The Mountain West Conference looks like a done deal if you just give the online betting odds table a quick look, with Boise State the heavy favorite to win the title. However, a lot of that has to do with casual bettor familiarity pulling the Broncos down — and sports books taking advantage. Nevada and San Jose State are both strong contenders as well, with San Jose State coming in as defending MWC champions.
Check out the latest college football odds for each team, along with our thoughts on some of your wagering options.
NCAA News: Odds to Win the Mountain West Conference
College Football Team Odds
| Boise State | -125 |
| Nevada | +450 |
| San Jose State | +550 |
| Wyoming | +750 |
| Hawaii | +1000 |
| San Diego State | +1400 |
| Fresno State | +2500 |
| Air Force | +2800 |
| Colorado State, Utah State | +5000 |
| New Mexico | +12500 |
| UNLV | +20000 |
Boise State has a new head coach in Andy Avalos, who played for the Broncos but just finished a stint as the defensive coordinator for Oregon. Avalos has a tough slate ahead of him, as Boise State’s non-conference schedule includes trips to UCF and BYU as well as a visit from Oklahoma State. Tim Plough is the new offensive coordinator, and he has two solid choices at quarterback, Hank Bachmeier and Jack Sears, and Octavius Evans, C.T. Thomas and Khalil Shakir all return, giving the team a trio of speedy receivers. However, while Boise State led the MWC in scoring in 2020, the offense was often stagnant, only gaining 5.4 yards per play. The whole O-line is back, but hopefully Plough’s scheme can move the ball more effectively. On defense, Avalos brings a strong background that should help a program that permitted 27.1 points per game last season. He’ll rely on edge rusher Demetri Washington, who should be back from a knee injury that ended his 2020 campaign.
Nevada has the strongest roster that Jay Norvell has had entering his fourth season. Quarterback Carson Strong has a cannon of an arm and three speedy wideouts in Elijah Cooks, Romeo Doubs and Melquan Stovall. Tailback Toa Taua ran for 675 yards in seven games last season and returns. On defense, the team improved last year by permitting 23.3 points per game (after allowing 31.9 in 2019) and holding offenses to 5.4 yards per play. Dom Peterson returns healthy on the D-line and will clog things up, and Lawson Hall returns at middle linebacker to anchor the second level. The secondary was a problem last year, but additions via the transfer portal have addressed that need, with safeties Chad Brown and Bentlee Sanders and cornerbacks Isaiah Essissima and Miles Haynes joining the team. The defense generated nine takeaways in 2020 and needs to increase that number this time around.
San Jose State posted a 7-1 record last season and won the MWC title. Quarterback Nick Starkel returns for his senior season, and his tailbacks, Kairee Robinson and Tyler Nevens, are back as well. The O-line was excellent last year and returns all five starters. The Spartans led the conference with 6.58 yards per play last season and should be just as productive this season. Receivers Tre Walker and Bailey Gather have departed, but Isaiah Hamilton and Derrick Deese Jr look ready to fill those shoes in the passing game. The defense improved dramatically last season, permitting just 19.9 points per game (down from 36.6 in 2018). Opposing offense gained just 4.95 yards per play. Cade Hall and Viliami Fehoko posted 16 combined sacks, and both are back. Overall, the defense returns 10 starters and should be even better than the 2020 edition.
Your MWC champion will come from one of these three teams; the dropoff in talent between these three and the rest of the conference is just too great. I like San Jose State to repeat, particularly with the value that they offer.
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