Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos tight end Matt Lauter (85) celebrates a touchdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesMike WittmannMon, November 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM UTC·5 min readThe college football season is up and running. Games are entertaining and are producing results that are both fun and heartbreaking. Take a look at this week’s MWCConnection Football Rankings, and let us know what you like and what you don’t. Feel free to drop your own rankings in the comments section.
1) San Diego State (0)
The Aztecs once again won on the strength of their defense, with just enough offense. They forced two interceptions against pass-happy San Jose State, helping out their offense greatly. San Diego State’s rushing attack is strong, but their passing game has been lacking and will need to find itself if they want to raise the championship trophy in a few weeks.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement2) UNLV (+1)
The Rebels went into a big game facing Hawaii and dominated. Their offense was its usual, dynamic self, putting up points early and often. Surprisingly, it was their defense that stepped up in a big way, finding a way to neutralize the high-powered Hawaii offense, grabbing an interception and getting off the field on third down. If this version of UNLV’s defense can show up the rest of the season, it puts them in a great position.
3) New Mexico (+1)
The Lobos keep finding ways to win, resulting in eight wins to date, a feat that no one saw coming. They are still in the fight to reach the Mountain West championship, which would be the perfect way to cap off Coach Eck’s first season at the helm. New Mexico still has many things to improve upon, but they are prepared in every game and tough to play against, which goes a long way.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement4) Hawaii (-2)
The Rainbow Warriors laid an egg in the matchup versus UNLV, with their offense looking tame compared to how they have been playing. While it’s accurate, they have been a different team on the road compared to at home, Las Vegas is also called the Ninth Island for a reason. Unfortunately, Hawaii is likely out of the Mountain West Championship race, which leaves a sour note on what has been a successful season for the team.
5) Boise State (+1)
For at least this game, the Broncos were able to rediscover their offense and come away with a big win. They leaned into their running game in a more creative way, but were also intentional about their passing opportunities. Also, they made sure to get the tight ends involved and used tempo to keep the defense on its heels. Boise State has lost some key players due to injuries and while they still have enough talent to win, they are facing an uphill battle every week.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement6) Fresno State (-1)
The Bulldogs gave one away in their game against Utah State. Their offense sputtered a bit, especially in the second half, struggling to find a way to score points. The nice thing about the team is they can win in a variety of ways. However, Fresno State has also shown that they can’t rely on something to help them pull through in close games. That was the case this weekend, and that will be the case unless they can figure something out.
7) Utah State (0)
The Aggies had a nice comeback this weekend, finally getting their sixth win of the season, propelling them into a bowl game. Their offense is rarely an issue, although an injury to their best wide receiver may complicate that a bit going forward. However, Utah State’s defense stepped up in a big way, securing the win with a second-half shutout. They have a chance to secure a winning season next week.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement8) Nevada (+2)
The Wolf Pack have not given up on the season and have now won two games in a row in surprising fashion. What may be more impressive is the way they have won these games, with one being a scoring outburst, and this past week was more of a defensive battle. While it’s unlikely Nevada will pull off an upset and take the Fremont Cannon, it is nice that they will go in with some momentum.
9) Air Force (-1)
The Falcons played a game this weekend, but they didn’t put up much of a fight in yet another loss. The defense has finally rounded into form a bit the past few games, holding their opponent to twenty points and under 300 yards. However, Air Force without QB Liam Szarka did nearly nothing on offense, managing a mere field goal and only 161 total yards. It’s been a trying year for the team and they will end in a battle of the bottom dwellers playing for the Ram-Falcon Trophy.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement10) Wyoming (-1)
The Cowboys are scuffling, losing their third game in a row after technically being in the hunt for a bowl game a few weeks ago. This is in large part due to their offense, which is averaging a paltry 16.8 points per game. The Wyoming defense (19.9 points per game allowed) is one of the best units in the country, but the lack of development at quarterback and a passing game has reared its head once again.
11) San Jose State (0)
The Spartans have been the most disappointing team of the Mountain West, which is saying something in a season full of disappointing teams. They appeared pretty lifeless in their game against the top-ranked San Diego State, and losing their starting quarterback didn’t help matters either. San Jose State has now lost three in a row and could end up at the bottom of the rankings depending on how next week goes.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement12) Colorado State (0)
There isn’t much to say about the Rams that hasn’t already been said. They are putting up some semblance of a fight, but the combination of injuries, ineffectiveness, and players leaving the team have led to the bottom of the rankings. Colorado State is simply in need of the end of the season, despite one game left this season.
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