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Mountain West football has never been more thrilling, with the competition reaching new heights every season. Over the past four years, different teams have clinched the championship, highlighting the league’s depth and unpredictability.
As we edge closer to the 2024 season, all eyes are on the reigning champions, the Boise State Broncos. They remain a formidable force with four Mountain West titles in the last decade.
The championship game, set for Friday, December 6th, will be hosted by the team with the best conference record.
As the regular season approaches, let’s take a closer look at the most promising teams in the Mountain West and what we can expect from this highly anticipated showdown. You can also follow other game updates and predictions with FanDuel’s college football news and tips.
Boise State
Boise State has established itself as a powerhouse since joining the Mountain West in 2011, amassing an impressive 84-17 conference record. This year, the Broncos embark on their first full season under head coach Spencer Danielson, who previously served as defensive coordinator. Danielson stepped up as interim head coach last year, guiding a struggling 5-5 team to the conference championship.
2024 sees a change at quarterback, with sophomore Malachi Nelson, a former USC Trojan, taking over following Taylen Green’s transfer to Arkansas. Nelson will aim to match the offense’s 2023 scoring average of 32.1 PPG.
Also returning is tailback Ashton Jeanty, the 2023 Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year. Jeanty was the team’s leading rusher with 1,347 yards at an average of 6.1 yards per carry and scored 19 touchdowns. His dynamic playmaking ability will be central to Boise State’s offensive strategy this season.
With these key players and Danielson’s leadership, Boise State is poised to remain a contender for the championship.
Fresno State
A scrappy program from the heart of California’s Central Valley, the Fresno State Bulldogs are in search of their third conference football title in the past seven years. Head coach Jeff Tedford, who engineered the Bulldogs’ remarkable turnaround, is back for another season. Since his return, Fresno State has posted a 12-5 record against Mountain West opponents, including a 2022 title game victory over Boise State.
The Bulldogs enter the season with +360 odds to claim their fourth Mountain West championship. Leading the charge is quarterback Mikey Keene, who had a standout season in 2023. Keene threw for 2,976 yards with a 67.1% completion rate and finished with a 52.2 QBR. His accuracy and decision-making will be crucial if Fresno State hopes to topple the Mountain West’s best this year.
In ESPN’s post-spring SP+ rankings, Fresno State ranks 57th in FBS, second among Mountain West schools. With a solid offense and experienced leadership, the Bulldogs are not just hopefuls—they’re legitimate contenders for the championship.
UNLV
The UNLV Rebels are riding high after their best football campaign of the millennium, and head coach Barry Odom has set the bar even higher for his second season. With a shake-up at quarterback, the Rebels will turn to Matthew Sluka to lead them. Sluka, who transferred from Holy Cross, brings an impressive resume, including being named Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year and an FCS All-American. Over his four years with the Crusaders, he amassed an astounding 97 all-purpose touchdowns.
Sluka’s primary target this season will be senior wide receiver Ricky White III. Last year, White was nothing short of spectacular, hauling in 88 receptions for 1,483 yards and eight touchdowns. His speed, agility, and ball skills make him a formidable weapon in UNLV’s offensive arsenal.
Coming off their first-ever appearance in the Mountain West Championship Game, the Rebels are more motivated than ever. With five-to-one odds to win the conference title, this team is looking to capitalize on its momentum and make a serious run for the championship on December 6th.
The Bottom Line
The 2024 Mountain West football season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. With top teams like Boise State, Fresno State, and UNLV vying for the conference title, fans are in for a thrilling ride. Like other predictions, such as the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs odds, anything can happen on any given game day.
