BYU- 27 Utah State- 24
Once again the Aggies proved their inability to close out games that come down to the wire. Then again, playing in Utah, is a challenge within itself. Utah State led 24-13 early in the fourth quarter but memories of their heartbreaking opening day loss to Auburn became reality and the Cougars rallied behind second string quarterback Riley Nelson, who threw for two fourth quarter touchdowns, including one with 11 seconds remaining. The in-state rivalry would go BYU’s way and Utah State remains winless against FBS competition.
Boise State- 30
Nevada- 10
Former Bronco kicker Kyle Brotzman wasn’t in the picture this go-around and another Wolf Pack upset of the nation’s No. 4 team wasn’t in order. The hosts held Nevada scoreless through three quarters and allowed them 182 total offensive yards. Heisman finalist Kellen Moore didn’t convince anyone why he deserves this year’s trophy as the senior quarterback threw for 182 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Nevada, who were 4-0 at this point last year, are 1-3 after week five and face two more Mountain West teams before continuing their WAC season.
San Jose State- 38 Colorado State- 31
The Spartans may be the dark horse of the WAC this season and running back Brandon Rutley has contributed in a big way to the SJSU uprising. The Rams would overcome a 24-7 second quarter deficit thanks to quarterback Pete Thomas who threw for three touchdowns and rushed for another. After CSU tied it up at 31-31 with 11:33 remaining in the fourth quarter, neither team scored for 11 minutes, when quarterback Matt Faulkner connected with Jabari Carr for a 38-yard touchdowns pass, setting up SJSU with their second win of the year.
New Mexico State- 42 New Mexico- 28
The battle for the Maloof Trophy ended in favor of the Aggies for the third year in a row but the Rio Grande rivalry was much less competitive Saturday then it was last year, when NMSU won by 14. Aggie quarterback Matt Christian became the obvious hero in Albuquerque, passing for four touchdowns, 296 yards and zero interceptions. Three of Christian’s touchdown passes came in the first quarter, when the Aggies built a 21-0 lead. Despite outscoring their rivals 28-21 in the second, third and fourth quarters, the Lobos wouldn’t be able to overcome NMSU’s early cushion.
Hawaii- 44 La. Tech- 26
The pre-season WAC favorites and quarterback Bryant Moniz racked up almost 500 yards of total offense Saturday in Ruston, proving why they may be the only WAC team worthy of a bowl berth. Moniz threw for 410 yards and four touchdown passes while La. Tech true freshman Nick Isham went for 305 passing yards, threw for three touchdowns and rushed for one. The Bulldogs turned the ball over three times, and Hawaii returned both a fumble and interception for touchdowns.
Ole Miss- 38 Fresno State- 28
Fresno State suffered their third consecutive non-conference loss, falling to their SEC opponent despite carrying a 28-27 lead into the fourth quarter. Jeff Scott of Ole Miss would respond with nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and a two-point conversion gave the Rebels a 35-28 lead. Fresno State’s offense was unable to answer and kicker Kevin Goessling missed a 49-yarder, putting the ball back in the Rebels’ hands with under a minute left. With the loss Fresno State falls to 2-3 and host No. 4 Boise State next weekend.