Brigham Young vs. New Mexico: This is one of those years when Rocky Long’s Lobos are “sneaky good.” If not for a close loss to Texas-El Paso opening week, New Mexico would be unbeaten at this point as they have disposed of the PAC-10’s Arizona and in-state rival New Mexico State before decimating I-AA squad Sacramento State last week. The Cougars, after a loss to UCLA were in danger of freefalling this season after falling to Tulsa in a 55-47 shootout. Nevertheless, the Cougars are themselves once again after smacking Air Force, 31-6 a week ago. Thus, Brigham Young is 1-0 in the Mountain West, while they await a team in Albuquerque that is seeking their first conference win and is nearly as explosive as they are. Behind the stellar play of QB Donovan Porterie (he’s completed 69 percent of his passes for 1,088 yards, six touchdowns and just one interception) and TB Rodney Ferguson, (473 yards, six scores), New Mexico’s offense is as potent as it’s been since the days of Donald Sellers as they average almost 34 points and 459 yards per game. Of course, the Cougars’ offense has also been prolific as statistically, Max Hall has done an excellent job in replacing current Miami Dolphins QB John Beck by completing 62 percent of his passes for 1,509 yards, 10 touchdowns and four picks. Additionally, Brigham Young averages 29 points and nearly 505 yards per contest through four games this season. Thus, this game will be a statistician’s dream as both teams should shatter the respective defensive units they face with consistent big plays. Albuquerque’s a dangerous place to play for opponents as the Lobos always rise to the occasion. In a bout for what could be Mountain West supremacy, I’ll take the Cougars in a 41-38 thriller.

Utah State vs. Utah: In contrast to the Brigham Young-New Mexico game, this matchup in all likelihood will prove to be a colossal disappointement for all participants, including the winner. Utah State, despite being outgained by more than 250 yards, led San Jose State going into the 4th Quarter before falling, 23-20. As for the Utes, they simply followed up their decimation of UCLA by getting shellacked themselves, 27-0 by the Nevada-Las Vegas Rebels. Therefore, neither team has legitimate prospects of being successful this season. Quarterback Tommy Grady has been moderately effective for the Utes as he has thrown for 662 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions after spelling Brian Johnson in the season-opening loss at Oregon State. Once Johnson returns, there is hope for the Utes, and this is their homecoming, so they should be energized against a hapless USU squad. Because of their overall talent, I’ll take the Utes in a 38-20 victory. However, this is not the time for Utes fans to get too excited because Utah State is consistently in ESPn.com’s Bottom 10. In case you’re wondering, that’s not necessarily a vote of confidence.

Weber State vs. Montana: Ron McBride is a good man and a great coach. With that said, there’s nothing else really positive to mention about the Weber State football program this season. The Wildcats are 0-3 and now face the #1 team in I-AA in the Montana Grizzlies in Missoula, Mont. The Grizzlies have already disposed of one Utah team in SUU, and should equally mop the floor with the Wildcats. The Grizzlies’ major stars this season have been QB Cole Bergquist who has passed for 596 yards, five touchdowns and an interception while completing 73 percent of his passes, and run for 117 yards and two more scores. Berqquist has been complimented in the backfield by Lex Hilliard who has amassed 330 yards and six touchdowns on 57 carries. As for the Wildcats, Bryant Eteuati remains Weber’s top performer as he’s snared 17 passes for 147 yards and a score. The Wildcats are not equipped to knock off the top team in the land, let alone on their home field, so I’ll take the Grizzlies in a 58-12 laugher.

On a positive note, my alma mater, Southern Utah University, has a bye so it’s impossible for the Thunderbirds to lose. They must travel to Montana State the following week, so that will be difficult.

(SALINA) – The Salina Fire Department responded to a grass fire Friday afternoon. At 2:45pm, crews headed up to an area known as The Gap on BLM land northeast of the old slaughter house. The fire had already consumed five acres and it took crews about four hours to completely douse the blaze. The fire department said the fire was most likely human-caused. No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported. The fire department along with Sevier County Deputies also responded to a house fire Saturday at about 6pm at 10 South State in Redmond. Keith Johnson had apparently switched his furnace on and then left his home. When he returned about an hour later, his house was filled with smoke. The fire department determined the smoke came from faulty wiring inside the furnace. No other damage occurred to the residence.