The Bowl Buster: Will Any Mountain West Teams Break Into The New Year's Six?

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Post on Feb 08, 2025

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The Bowl Buster: Will Any Mountain West Teams Break into the New Year's Six?

The Mountain West Conference (MWC) has consistently produced strong football programs, but breaking into the prestigious New Year's Six bowls remains a significant hurdle. This season, however, several teams have shown the potential to challenge that established order. But will any actually make the cut? Let's delve into the possibilities.

The Challenge of the New Year's Six

The New Year's Six bowls – the Rose, Sugar, Orange, Cotton, Peach, and Fiesta Bowls – are the pinnacle of college football postseason play outside of the College Football Playoff (CFP). Securing a spot requires a potent combination of factors:

• Strength of Schedule: Playing against tough opponents, and winning those games, is paramount. The MWC, while improving, doesn't always boast the same level of nationally-ranked competition as Power Five conferences.
• High-Profile Wins: A victory over a ranked opponent, preferably from a Power Five conference, significantly boosts a team's chances. Upsets are the key ingredient for an underdog story.
• Overall Record: A strong undefeated or nearly-undefeated record is typically necessary. Even one significant loss can derail a team's aspirations.
• Committee Consideration: Ultimately, the College Football Playoff selection committee decides which teams fill the New Year's Six bowls. Their decisions are based on a holistic assessment of a team's performance and resume.

Contenders from the Mountain West

While the odds are stacked against them, several MWC teams possess the talent and potential to make a compelling case:

[Team Name 1]: The Dark Horse Candidate

[Team Name 1] enters the season with [mention key players and their positions, e.g., a strong quarterback, a dominant running back]. Their [mention key strengths, e.g., aggressive defense, high-powered offense] could propel them to unexpected heights. However, their success hinges on [mention crucial factors, e.g., avoiding key injuries, winning crucial conference matchups]. A strong start is critical to establishing credibility.

[Team Name 2]: A Familiar Face with High Expectations

[Team Name 2] is a perennial contender in the MWC. Their [mention key strengths, e.g., experienced coaching staff, proven offensive line] provides a solid foundation. [Mention specific challenges they face, e.g., a tough non-conference schedule, potential quarterback issues]. Overcoming these challenges will determine whether they can make a serious New Year's Six run.

[Team Name 3]: The Up-and-Coming Program

[Team Name 3] is a team on the rise. Their [mention key strengths, e.g., young and talented roster, innovative offensive scheme] make them a dangerous opponent. However, inexperience might be a factor, and their success hinges on [mention crucial factors, e.g., consistent performance, avoiding early-season pitfalls].

The Path to the New Year's Six: A Steep Climb

For any MWC team to break into the New Year's Six, a perfect storm needs to align:

• Unblemished Conference Record: Dominating the MWC is essential. Any conference losses significantly reduce their chances.
• High-Profile Upset: A victory over a nationally-ranked Power Five opponent is almost a necessity. This provides the committee with undeniable evidence of their quality.
• Favorable Committee Assessment: The committee's subjective evaluation remains a key factor. The team's narrative and overall impression matter.

Conclusion: A Long Shot, But Not Impossible

Reaching the New Year's Six is a monumental task for Mountain West teams. The odds are stacked against them, but not insurmountable. A combination of an undefeated or nearly-undefeated season, a signature win over a highly ranked opponent, and a favorable assessment from the selection committee could pave the way for a MWC team to achieve this prestigious accomplishment. This season, several teams have the potential to make a bold statement, and the journey promises to be an exciting one. Stay tuned!