The Bowl Buster: Will Any Mountain West Teams Break Into The New Year's Six?

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Post on Feb 08, 2025

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The Bowl Buster: Will Any Mountain West Teams Break into the New Year's Six?

The Mountain West Conference (MWC) is often seen as a stepping stone for talented players and coaches on their way to bigger programs. But year after year, the question lingers: Can a Mountain West team break into the coveted New Year's Six bowl games? This season, the answer remains elusive, but the potential for a surprise contender is certainly there. Let's dive into the factors that could determine whether a MWC team makes a serious bowl game run and potentially crash the New Year's Six party.

The Mountain West's New Year's Six Challenge: A History of Near Misses

Historically, the Mountain West has struggled to consistently compete at the highest level of college football. The power conferences – the SEC, Big Ten, Pac-12, ACC, and Big 12 – dominate the New Year's Six landscape. While teams like Boise State have had moments of national prominence, sustained success at that elite level has remained out of reach for the MWC. This isn't to say it's impossible; it simply highlights the significant uphill battle facing any Mountain West program aiming for a New Year's Six berth.

Key Hurdles: Strength of Schedule and National Perception

Two significant obstacles stand in the way of a Mountain West team's New Year's Six aspirations.

• Strength of Schedule (SOS): The MWC's strength of schedule typically lags behind the power conferences. Consistently facing top-tier competition is crucial for building a strong resume that impresses the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee. Wins against power conference opponents are often necessary for serious consideration.
• National Perception: Even with a strong record, a Mountain West team might struggle to garner the national recognition needed to secure a New Year's Six bowl invite. The perception that the MWC is a lesser conference can influence the committee's rankings, regardless of on-field performance.

This Season's Contenders: Analyzing the Top MWC Teams

While a New Year's Six appearance is a long shot, several Mountain West teams have the potential to make a strong bowl game showing. Their success will largely depend on how they navigate their conference schedules and any potential non-conference matchups against stronger opponents. Look for these teams to be in contention for a top-tier bowl game:

Boise State Broncos: The Perennial Hopefuls

Boise State remains the most likely MWC candidate for a strong bowl game. Their consistent ability to field a competitive team gives them an edge. However, they need to avoid early season stumbles and secure crucial victories against their toughest conference rivals. A strong non-conference showing is also essential.

San Diego State Aztecs: A Consistent Force

The Aztecs often find themselves in contention for the Mountain West title. Their consistent performance makes them a potential dark horse for a higher-tier bowl game. However, similar to Boise State, avoiding key upsets and compiling impressive wins will be key.

The Path to a New Year's Six: A Perfect Storm

For a Mountain West team to reach the New Year's Six, several factors would need to align perfectly. It would require:

• An undefeated or near-undefeated regular season: Any losses will significantly harm their chances.
• Impressive wins against strong opponents: Victories over Power Five teams are essential to boost their resume.
• A dominant performance in the Mountain West Championship Game: Winning this game conclusively strengthens their case.
• Favorable committee rankings: The CFP committee needs to recognize their achievements and overcome any pre-existing biases against the MWC.

Conclusion: A Long Shot, But Not Impossible

The prospect of a Mountain West team breaking into the New Year's Six remains a long shot. The challenges are significant, but not insurmountable. A combination of exceptional play, strong scheduling, and a bit of luck could potentially see a MWC team make history. This season, keep a close eye on Boise State and San Diego State; they'll be the teams to watch as they attempt to defy the odds and make a run for a prestigious bowl game. The "Bowl Buster" may be a long shot, but it's a story worth following.