New Mexico head coach Rocky Long rejects the notion that his Lobos tend to start slow and finish the season strong. In 2003, New Mexico began the year 1-3 before finishing 7-1 and earning a berth in the Las Vegas Bowl. In 2002, the Lobos were 2-4 before winning five of their next seven regular-season games en route to a postseason appearance in Las Vegas. This season, New Mexico lost four of its first six games but has won two straight. New Mexico can become bowl-eligible with two wins in its next three games.
Long said the early season losses are more a result of playing a tough schedule than being inconsistent.
"It looks like we start slow," he said. "I don't believe that. I mean, people say that all the time. I don't believe that. We get a little bit better as the season goes along and we play more people like us."
According to MWC commissioner Craig Thompson, the projected payout for a BCS bowl this season is $14.4 million. If the Utes go undefeated and are invited to a BCS Bowl, that could mean a payout in the "ballpark" of around $1 million for each conference team, Thompson said.
Just how that money would be divided would be determined by the conference's financial distribution formula that is about to be revised.
"It's about to change five times in six years," Thompson said.
According to Thompson, the most important aspect of the formula is protecting bowl teams from losing money.
"Our goal has always been to try to make those that participate in bowl games as whole as possible, so that they don't lose money," Thompson said.
"The basic formula is going to try to get bowl participants as healthy as possible. The new piece that's going to be introduced is . . . that we use some BCS revenue to put into the bowl formula — either to create new bowls, i.e. a second bowl game in San Diego, or to supplement existing bowls so those that go to bowl games don't have to worry about losing money . . .
"There's really not a BCS component that would relate specifically — potentially and hypothetically — to this year.
Thompson did say, however, that issues relating to a potential BCS appearance by Utah (such as getting the Utes released from the Liberty Bowl) need to be discussed.
"You have to have a plan," he said. "We can't wait until 3 o'clock on Dec. 5 and go forward."
Two games this week will go a long way to determining how the season finishes for four Mountain West Conference teams. New Mexico visits Colorado State on Saturday, while Air Force plays at Wyoming. The Falcons, Lobos and Cowboys all have two MWC losses, while the Rams are 2-1 in conference play.
Colorado State (3-4, 2-1) is still in the conference race, and after a 1-4 start, the Rams are thinking about postseason play. Colorado State has to win three of four or win out to make a bowl, head coach Sonny Lubick said.
"I guess there's no margin of error from this point on for any of us," he said.
Wyoming (4-3, 1-2), which has lost two straight on the road, returns home to face Air Force. The Cowboys have yet to lose at home this season.
"We need some medicine at home," coach Joe Glenn said. "Our long-range goals are not what we're focusing on. We're focusing on a 'W' and trying to win a game."
Long said now that his Lobos have already lost to Utah, he's rooting for the Utes to run the table and crash the BCS.
"I think it's good for them, but I think it would be good for the league and everyone in this league," he said.
Colorado State kicker Jeff Babcock is now the school's career record holder in field goals with 47. He passed Steve DeLine's mark of 46 (1983-86) . . . Air Force was held scoreless in the first quarter against BYU, just the second time this season the Falcons have failed to score in the opening frame . . . New Mexico running back DonTrell Moore can score his 40th career touchdown when the Lobos play Colorado State on Saturday. There's a good chance he'll get it. He's rushed for 423 yards and four touchdowns in two games against the Rams . . . San Diego State wide receiver Jeff Webb has had at least one catch in 17 consecutive games . . . UNLV running back Dominique Dorsey has five 100-yard rushing games this season . . . Wyoming receiver Jovon Bouknight, after a 97-yard receiving performance against Colorado State, is now No. 8 on the school's career receiving yardage list.