Air Force, Colorado State and Wyoming are projected to finish second, fourth and fifth in football — respectively — in the Mountain Division, according to a media poll released by the conference.
The Falcons received a total of 136 points with 10 of the 28 first-place votes, while the Rams had 90 points with one first-place vote. The Cowboys had 60 points and no first-place votes.
Boise State, with 14 first-place votes and 151 points, is favored to take the division. Utah State, which finished third, has the remaining three first-place votes.
In the West Division, Fresno State is picked to finish first with 160 points (20 first-place votes), followed by San Diego State with 148 points (eight first-place votes).
Air Force tied with Utah State for the division title last season after finishing with a record of 10-3 (6-2 in the MW). Troy Calhoun, who’s entering his 16th season as the Falcons’ head coach, is seeking his 12th bowl bid at Air Force. They open their season at home against Northern Iowa on Sept. 3.
For CSU, which finished with a 4-8 record last year, it will be the first season under new head coach Jay Norvell. The Rams will open their season on the road on Sept. 3 at Michigan.
Wyoming finished 7-6 last season, earning a bid to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The Cowboys open on the road on Aug. 27 at Illinois.