Mountain West Predictions: Picks against the spread for Week 2

Making predictions against the spread for every game in the Mountain West this week.

The Mountain West enjoyed a solid Week 1, going 10-2 while the Pac-12 had several baffling losses (looking at you, Stanford and Wazzu).

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After several games featuring FCS opponents last week, the schedule is much more appetizing in Week 2. We’ll begin with the headliner between Boise State and BYU, who lost starting QB Taysom Hill to a season-ending injury in last Saturday’s dramatic win at Nebraska.

Results
Last week: 1-2 ATS
Note: Games involving FCS teams had no line and weren’t included in ATS picks in Week 1.

Boise State at BYU (+2.5): The Cougars will definitely miss Hill, but don’t sleep on freshman Tanner Mangum, who played well even before his hail mary TD pass. If Boise State plays like they did in the first half against Washington, this one won’t be close. Pick: Boise State (-2.5)

San Jose State at Air Force (-6): Both teams looked sharp in their openers against FCS opponents. Teams are evenly matched, so we’ll go with the home team. Air Force has won eight straight in Colorado Springs. Pick: Air Force -6

UCLA (-30) at UNLV: Home debut for UNLV head man Tony Sanchez, who coached against UCLA super frosh QB Josh Rosen last season when he was at Bishop Gorman. Bruins impressed against Virginia last week but could overlook the hungry Rebels, who should turn in another encouraging performance here. Pick: UNLV +30

Arizona (-11.5) at Nevada: The Wolf Pack haven’t beaten a top 25 team since 2010, and we think the streak continues here. The Wildcats turned in an average effort against UTSA, but QB Anu Solomon should light it up against Nevada. Arizona is 10-0 in regular season non-conference games under Rich Rodriguez. Pick: Arizona -11.5

Tulsa at New Mexico (-3.5): Lobos rushed for 360 yards against Mississippi Valley State, which was encouraging for a team that has really struggled under coach Bob Davie. Tulsa needed OT to beat Florida Atlantic, which is not quite as encouraging. Pick: New Mexico -3.5

San Diego State at California (-14): The Aztecs looked flat on offense in their win over USD, while California nearly broke the scoreboard against Grambling State. There are plenty of question marks about San Diego State QB Maxwell Smith, while California QB Jared Goff appears set for a Heisman run. Pick: California -14

Eastern Michigan at Wyoming (-13.5): The Cowboys rushed for a total of 29 yards in their embarrassing loss to North Dakota last week, but they could get untracked against a bad Eastern Michigan squad. Almost a must-win for the Cowboys. Eastern Michigan has lost seven straight. Pick: Wyoming -13.5

Hawaii at Ohio State (-40.5): It’s not too often we’re comfortable laying 40.5 points, but we have no problem doing it here. Ohio State figures to be even sharper than last week vs. Virginia Tech, while Hawaii is just happy to receive a big check. The Rainbow Warriors have lost 17 of 18 on the road. Pick: Ohio State -40.5

Minnesota (-5) at Colorado State: The Rams scored nine TDs in its season opener against Savannah State but face a much tougher foe in Minnesota, which limited TCU to under 30 points — no small task. Colorado State has won nine straight at home and we like their chances here. Pick: Colorado State +5.

Utah State (+13.5) at Utah: We’d love to think Utah State can pull the upset here, but last week’s debacle against Southern Utah is still fresh in our mind. Yes, the Aggies escaped with the win. But it was ugly in every possible way. Meanwhile, Utah looked like a Pac-12 contender at times during its win over Michigan and Mr. Khaki Pants. Pick: Utah -13.5

Fresno State (+28.5) at No. 17 Ole Miss: Better days are ahead for Fresno State, which has some talent at the skill positions. Saturday, however, figures to get pretty messy. Ole Miss will be without All-American left tackle Laremy Tunsil (NCAA investigation). Won’t matter a bit. Pick: Ole Miss -28.5

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