Bowl Destination Guide: Where Will The Mountain West Teams Land?

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Post on Feb 08, 2025

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Bowl Destination Guide: Where Will the Mountain West Teams Land?

The Mountain West Conference (MW) football season is winding down, and the anticipation is building: where will these teams end up in the bowl season? Predicting bowl destinations is always a tricky game, relying on final standings, team performance, and a healthy dose of speculation. But let's dive into the possibilities, examining potential landing spots for the Mountain West's best and brightest.

Factors Influencing Bowl Game Selections

Several key factors determine which bowl game a Mountain West team might land in. These include:

• Conference Championship Outcome: Winning the Mountain West Championship Game significantly boosts a team's bowl prospects, often leading to a higher-tier bowl invitation.
• Overall Win-Loss Record: A strong regular season record is paramount. More wins generally translate to a more desirable bowl game.
• Strength of Schedule: Playing a challenging schedule, even with some losses, can enhance a team's appeal to bowl committees. A team that competed well against tough opponents will often be preferred over a team with a similar record but a weaker schedule.
• Academic Progress Rate (APR): While not always the deciding factor, a team's APR score impacts its bowl eligibility. Teams with low APR scores might face restrictions on bowl invitations.
• Bowl Tie-Ins: The Mountain West has contractual agreements with various bowl games. These agreements dictate which teams are eligible for particular bowl games based on their final conference ranking.

Predicting the Mountain West's Bowl Destinations

Predicting the exact destinations is difficult this early, but we can analyze potential scenarios based on current standings and historical trends. Here are some potential landing spots for various scenarios:

Top Tier Contenders:

• Championship Game Winner: The Mountain West champion will likely secure a spot in one of the more prestigious bowl games tied to the conference. Potential options include the Hawaii Bowl, Las Vegas Bowl, or even a New Mexico Bowl, depending on the final rankings and other conference pairings.

• Second-Place Team: The team finishing second in the conference will probably land in a mid-tier bowl game, possibly the Fresno State Bowl (hypothetical), or a similar game depending on available slots and other conference tie-ins.

Mid-Tier Teams:

• Teams with 6-6 or 7-5 Records: These teams are likely to fill the remaining slots in various bowl games across the spectrum. Potential options range from the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl to other smaller, but still exciting, games. The specific bowl will depend on the team's overall performance and ranking within the conference.

Teams with Fewer Wins:

• Teams with 5-7 or fewer wins: These teams' bowl eligibility will hinge on their conference standing and the overall number of bowl-eligible teams. If spots are available, they might receive invitations to lesser-known bowl games, or they may miss out altogether.

The Importance of Bowl Games for Mountain West Teams

Bowl games provide invaluable opportunities for Mountain West teams. They offer:

• Increased National Exposure: Bowl games provide a wider audience for showcasing the talent and competitiveness of Mountain West players and programs.
• Revenue Generation: Bowl game participation generates significant revenue for universities, helping fund athletic programs.
• Player Development: The additional practices and game experience contribute significantly to player development.
• Recruiting Advantage: Strong bowl performances can significantly impact a team's recruiting efforts.

Conclusion:

The Mountain West's bowl destinations are a dynamic puzzle. While predicting specific placements is challenging, the above analysis offers insights into potential scenarios. As the season concludes, and the final standings are set, the picture will become clearer. Stay tuned for updates as the excitement builds for bowl season!