nevada
- Hawaii
- New Mexico State
- San Jose State