Power Rankings 2023 Week 13: Parity shakes up the rankings.

We are back at it. Now that the college football season is over for most of the teams on this list, the rankings are pretty much solidified for the season. Take a look at this week’s MWCConnection Power Rankings, and let us know what you like and what you don’t. Feel free to drop your own rankings in the comments section.

Here are last week’s rankings for reference.

1) UNLV

The Rebels came out of the gate slow and lifeless, which isn’t usually like them. While they made it close at the end, it shows they are a vulnerable team. On the other side of the coin, UNLV still appears to be the best team in the conference, at least until further notice. They will be tough to beat and are focused on getting their that championship trophy to cap off their successful season.

2) Boise State

The Broncos have looked like the team of old more often than not the second half of the season, especially the last three games. The defense is still a work in progress but has been better at generating turnovers and sacks, although is still prone to giving up big passing plays. The offense is exceptional running the ball and inconsistent in the passing game, but still puts up points nevertheless. Can they take down another top team in the conference as they reach the conference championship yet again.

3) San Jose State

The Spartans finish the year as the hottest team in the Mountain West. Those who think they should be ranked higher have every right to think so. Their rushing attack is among the best in the conference and their passing game is nothing to scoff at either thanks to strong quarterback play. On the other hand, the San Jose State defense was prone to giving up a high number of points and the team was prone to a few hiccups at inopportune times. It is unfortunate they won’t get a chance to play for the MW title, but they also suffered too many losses early on.

4) Wyoming

The Cowboys destroyed Nevada to end their season, making their offense look majestic. Also, they finally get a road win on the season (and ice cream sandwiches). Wyoming had one of their better teams on both sides of the ball, which allowed them to notch some great wins on the year. But they were also still prone to the crushing defeats when other teams stopped their offense too easily and to make matters worse, there were times the team came out unprepared. Still, they end up at this spot in the rankings.

5) Fresno State

The Bulldogs had an embarrassing, upset loss to New Mexico two weekends ago and followed it up with an embarrassing, upset loss to San Diego State to end the regular season. They played with little energy and like they knew they didn’t have much to play for. It’s unfortunate for a Fresno State team that was so strong for much of the season, as they are one of the most talented teams in the conference. But going .500 in conference play isn’t going to cut it.

6) Air Force

Speaking of disappointment, it’s hard to believe the Falcons were at one time ranked in the CFP poll. They end the season with a winless November, as injuries were apparently too much for the team to overcome, especially on the offensive side of things. 8-4 is nothing to scoff at, but losing their chance at the CIC Trophy as well as playing in the conference title game has to sting.

7) Utah State

The Aggies clinched a bowl game during the last week of the season in the most dramatic fashion. They needed double overtime against New Mexico, but were able to pull it out. It should be noted that Utah State’s offense didn’t miss a beat with their third-string quarterback, but their defense will need to pull things together if they want to win their bowl game this year.

8) Colorado State

The Rams gave it everything they had but ultimately came up short of the six win mark, missing a bowl game yet again. This season should still be considering an overall success, as the program made a step forward. They seem to have found their quarterback and developed more playmakers on offense. Colorado State also had some of the conference’s best defensive players, which is something to build on.

9) Hawaii

Hawaii ended their season on a high note, winning two of their final three games and playing spoiler along the way. They have identified core pieces on both sides of the ball and their offensive system has succeeded in keeping them competitive in nearly every game. Now they will have to hold on to the pieces they have established and find new ones to build around them. Learning to win more on the mainland will be beneficial as well.

10) San Diego State

The Aztecs went out with a bang, pulling off a huge win against rival Fresno State. The team that played on Saturday looked nothing like the team that played for most of the year. San Diego State had some dynamic playcalling and executation on offense and played tough on defense, keeping a good offense at bay. At least they can end one of their worst seasons this millennium on a high note.

11) New Mexico

Times are tough for the Lobos, and it looks like they will be getting even tougher. They lost a heart-breaker to end the season, a week after their big upset win. However, the choice to fire coach Danny Gonzales seemed to have already been made before all of this, as he was let go Saturday evening. At the time of this writing, six players have already entered the transfer portal. New Mexico can’t seem to get out of their end of year cycle.

12) Nevada

The Wolf Pack showed some life this season, but they looked like a team that was more than ready for the season to be over when they took the field on Saturday. While the record likely doesn’t tell the entire story, it says enough for a team that has had more downs than ups during the 2023 season. Still, it’s clear a few things went well for Nevada, and it’s also clear that nothing was enough to make them a competitive team.