Ten Mountain West Non-Conference Games To Watch:

Always full of compelling matchups including both the G5 and P5, the MWC knows how to schedule. Of course, Boise State leads this list with three mentions, but there are several others quality games like New Mexico-Tulsa and UNLV-Idaho that will keep the masses entertained. If you are willing to stay up late or catch a Friday night matchup, you will not be disappointed.

• Boise State at BYU (October 6): An annual series since the 2012 season, the Cougars and Broncos are destined to put on a show. Even if it is a 7-6 final like in 2012, it is a fun game that is worth the watch. Last season was a wild show with Boise State doing everything possible to give BYU the win before coming up with a blocked kick to hold on for the win. That turned into BYU’s only loss in their final nine games. The Cougars lost four games by a combined EIGHT points last fall. This is another battle of star quarterbacks as Rypien matches up with Tanner Mangum.  

• Virginia at Boise State (September 22): This game just jumps out as one that must be watched. Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall is looking to turn the program around after the first season that saw them lose to a terrible UConn squad and Richmond of the FCS. He is quite familiar with the Broncos from his time as head coach of BYU. Boise State is coming off of a year that seemed one step off in every possible way. They blew multiple chances to win the MWC and eventually played right out of a chance at winning their division. Despite Virginia being much improved from 2016, this should be a game the Broncos control throughout and win convincingly.

• Toledo at Nevada (September 9): What this game could have been if James Butler decided to stay with the Wolfpack. The star running back took advantage of the graduate transfer rule and headed to Iowa in the offseason. Instead of Butler, the Wolfpack will likely rely upon Alabama quarterback transfer David Cornwall to light up the Rockets defense. Toledo has players to replace (especially at running back and tight end), but there are players on the roster to fill the gaps. I can’t see anyone handling wide receiver Cody Thompson in man coverage. Expect the Rockets to roll.

• Troy at Boise State (September 2): The first matchup of two historically excellent G5 programs, this game should be a treat. The Trojans are stacked on offense with the Sun Belt’s top two returning receivers, an excellent running back, and arguably the best quarterback in the conference. The battle of Brandon Silvers and Brett Rypien is easily worth the viewing. Boise State head coach Brian Harsin is very familiar with the Trojans from his time at Arkansas State.

• Colorado vs. Colorado State (September 1): Typically a close matchup with nine of the last 15 meetings settled by a touchdown or less, this is always a game to watch. We finally get both teams on the upswing at the same time, keeping us from falling prey to another 44-7 drubbing. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Rams head into Denver and make this a compelling game, but I do not think they have the weapons to pull out a win.

• UNLV at Idaho (September 9): In a magical 2016 season that saw the Vandals return to a bowl game, it was this game that seemingly turned the corner. Idaho pulled out an overtime win in the third of three straight road non-conferences games before Sun Belt play. UNLV was all over the place last season, losing to San Jose State while beating Hawaii and Wyoming. The Rebels have a ton of promise but have to take a step forward this season.

• Oregon at Wyoming (September 16): Last season saw these two teams head in completely different directions. Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl entered the season on the hot seat and nearly won the MWC to retain his job. He has who some are calling the eventual #1 pick of the NFL Draft under center and some weapons ready to replace the losses from last season. Oregon has a new head coach in Willie Taggart. They have a lot of work to do to fix the multiple issues that resulted in a disappointing 4-8 season.  

• Stanford at San Diego State (September 16): Despite lacking the 5-star commits of USC or the exotic schemes of Washington State, all Stanford does is win. The Cardinal is coming off of another 10 win season last fall, but lose a game changer at running back for this season. The Aztecs feel their pain as they attempt life after Pumphrey. Luckily, they have a more than capable replacement in Rashaad Penny. It is on defense where SDSU is capable of being exposed this fall.

• Oregon State at Colorado State (September 23): Has it really been 42 years since these two teams met previously? Colorado State is coming off of a season that started terribly but found its groove once the offense started humming. The Beavers had a tough 2016 season under Mike Riley, but are hedging their bets on Idaho quarterback castoff Jake Luton to fix their offensive woes. Luton has the physical tools and could blossom into a star under the right coaching.

• New Mexico at Tulsa (September 23): Love them or hate them, you have to give credit to Tulsa. They are happy to play any G5 team as evidenced by a non-conference slate that includes Louisiana (Sun Belt), New Mexico (MWC), and Toledo (MAC). The Golden Hurricane sport a bruising running game that includes three potential first team All-AAC offensive linemen. The Lobos are no stranger to the run game with head coach Bob Davie leading an option attack. If you love the run game and points scored, this is the game for you.

Others to watch: Hawaii at UMass, USF at SJSU, Wyoming at Iowa, Nevada at Northwestern, Boise State at Washington State, NMSU at New Mexico, SDSU at Arizona State, Utah State at Wake Forest, NIU at SDSU, Air Force at Navy, Army at Air Force. 

Ten MAC Out of Conference Games To Watch

No conference does a better job on a yearly basis of scheduling compelling G5/G5 games than the MAC. From CUSA to the MWC, every conference is represented with games you must watch. Let's just hope that more of the MAC can win a few games in these matchups and make the entire conference look better this fall.

Let's take a look at the ten MAC non-conference games to watch.

• Tulsa at Toledo (September 16): Why do we not get games like this every year? Two quality G5 teams playing one another rather than wasting it with a lower quality opponent. The Golden Hurricane will have time to recover from the Oklahoma State game to start the season and should be able to control the line of scrimmage in the run game. Toledo could be in position to make some noise nationally if they can get through Elon, Nevada, Tulsa, and Miami (Fl.) to start the season. This game could be the toughest of the season for the Rockets.

• Miami at Marshall (September 2): A matchup that goes well into the history of both programs, the Thundering Herd and RedHawks could end up giving us one of the most interesting games of the non-conference season. Among the many aspects of the game to watch, the battle of quarterbacks Gus Ragland and Chase Litton nearly guarantees us a high-scoring affair. Currently, Miami looks like the early favorite to win this game.

• Boston College at NIU (September 1): After the disaster of the 2016 season, the Huskies host a solid P5 team with a chance to make national news. The Eagles are coming off of their third bowl berth in the last four seasons, attempting to improve on a consistent 7-6 record in those three seasons. NIU must quickly have players step up in the offensive backfield and at wide receiver if they want to win. Expect this game to be a lower scoring affair with the winner scoring no more than 24 points.

• UAB at Ball State (September 9): This is the first FBS game for the Blazers since putting together the pieces of a disbanded program not all that long ago. UAB is a complete mystery full of players that have been with the program more than a year before playing their first game. Do not expect them to beat Ball State, but it may be more competitive than many think. Ball State needs a hot start to the season if they want to go bowling and this is a must win game.

• Idaho at WMU (September 16): This is a sneaky good game that could make up for the two duds we got from the Georgia Southern-Western Michigan series. The Vandals are in their final year of FBS play and could be sending out their best team in a very long time. Led by star quarterback Matt Linehan, they can put up points in bunches. Idaho scored 37+ points in each of the last four games of the 2017 season. The Broncos have arguably the best duo of running backs in the nation this season. Between Bogan and Franklin, WMU can run over the majority of its schedule without resorting to the passing game all that much. Expect lots of points. 

• Ohio at Purdue (September 8): In what has become a common occurrence, the Bobcats are again favored to win the MAC East Division and play for the conference title. Ohio is a very disciplined team that makes other teams work to beat them. Purdue is a big of a question mark with former WKU head coach Jeff Brohm taking the reins. The Boilermakers are probably a year or two away from amassing the talent that can make Brohm’s system run, but they are still a dangerous team. I feel like this is a game Ohio can and should win.

• Toledo at Nevada (September 9): What this game could have been if James Butler decided to stay with the Wolfpack. The star running back took advantage of the graduate transfer rule and headed to Iowa in the offseason. Instead of Butler, the Wolfpack will likely rely upon Alabama quarterback transfer David Cornwall to light up the Rockets defense. Toledo has players to replace (especially at running back and tight end), but there are players on the roster to fill the gaps. I can’t see anyone handling wide receiver Cody Thompson in man coverage. Expect the Rockets to roll.

• Cincinnati at Miami (September 16): This is a game that will show just where both teams are headed into conference play. The Bearcats are in rebuilding mode, but have some talent on the roster left over by Tuberville. The program is being built the right way by Fickell and company, but that means a rough 2017 is in store. Miami has high expectations and a win over, albeit down, Cincinnati would do wonders for the RedHawks.

• Ball State at WKU (September 23): A year after watching MAC rival Miami nearly knock off one of the top three G5 teams in the nation last season, the Cardinals look to do the same. There is quite a bit of talent on the Ball State roster, but it will take a nearly perfect effort to knock off the kings of Conference USA. The Hilltoppers are in a very slight rebuilding process, but still have Mike White, a stable of talented running backs, and the most dynamic return man in the nation. WKU has questions on defense, but they can normally score enough for that to be only a small problem.

• Northern Illinois at San Diego State (September 30): I have never seen a team struggle more with games they should win than the Aztecs. They lost in back to back seasons to a decent at best South Alabama squad and the Huskies had every chance to take control of their matchup last season. SDSU loses a lot on defense and must replace Donnel Pumphrey, but recruiting is not a problem in San Diego. The Huskies would love to have a signature win like this in 2017, but this is asking a lot. A win here could quell many of the shouts for Rod Carey’s job.

Just missed the list: Buffalo at Minnesota, Charlotte at EMU, Ball State at Illinois, WMU at Michigan State, Bowling Green at Michigan State, Kent State at Clemson, Western Michigan at USC.

Top Group Of 5 Quarterback Battles For 2017

The 2017 season is quickly approaching and many teams do not know who will take the first snap as starting quarterback. For some teams, it may come down to the final moments before the opening drive while others already have a strong idea. 

Some, like Georgia Southern, may not have a clue what they are going to do with the season just a few short weeks away. 

Let's take a look at some of the top G5 quarterback battles heading into the season. 

Temple:

• 2016 Quarterback: PJ Walker
• 2017 Candidates: Anthony Russo (R-Fr.), Logan Marchi (So.)

It seems like PJ Walker was the quarterback for Temple for seven years. The four-year starter finally left for graduation and professional football after throwing for over 10,000 yards and 74 touchdowns in 49 games played.

A redshirt in 2015, Logan Marchi won the backup role as a redshirt freshman, seeing action in five games. He only attempted six passes for 29 yards, barely making a dent in the 2016 final statistics. The Connecticut native was a dual threat in high school with over 3,000 yards passing and over 500 yards rushing as a senior. Marchi is the most experienced quarterback on the current roster.

Arguably the best quarterback prospect to sign with Temple in program history, Anthony Russo is likely the top challenger for Marchi. Russo redshirted as a freshman to save as much eligibility as possible for the future. For many within and outside the program, it is not a matter of if but when Russo finally earns the job. Currently, this race is a toss-up with Marchi holding a slight advantage.

Do not count out junior Frank Nutile or freshman Todd Centeio, but they are both long shots for the starting job.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Logan Marchi.

East Carolina:

• 2016 Quarterback: Philip Nelson/Gardner Minshew
• 2017 Candidates: Gardner Minshew (Jr.)/Thomas Sirk (Sr.)

The 2016 season for the Pirates was an unmitigated disaster due in part to instability behind center. The new coaching staff moved James Summers to running back (great move) with the belief that former Minnesota quarterback Philip Nelson would be the answer. Nelson played well at times but struggled with injuries on multiple occasions.

One of the final players added to the 2016 roster by head coach Scottie Montgomery, Gardner Minshew quickly earned the backup role to Nelson after stepping foot on campus. The JUCO transfer stepped in and threw for 1,347 yards and eight touchdowns in limited duty. Minshew has starting experience after making the final two starts of 2016 versus Navy and Temple.

A quiet pickup that could turn into one of the best graduate transfers in all of college football, Thomas Sirk followed his former offensive coordinator to ECU with hopes of earning the starting job. Sirk looked on pace to have an excellent senior season after throwing for 2,624 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior in 2015. Instead, the Florida native ruptured his left Achilles tendon and had to take a medical redshirt. That marked his second Achilles injury after rupturing his right one in 2013. If he is fully healed, he is the favorite to win the job.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Thomas Sirk.

Connecticut:

• 2016 Quarterback: Bryant Shirreffs/Donovan Washington
• 2017 Candidates: Donovan Williams (So.)/Bryant Shirreffs (Sr.)

Of the many teams that needed better play behind center in 2016, the Huskies were the most desperate. Incumbent starter Bryant Shirreffs could not get anything going offensively for the program all season long, before finally losing the starting job to freshman Donovan Williams. Despite burning his redshirt, the Huskies saw no improvement in the passing game under Williams either.

Unless Edsall knows something we do not about either of these two quarterbacks, the Huskies could be in line for another long fall in the AAC. I didn’t even list him as a true candidate but do not be overly surprised if David Pindell works his name into the mix before the season opener versus Holy Cross.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Bryant Shirreffs.

Florida Atlantic:

• 2016 Quarterback: Jason Driskel/Daniel Parr
• 2017 Candidates: Jason Driskel (Jr.)/De’Andre Johnson (So.)

 Another year and another year of question marks behind center. Driskel beat out Daniel Parr last season and was solid, but never did anything that wowed the rest of Conference USA in leading the Owls to another disappointing 3-9 season.

The offseason saw FAU bring in a new head coach (Lane Kiffin) and a quarterback looking to reset his college career (De’Andre Johnson). The redshirt sophomore signed with Florida State out of high school over offers from the who’s who of college football. He was kicked off the team before playing a snap and went the JUCO route. Kiffin brought him in with the expectation to start.

Many have written off Daniel Parr, but Kiffin is not a conventional coach. Parr is in the running (on the outskirts) until told otherwise.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: De’Andre Johnson.

Southern Miss:

• 2016 Quarterback: Nick Mullens/Keon Howard
• 2017 Candidates: Kwadra Griggs (Jr.)/Keon Howard (So.)

The 2017 season, second under Jap Hopson, will finally give us a true glimpse of what the former Alcorn State head coach has in store for the program. The Golden Eagles have to replace several important players on offense, but none are bigger than quarterback Nick Mullens.

The good news for Southern Miss is that true freshman Keon Howard got a chance to get on the field and get reps. The bad news is how poorly he performed during that starting quarterback tryout. Howard was a highly ranked recruit out of high school and may turn out to be a star, but he was a disaster with a 44% completion percentage and only 365 yards in four games played.

The original plan for Hopson and company in 2017 was for Kwadra Griggs to play the role of backup while Howard sat as a redshirt. Griggs instead struggled in the classroom and had to redshirt the 2016 season instead. All indications point to his head being on straight and ready to take the starting role. I feel like this is Griggs’ job to lose.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Kwadra Griggs.

Northern Illinois:

• 2016 Quarterback: Anthony Maddie/Ryan Graham/Drew Hare/Daniel Santacaterina
• 2017 Candidates: Ryan Graham (Jr.)/Daniel Santacaterina (So.)

The 2016 season was an abject disaster for the Huskies due to a game of musical chairs behind center. Drew Hare was the projected starter and made it all of two games before being lost for the season. Ryan Graham took over for two starts before giving way to Anthony Maddie. The third quarterback made it through five starts and was lost for the season. Graham took over again for another two starts before quarterback #4 came into play. Daniel Santacaterina took over and led the Huskies to a season finale win over Kent State.

Now that we got through all that, the battle is between Graham and Santa. Graham has much more experience and I do not think he will be the starter to end the season, but I think he starts the season under center. Keep the name Marcus Childers in your mind as well for later in the season because it’s not NIU if one quarterback makes it through the year unscathed.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Ryan Graham.

San Jose State:

• 2016 Quarterback: Kenny Potter/Josh Love
• 2017 Candidates: Josh Love (So.)/Montel Aaron (Fr.)

Honestly, not many people outside of the Mountain West Conference really paid much attention to the Spartans issues at quarterback in the offseason. Kenny Potter struggled to find his groove in 2016, but he is still better than either option this fall.

Josh Love was the backup and saw limited action in 2016. He did not impress that much when getting on the field, giving him a very small advantage heading into the fall.

It was tough at times, but the Spartans were able to redshirt highly touted Montel Aaron for this season. Head coach Brett Brennan inherits a 6-5 beast of a quarterback that looks ready to see significant playing time for the next four years. Aaron is a much more mobile and explosive quarterback that is not afraid to make mistakes. I believe that Love starts the season opener before giving way to the Montel Aaron era of SJSU football.  

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Josh Love.

Nevada:

• 2016 Quarterback: Tyler Stewart/Ty Gangi
• 2017 Candidates: David Cornwell (Jr.)/Ty Gangi (Jr.)

Last season was a weird one for the Wolfpack. They were not very good in going 5-7 but still had a chance to win three more games if a play or two went differently. Tyler Stewart was the man for the first 2/3 of the season, but struggled with injuries and finally succumbed for the year in game eight.

Ty Gangi took over and proved to be a more explosive option behind center, despite being less accurate than his predecessor. Gangi gives the coaching staff a more mobile quarterback option behind center, forcing defenses to play more man to man with no help over the top. If Gangi wins the job, he could become “Big Play Ty.”

The only thing keeping Nevada from giving the starting job to Gangi is yet another disgruntled former Alabama quarterback. David Cornwell was a former four-star quarterback that never got a chance to prove his worth in the SEC. He is a strong-armed signal caller that could thrive in an Air Raid offense. The offensive philosophy of new head coach Jay Norvell is the reason Cornwell will win the starting job.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: David Cornwell.

Louisiana:

• 2016 Quarterback: Anthony Jennings
• 2017 Candidates: Jordan Davis (Jr.)/Dion Ray (So.)

After looking impressive as a redshirt freshman in 2015 while seeing action in limited duty, Jordan Davis looked to many as a top candidate to start at quarterback for the Ragin’ Cajuns. Instead, the coaching staff brought in LSU graduate transfer Anthony Jennings and Davis slipped down the depth chart. Rather than a breakout 2016 season, he had a total of 44 yards of total offense for the year. He is the most experienced and ready to play quarterback on the roster.

Then you have the tricky case of Dion Ray. The sophomore found time in the Cajuns backfield and rushed for 119 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries while attempting only one pass. He is a talented player that deserves as many touches as possible, but will likely see more action in Wildcat formations as a run-only quarterback.

Also, do not count out JUCO transfer Andre Nunez as a dark horse candidate.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Jordan Davis.

Georgia Southern:

• 2016 Quarterback: Kevin Ellison/Favian Upshaw/Seth Shuman
• 2017 Candidates: Seth Shuman (So.)/Shai Werts (R-Fr.)/Kado Brown (Jr.)/Jaalon Frazier (Fr.)

There are entrenched quarterbacks and quarterback battles all over the nation, but the Eagles are the only program in the nation with what can only be described as a quarterback royal rumble. Seth Shuman is the only quarterback on the roster with experience after his redshirt was inexplicably burnt last fall. He would seemingly be the favorite to win the position, but honestly, no one has much of a clue what will actually happen.

Former Army quarterback Kado Brown could be the top candidate outside of Shuman to earn starting reps.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: No idea.

Other possible battles: Old Dominion (Blake LaRussa/Drayton Arnold/Jordan Hoy), Western Michigan (Confusion with Tom Flacco leaving for Rutgers). 

Mountain West Week Five Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with the Mountain West Conference going 5-7. Conference play kicked into gear with four MWC games played. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week five Independent football action.

Mountain West Conference Week Four Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with the Mountain West Conference going 6-4 with two conference games taking place (New Mexico-Wyoming, Fresno State-San Jose State). Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week four MWC football action.

Mountain West Week Four Preview

Week four of the college football season get underway tomorrow with Cincinnati and Memphis getting a seat on the big stage. Mountain West action kicks into gear with the Boise State-Virginia on Friday night.

Mountain West Week Three Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with Mountain West going 2-10 with no conference games taking place. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week three Mountain West football action.

Week Three Scoreboard:

• Boise State 52, Idaho State 0
• Arizona State 34, New Mexico 10
• Michigan 28, UNLV 7
• Michigan State 35, Air Force 21
• Texas A&M 44, Nevada 27
• Washington 31, Utah State 17
• Colorado 27, Colorado State 24 (OT)
• Oregon State 35, San Jose State 21
• South Alabama 34, San Diego State 27 (OT)
• Washington State 31, Wyoming 14
• Utah 45, Fresno State 24
• Hawaii 47, UC Davis 27

Who/What Looked Good:

• Brian Hill, Wyoming: The sophomore running back has been one of the few bright spots for a Cowboys team that is 0-3. In the last two games, Hill has carried the ball 41 times for 381 yards and two touchdowns.
• Rashard Wiggin’s Health: After missing the loss to Minnesota due to injury, Wiggins was again his impressive self with eight catches for 125 yards and a touchdown versus Colorado. The Rams might easily be 3-0 if not for his injury.
• Hawaii: Say what you will about the win over UC Davis, but Hawaii is 2-1 with a win over a team that beat UMass and Colorado State. Max Wittek (43-86/541/5TD) bounced back from a poor showing at Ohio State with his second 200+ yard passing game of the season.

Who/What Looked Bad:

• Non-conference Woes: The MWC went 2-10 in non-conference play during week three and has no non-conference wins over FBS competition since week one. For a conference expected to be among the best in the G5, the start to this season has been disastrous.
• San Diego State’s Defense: The biggest question mark for the Aztecs was on offense heading into the season. Instead, the vaunted defense was the one to disappoint in week three, with South Alabama racking up over 500 yards of total offense. SDSU is playing on a razor’s edge with a bad offense and cannot afford to play like that one defense.
• Utah State’s Offense: The Aggies are struggling badly with only 14.3 points per game, under 300 yards of total offense per game. Injuries have played a major role, but this could get ugly before the season ends.

Week Four Schedule:

• Boise State at Virginia
• New Mexico at Wyoming
• Nevada at Buffalo
• San Diego State at Penn State
• Colorado State at UTSA
• Hawaii at Wisconsin
• Idaho State at UNLV
• Fresno State at San Jose State

G5 Top Ten Leading Tacklers: Post-Week Two

Marshall, Akron, and Tulsa lead the way with 12 individuals making 21+ tackles in the first two weeks of the season. Lang of Marshall and Vigil of Utah State are the only two to break the 25 tackle barrier. By conference: Conference USA 3, Mountain West 3, MAC 2, American 4, Sun Belt 0, and Independent 0.

Group Of Five Thursday Night Statistical Leaders

One day of FBS football is in the books and here is a look at the top 10 performers from the opening night games.

Mountain West Week One Preview

With 12 games being played by Mountain West teams to start the 2015 season, Week One should be a very good start to the season as I have all but two teams winning their season opener.

2015 MWC Football Schedule

With games on 25 different dates this fall, the Mountain West Conference is in line for a big season this fall. Let's check out the season schedule.

Week One Thursday Night Games: My Predictions

Week One of the FBS season is only two weeks away and brings us 55 games involving G5 teams including six games of G5 versus G5 teams. Today I will predict all 13 Thursday night games.

Group of Five players on the Bronko Nagurski Award Watch List

Bronko Nagurski Trophy:

Group of Five players on the Outland Watch List

Outland Trophy:

Group of Five players on the Mackey Award watch list

Mackey Award watch list:

Given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end, the award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee.

Ranking In Order Of Watchability Of The MWC Week One Games

Mountain West Conference Week One Games Ranked:

Nevada 2015 roster (with 2014 stats)

Nevada:

Mountain West Players in the NFL

The Mountain West Conference is churning out players that end up on NFL rosters at an incredible rate lately with 106 MWC players on NFL rosters. Fresno State (17), Boise State (16), San Diego State (13), San Jose State (11), Nevada (15) and Utah State (12) all have double digit players in the NFL currently.

East-West Shrine game rosters

One of the more storied postseason college football all-star games will be taking place Saturday, January 17 with 35 participants from teams other than the Big 5 conferences. This game, coached by Mike Singletary on one side and Jim Zorn on the other, has been a great springboard in the past for several otherwise unknown prospects to earn a combine invitation or even a serious look from an NFL team when the yearly draft comes along.

Check out the non-Big 5 conference participants here.

Mountain West Recruiting 6-15-13

The Mountain West Conference has secured 27 commitments from the 2014 class. San Diego State has been on fire with nine commitments and eight of those commits being 3-stars. SDSU has the 40th ranked class in the nation according to 247 sports. New Mexico, Fresno State, Utah State, and UNLV have not secured a commit yet.