BYU has a strong revenge motive as they lost to TCU last year after leading 41-29 but suffered 9 defensive starter injuries during the game. An unlikely Frog late comeback spelled defeat for the men from Salt Lake. If the Cougars can survive their first three non-conference games against Arizona in Tucson, Tulsa, and a long trip to Boston College, they should have the fortitude and confidence to battle for the championship.

I don’t think 2006 is going to be the “Year of the Lizard” in the Mountain West. Even though the pigskin is an oblong shape, it sure bounced in the right direction for TCU last year. Luck was definitely TCU’s lady last year as they had four regular season wins of seven-points or less along with a net gain of 21 turnovers. It will be hard to maintain those numbers again this year.

TCU has one of the best coaches in the nation nobody knows about except his wife and Frog fans, Gary Patterson. Last year TCU was an unknown team, this year they have a bullseye on them bigger than a Target store sign.

TCU has inexperience at the offensive line and has two new starting cornerbacks. They also have to replace WR playmaker Cory Rodgers. Strong special teams and excellent pass rushing defensive ends will help keep TCU a threat to win it all in the Mountain West.

San Diego State hired the former Oklahoma offensive coordinator and Iowa University quarterback, Chuck Long, as their new head coach. There is even more of a Big 12 look to the Aztecs this year with new DC Bob Elliott and OC Del Miller, both from Kansas State. Yes, having a new coaching staff is strike one against them for over-achieving this year. But, it could be time for this historical under-achieving team to do a flip-flop. A new ball-control offense should help.

Even though the offense lost high-quality WR Jeff Webb to graduation (yes, they do have some graduates at SDS), they have a quality QB in Kevin O’Connell and somebody to handle Long’s desired run-first offense in future NFL’er RB Lynell Hamilton. Eight returning starters on the defensive side of the ball, including a stalwart secondary, should show strong improvement from their middle of the road quality last year.

Okay, who are the guys treading water in the Mountain West? Start with Sonny Lubick’s Colorado State who have a new quarterback coming in to lead the power-running offense. The Rams have the back, Kyle Bell, to hand off to, but should take a step down in passing efficiency from last year’s Justin Holland.