Top teams in Week 8 Mountain West football power rankings set to battle

The Mountain West’s top two teams will be on the same field this week at Albertsons Stadium.

Boise State (4-2, 2-0) will look to extend its home winning streak to 16 games against undefeated UNLV (6-0, 2-0).

Here is the latest edition of our MWC power rankings.

All times listed are Mountain Daylight Time

1. UNLV

Last result: 51-48 home victory over Air Force

Previous ranking: 1

Season record: 6-0, 2-0

Analysis: As the lone undefeated team in the MWC, UNLV hangs on to the top spot in the power rankings … for now.

Up next: Saturday at Boise State, 1:30 p.m. (FS1)

2. Boise State

Last result: 41-25 home victory over New Mexico

Previous ranking: 2

Season record: 4-2, 2-0

Analysis: The Broncos’ defense has dominated at Albertsons Stadium this season, holding opponents to an average of 17.7 points and 236 total yards in three victories.

Up next: Saturday vs. UNLV, 1:30 p.m. (FS1)

3. San Diego State

Last result: 44-10 road victory over Nevada

Previous ranking: 3

Season record: 5-1, 2-0

Analysis: San Diego State’s offense continued to roll last week in a blowout win over the Wolf Pack.

Up next: Saturday, Oct. 25 at Fresno State, TBD (FS1)

4. Fresno State

Last result: 49-21 road loss to Colorado State

Previous ranking: 4

Season record: 5-2, 2-1

Analysis: Fresno State played its worst game of the season in all phases at Colorado State, but the Bulldogs get a bye week to regroup.

Up next: Saturday, Oct. 25 vs. San Diego State, TBD (FS1)

5. Hawaii

Last result: 44-26 home win over Utah State

Previous ranking: 6

Season record: 5-2, 2-1

Analysis: The Rainbow Warriors are the surprise of the MWC this season behind star freshman quarterback Micah Alejado.

Up next: Saturday at Colorado State, 5 p.m. (Mountain West Network)

6. Utah State

Last result: 44-26 road loss to Hawaii

Previous ranking: 5

Season record: 3-3, 1-1

Analysis: The Aggies return home this week where they are a perfect 3-0 on the season.

Up next: Friday vs. San Jose State, 7 p.m. (CBS Sports Network)

7. New Mexico

Last result: 41-25 road loss to Boise State

Previous ranking: 8

Season record: 3-3, 0-2

Analysis: The Lobos put up a strong fight through three quarters at Boise State before the dam broke.

Up next: Saturday vs. Nevada, 7:45 p.m. (FS1)

8. Wyoming

Last result: 35-28 home win over San Jose State

Previous ranking: 10

Season record: 3-3, 1-1

Analysis: The Cowboys stormed back in the fourth quarter to take down San Jose State at home.

Up next: Saturday at Air Force, 1:30 p.m. (CBS Sports Network)

9. San Jose State

Last result: 35-28 road loss to Wyoming

Previous ranking: 7

Season record: 2-4, 1-1

Analysis: Just when it looked like the Spartans may have turned the corner, they suffer a catastrophic loss at Wyoming.

Up next: Friday at Utah State, 7 p.m. (CBS Sports Network)

10. Colorado State

Last result: 49-21 home victory over Fresno State

Previous ranking: 12

Season record: 2-4, 1-1

Analysis: Will last week’s rout of Fresno State provide a spark for the Rams and embattled head coach Jay Norvell?

Up next: Saturday vs. Hawaii, 5 p.m. (Mountain West Network)

11. Air Force

Last result: 51-48 road loss to UNLV

Previous ranking: 9

Season record: 1-5, 0-4

Analysis: The Falcons rank 10th nationally in total offense at 490.3 yards per game but are dead last in total defense at 496.7 yards allowed.

Up next: Saturday vs. Wyoming, 1:30 p.m. (CBS Sports)

12. Nevada

Last result: 44-10 home loss to San Diego State

Previous ranking: 11

Season record: 1-5, 0-2

Analysis: Nevada followed up a strong showing against Fresno State with a non-competitive effort against the Aztecs.

Up next: Saturday at New Mexico, 7:45 p.m. (FS1)