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Mountain West Media Days: Matt Entz

Mountain West Media Days: Coaches and Players Set the Tone for an Exciting 2023 Season

LAS VEGAS – The neon lights of Las Vegas provided a fitting backdrop for the Mountain West Conference's annual media days, where coaches, players, and league officials gathered to preview what promises to be a competitive and unpredictable 2023 college football season. Held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the event buzzed with optimism, strategic insights, and a healthy dose of rivalry banter. With conference realignment shaking up the college football landscape, the Mountain West finds itself in a position of both opportunity and challenge, as teams vie for national relevance amid the shifting sands of power conferences.

Commissioner Gloria Nevarez kicked off the proceedings with a state-of-the-conference address that emphasized resilience and growth. "The Mountain West has always been about punching above our weight," Nevarez declared, highlighting the league's recent successes, including Boise State's consistent bowl appearances and Fresno State's upset victories over Power Five opponents. She addressed the elephant in the room: the potential for further realignment, with rumors swirling about Pac-12 schools possibly eyeing the Mountain West or vice versa. Nevarez assured attendees that the conference is proactive, exploring expansion options while focusing on enhancing media rights deals and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities for athletes. "We're not just surviving; we're thriving," she said, pointing to increased television exposure through partnerships with CBS Sports Network and Fox Sports.

The spotlight then shifted to the coaches, each bringing their unique perspectives on team preparations, roster changes, and seasonal goals. Boise State head coach Andy Avalos, entering his third year, expressed confidence in his squad's ability to reclaim the conference title after a disappointing 2022 campaign. "We've got a chip on our shoulder," Avalos said. "Losing the championship game last year stung, but it fueled our offseason work." He praised quarterback Taylen Green, a dual-threat talent who threw for over 2,000 yards last season, and highlighted a revamped defense led by edge rusher Demetri Washington. Avalos also touched on the importance of mental toughness, noting how the team incorporated sports psychology sessions to handle the pressures of high-stakes games. Boise State's schedule includes non-conference matchups against Washington and UCF, which Avalos sees as crucial tests. "Those games will show us where we stand nationally," he added.

Fresno State, coming off a 10-win season and a Hawaii Bowl victory, was represented by head coach Jeff Tedford, who returned to the sidelines after a brief retirement. Tedford, a veteran with a proven track record, discussed the Bulldogs' potent offense, anchored by quarterback Jake Haener's successor, Mikey Keene, a transfer from UCF. "Mikey brings experience and poise," Tedford explained. "Our receiving corps is deep, with guys like Jalen Moreno-Cropper ready to step up." On defense, Tedford emphasized physicality, crediting coordinator Kevin Coyle for instilling a aggressive scheme that led the conference in sacks last year. Tedford also addressed the team's motivation after being overlooked in preseason polls. "We thrive as underdogs," he said, referencing their upset of UCLA in 2021. Fresno State's media day contingent included players like running back Jordan Mims, who spoke about the team's camaraderie. "We're a family here. That bond translates to the field," Mims shared.

San Diego State head coach Brady Hoke brought a no-nonsense approach, focusing on the Aztecs' trademark defense. "We're going to stop the run and make teams one-dimensional," Hoke asserted. He highlighted safety Patrick McMorris and linebacker Caden McDonald as key pieces in a unit that allowed the fewest points in the conference last season. Offensively, Hoke is optimistic about quarterback Jalen Mayden, who stepped in mid-season last year and showed flashes of brilliance. "Jalen's growth has been tremendous," Hoke said. The coach also discussed the impact of NIL deals, noting how they've helped retain talent in a competitive recruiting environment. San Diego State's players, including wide receiver Jesse Matthews, echoed Hoke's sentiments, emphasizing preparation for rivalry games against Fresno State and Hawaii. "Those are the games that define our season," Matthews said.

One of the more intriguing storylines emerged from Utah State, where head coach Blake Anderson is rebuilding after the departure of several key players. Anderson, known for his innovative offensive schemes, introduced new quarterback Cooper Legas as the heir apparent to Logan Bonner. "Cooper's arm strength and decision-making are elite," Anderson praised. The Aggies, who won the conference in 2021, are looking to bounce back from a 6-7 record last year. Anderson stressed the importance of a strong offensive line, which he bolstered through the transfer portal. Defensively, coordinator Ephraim Banda has implemented a more aggressive blitz package to create turnovers. Utah State players like safety Ike Larsen discussed the team's underdog mentality. "We're not getting the hype, but that's fine. We'll let our play do the talking," Larsen said.

Air Force, under the steady guidance of head coach Troy Calhoun, continues to embody discipline and precision. Calhoun, a fixture in the conference, highlighted the Falcons' triple-option offense, led by fullback Brad Roberts, who rushed for over 1,700 yards last season. "Our system is timeless," Calhoun said. "It's about execution and teamwork." He also addressed the unique challenges of coaching at a service academy, where academics and military commitments add layers of complexity. Air Force's schedule includes a marquee game against Navy, which Calhoun described as "more than just football – it's tradition." Players like quarterback Haaziq Daniels spoke about the pride of representing the academy. "Every snap is for something bigger than ourselves," Daniels noted.

UNLV head coach Barry Odom, a recent hire from Arkansas, brought fresh energy to the Rebels' program. Odom, with his SEC experience, is focused on instilling a winning culture in Las Vegas. "We're building from the ground up," he said, pointing to quarterback Doug Brumfield as a dynamic leader. Odom emphasized recruiting local talent and leveraging the city's appeal. "Vegas is a destination – we can attract top players," he asserted. Defensively, Odom plans to implement a scheme that forces mistakes, drawing from his time as Missouri's defensive coordinator. UNLV players, including wideout Kyle Williams, expressed excitement about the new direction. "Coach Odom's intensity is contagious," Williams said.

Wyoming's Craig Bohl, one of the conference's elder statesmen, reflected on his team's gritty style. "We're a blue-collar team," Bohl said. "We win in the trenches." He praised running back Titus Swen and a stout defense that ranked highly in rushing yards allowed. Bohl also discussed the Cowboys' non-conference slate, including a trip to Texas, as opportunities for exposure. "Playing Power Five teams elevates our program," he noted.

Hawaii head coach Timmy Chang, a former Rainbow Warriors quarterback, is in his second year and focused on cultural revival. "We're embracing our island roots," Chang said, highlighting quarterback Brayden Schager's development. The team's remote location poses travel challenges, but Chang sees it as a strength. "It builds resilience," he explained.

Nevada's Ken Wilson addressed his team's rebuild after a tough 2022. "We're young, but hungry," Wilson said, spotlighting transfer quarterback Brendon Lewis.

San Jose State's Brent Brennan emphasized speed and athleticism, with quarterback Chevan Cordeiro as the centerpiece. "Chevan's a playmaker," Brennan said.

Colorado State's Jay Norvell discussed integrating new transfers and building depth. "Consistency is key," he noted.

New Mexico's Danny Gonzales focused on defensive improvements. "We're turning the corner," he asserted.

Throughout the event, themes of adaptability, player development, and conference pride resonated. Players shared personal stories, from overcoming injuries to navigating NIL landscapes. As the day wrapped, the consensus was clear: the Mountain West is poised for parity, with any team capable of emerging as champion. With kickoff just weeks away, the excitement in Las Vegas was palpable – a prelude to what could be the conference's most thrilling season yet.

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