The Rocky Mountain region is one of the most beautiful areas in the world.
Over the past couple of decades, the same area of college football has been mostly unwatchable.
In the past 23 seasons the University of Colorado has been invited to just seven postseason bowl games. The University of Wyoming has only been to eight. Colorado State University has played in only 11 bowl games, and the Air Force Academy has played in 14.
This has truly been an era of forgettable college football in this part of the country.
Hopefully this era is about to end. We actually have some hope for the coming season. Will any of our local teams be contending for a title? Of course not, but they could still be somewhat interesting.
University of Colorado Buffaloes (2022 record: 1-11)
Outlook: From the moment that he accepted the job, the hype in Boulder has been through the roof. Deion Sanders comes to Colorado from HBCU Jackson State, where he had some moderate success. Sanders has immediately upgraded the Buffs roster, and has given this program a much needed shot of energy. QB Shedeur Sanders, and possible two way player Travis Hunter provide some immediate excitement. Now the work begins. Not only does Coach Prime have to mold this group of individuals into something resembling a team, but he also has to get them ready to face some very talented teams, both inside and outside of the Pac 12 conference. The future could be very bright, but this isn’t an easy job by any means.
Verdict: Coach Prime will have to do the best coaching job of his young career. Yes, he has the fan base excited, but the schedule will be challenging, and the lack of depth may come into play. Sanders has shown that he can recruit some of the top talent, but will he be able to keep them motivated if things don’t go well? Five wins for this group might be asking too much, but at least it should be intriguing to watch.
Colorado State Rams (2022 record: 3-9)
Outlook: Head coach Jay Norvell is hoping that he can make another big jump in his second season on the job. While serving at the University of Nevada, Norvell improved from a 3-9 record in his first season, to an 8-5 record and a bowl game win, in his second. His first order of business will have to be repairing a very poor offensive line. QB Clay Millen showed some promise last season, when he completed a conference leading 72% of his passes, but he can’t complete those throws on his back. A running game would be a massive upgrade too. RB Kenward Edwards comes to Fort Collins from the transfer portal, and could help immediately. Norvell also gets eight starters back on a defense that was beginning to come together last season.
Verdict: This roster is still young and inexperienced, but they seem to be showing signs of improvement. A win in the opener at home against Washington State could be too much to ask, but if the Rams could somehow beat Colorado, the fan base would be ecstatic. If the offensive line improves, and the defense continues to grow, CSU could be bowl bound this season.
Air Force Falcons: (2022 record: 10-2)
Outlook: Air Force won 10 games last season, and then capped that run with a bowl game win over Baylor. They also managed to beat both Army and Navy to bring the Commander in Chief trophy back to Colorado Springs. Head coach Troy Calhoun had the country’s best rushing offense last season, and the defense that led the league in yardage allowed returns mostly intact. The offense returns six starters, but they will need to replace a few key pieces.
Verdict: The Falcons should be a lock for a bowl game with a favorable schedule and so much returning talent. They will need to develop another QB, after losing Haaziq Daniels to graduation, but if the defense can carry the load until senior Jensen Jones comes around, this team is going to be tough. The Falcons will be the favorite to keep the CIC trophy, and they have a chance to contend for a Mountain West title and a Top 25 finish.
University of Wyoming Cowboys (2022 record: 7-6)
Outlook: While we are used to head coach Craig Bohl producing some high scoring offenses in Laramie, the Wyoming Cowboys will depend on the defense this year. Wyoming went 7-6 last season, and went to the Arizona Bowl. This year, the defense brings back 10 starters, but the offense will need to develop. If the running game can take some of the pressure off of QB Andrew Peasley, the Cowboys could be a team to watch.
Verdict: Craig Bohl has quietly turned the Cowboys into a physical team that is consistently reaching bowl games. In his nine seasons on the job, Wyoming has gone to five bowl games, and this season should produce another one. The home opener against Texas Tech will be a very stiff test, but if Peasley gets more consistent, this team could have a chance to play for a conference title.
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