It’s been an unusual football season in the Mountain West with some traditional powers struggling and new teams taking center stage. With the conference standings looking a little different, how does the Mountain West stack up with the rest of the country? Well, we decided to put together a ranking of the top 10 mid-major teams in the country this season. Let’s see how many Mountain West teams made it onto our list.
10. Troy
Even with a couple of weeks left in the regular season, the Trojans know they’ll be playing for a Sun Belt title. In that game, Troy will have a chance to avenge a two-point loss to James Madison early in the season. Other than a loss to Kansas State, that’s the only blemish on Troy’s resume, as the Trojans have been perfect since late September and boast one of the top-10 defenses in the country, giving up 10 points or less four times this year.
9. Air Force
What can you say about Air Force in 2023? The Falcons started the season with eight consecutive wins before being tripped up against Army. Time will tell if they’re able to finish strong, but the way they’ve run the ball and played defense deserves some recognition.
8. Miami (Ohio)
Somewhat quietly, Chuck Martin has built a stable and consistent program at Ohio. The RedHawks have already clinched their fourth bowl appearance in the last five games. They also have a shot to return to the MAC Championship Game for the first time since 2016 and win 10 games. Miami’s defense is for real, holding all MAC opponents to 21 points or less, which is why they stand out amongst the top mid-major programs.
7. UNLV
Out of nowhere, the Rebels have burst onto the season in Barry Odom’s first season. Keep in mind that UNLV’s last winning season came in 2013, so it’s a big deal what the Rebels have done this year, giving themselves a chance to…
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