The excitement of college football is set to ramp up as Week 1 of the Mountain West Conference kicks off. After a limited schedule in Week 0, nearly every team will have the chance to showcase their skills and make a statement as they embark on their 2026 campaigns. While four teams will be playing their second game of the season, six others will be stepping onto the field for their season openers. This article delves into the matchups that highlight the Mountain West this week.
The San Jose State Spartans (0-1) will face off against the Eastern Michigan Eagles (1-0) on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. PDT, broadcasted on ESPN+. The Eagles enter the game as 3-point favorites after a solid win against Sacramento State. San Jose State, coming off a tough loss to USC, will look to improve on their offensive performance, particularly after avoiding turnovers in their last outing. Eastern Michigan's senior quarterback Noah Kim, who threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns in their opener, will be a key player to watch. This matchup is crucial for the Spartans, as a loss could put Coach Niumatololo's future in jeopardy. Predictions lean slightly towards San Jose State, with a projected score of 35-31.
In another notable matchup, the UTEP Miners (0-0) will take on the #10 Oklahoma Sooners (0-0) on the same day at 6:00 p.m. MDT, available on SEC Network+. UTEP is heavily favored to lose, with the spread set at 40.5 points. The Miners, who struggled defensively last season, will face a formidable opponent in Oklahoma, known for their strong defense and Heisman hopeful quarterback John Mateer. The Sooners are expected to dominate this game, with predictions suggesting a score of 41-3 in favor of Oklahoma.
On Saturday, September 5, the Air Force Falcons (0-0) will host the Duquesne Dukes (0-0) at 10:00 a.m. MDT on MW+. Air Force is favored by 28.5 points, and the Falcons are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season marked by defensive struggles. With a revamped defense and key offensive players returning, Air Force aims to secure an easy victory against an FCS opponent. Predictions favor the Falcons with a score of 42-10.
Later that day, the North Dakota State Bison (1-0) will take on the Fordham Rams (0-1) at 2:30 p.m. CDT, also on MW+. North Dakota State is expected to continue their strong performance after a dominant Week 0 win, facing a Fordham team that has struggled in recent seasons. The Bison are heavily favored with a spread of 41.5 points, and predictions suggest a lopsided victory of 59-8.
Another intriguing matchup features the Northern Illinois Huskies (0-0) against the #22 Iowa Hawkeyes (0-0) at 3:15 p.m. CDT on the Big Ten Network. The Huskies, under interim coach Rob Harley, face a tough challenge against a ranked opponent. With a low-scoring offense last season, Northern Illinois will need to find a way to compete against Iowa's renowned defense. Predictions indicate a win for Iowa, projected at 33-6.
As the Border War unfolds, the Wyoming Cowboys (0-0) will visit the Colorado State Rams (0-0) at 4:00 p.m. MDT on USA Network. This rivalry game is always highly anticipated, and both teams will be looking to start their seasons on a high note. With Colorado State's new coaching staff and Wyoming's offensive adjustments, this game could be tightly contested, with predictions slightly favoring the Rams at 20-18.
The UNLV Rebels (0-1) will face the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (0-1) in a critical early-season conference matchup at 4:00 p.m. HST, broadcast on The CW. Both teams are coming off losses, and this game could be pivotal for their hopes of a successful season. UNLV has had recent success against Hawaii, but the Warriors will be looking to capitalize on their home-field advantage. Predictions suggest a close game, with Hawaii winning 37-33.
Finally, the Central Michigan Chippewas (0-0) will visit the New Mexico Lobos (0-0) at 8:00 p.m. MDT on FS1. Both teams are grappling with quarterback uncertainties, making this matchup particularly unpredictable. The Lobos are favored by 10.5 points, and predictions lean towards New Mexico winning 24-17.
As the Mountain West season kicks off, fans can expect an exciting array of matchups that could set the tone for the rest of the year. Each game carries significant implications for the teams involved, and the outcomes could shape the trajectory of their seasons.
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