While CSU should be greatly improved on defense with seven returning starters, they still have the scarlet letter of being 115th in the nation in rushing defense last year. I believe this to be a “play-on” team, but they just don’t have the playmakers to make it a special team. A tough non-conference schedule with their traditional Colorado game and trips to WAC powers Nevada and Fresno State will help spell out the Ram’s MWC fate.

Next, we have the crowd of teams wanting to move up to conference respectability. So many questions exist for each of the teams that any of them could finish sixth or ninth. The proud New Mexico Lobos led by coach Rocky Long should finish at the top of the second-division heap.

The Lobos have tradition and a new offensive coordinator, Bob Toledo, former HC of the UCLA Bruins. Expect a different style offense to be put in by Toledo, normally not a good sign for success. However, New Mexico does have the type of QB Toledo needs to run his offense, Kole McCamey. He can run and he can pass. Unfortunately, he no longer will be passing to star WR Hank Baskett nor handing off to primo conference back Dontrell Moore.

New Mexico has a good schedule with no back to back conference road games. However, the Lobos have a lot of unproven players and a lack of playmakers in an offense needing them.

I must confess, I have been a season-ticket holder for UNLV football for six years straight. It is not that I am into punishing myself, you just don’t get the chance to see much “big-league” sports in Las Vegas. Plus, we have really good seats and you don’t have to worry about getting a good parking space!

UNLV has a coach from a winning Utah program who appears to be a good recruiter. Well, at least he is landing the “problem cases” from some major Pac-10 schools. I don’t know if the UNLV athletic department needs a good counselor or a good probation officer. Regardless, UNLV has some players who could be All-MWC with the most important one being QB Rocky Hinds, a transfer from USC.

Not only was the UNLV defense last in the Mountain West last year by a huge margin there is again a significant lack of depth which could bury the Rebels if the injury bug hits them again. A secondary is bolstered by a number of Pac-10 transfers, but is still thinner than Kate Moss during her “wild days”.