Here is what happened outside the friendly confines of Bronco Nation:
The most interesting score of the weekend
South Florida 32, Nevada 31
After beating Cal at Cal last week, the Wolf Pack returned home for what was likely its toughest test until December (vs. Boise State). A win over the Bulls, and Nevada would be well on its way to 11-0 and BCS busting and strength-of-schedule boosting.
That was the way the press box reporters were writing it until, with 38 seconds left in the game, USF quarterback B.J. Daniels connected on a 56-yard touchdown pass for the lead and the win. Cody Fajardo (the MW's OPOY to date?) had over 400 total yards in the loss.
Other results
No. 17 Michigan 31, Air Force 25
For all intents and purposes (and by virtue of losing a team's worth of starters), Air Force was supposed to be awful this season. Then what were they doing within a six points of the Wolverines at the Big House? One theory is that Michigan is worse than anyone else thought. Another theory is that Air Force is near impossible to prepare for. And with the latter in mind, my stomach and I are glad the Broncos don't play the Falcons this season.
No. 10 Michigan State 41, Central Michigan 7
The Spartans have still not given up an offensive touchdown this season. Maybe Notre Dame will have better luck next week. (Ha!)
Miami (OH) 30, Southern Illinois 14
Take what you will from this one in your game prep for the RedHawks coming to Boise this week. But know that SoIll is not the best barometer for judging a future opponent.
San Diego State 42, Army 7
After hanging within the vicinity of the Washington Huskies last week, SDSU blew the doors off Army this week. It's possible that the Aztecs are not hurting as badly las people thought they would after losing Ryan Lindley, Ronnie Hillman, et al.
Northern Arizona 17, UNLV 14
Texas 45, New Mexico 0
Forget what I said last week about the bottom of the MW being better.
(And on a personal note: There goes my eliminator season. Week Two! What a world!)
North Dakota State 22, Colorado State 7
It was not the best weekend for the Mountain West. The Rams, coming off a win over Pac-12 Colorado, were the second team to lose to an FCS squad. Throw in Fresno's loss to Oregon and Wyoming's loss to Toledo, and the only MW team to get a W this week was San Diego State. Craig Thompson might be a danger to himself today.
Bowling Green 21, Idaho 13
Hehe.
Your turn
What results did you notice this weekend? What scores stood out? Share your thoughts in the comments.