University Star

What’s Hot:

• Utah State University—Utah State (6-2) is 2-1 in conference play and has beaten their last two opponents by a total of 90-34 (at San Jose State University, vs. New Mexico State University). The team’s two losses came against previously ranked Brigham Young University and University of Wisconsin, both on the road.


• Louisiana Tech University’s offense—The Bulldogs have dominated their opponents with the ball in their hands all season long ranking third nationally in total offense with 581 yards per game. The team’s lowest point total so far this season came in a win (44-38) at the University of Virginia. They have scored over 58 points in their last three contests, including running up 70 points most recently on the University of Idaho.


• WAC offensive standouts- Five of the conference quarterbacks rank among the top 23 in the nation in completion percentage, while three of them rank among the top eight. San Jose State’s David Fales ranks second, Louisiana Tech’s Colby Cameron is fifth, and Texas State University’s Shaun Rutherford comes in at eighth. Four WAC running backs rank among the top 23 in rushing yards. Furthermore, New Mexico State University’s Austin Franklin ranks third best in receiving yards (826) and Louisiana Tech’s Quinton Patton has 806 yards, tied for fifth best.

What’s Not:

• University of Texas-San Antonio—The Roadrunners turned some heads starting the season 5-0 with a majority of their wins coming in routs, including a 35-14 victory over conference foe New Mexico State. Since their win three weeks ago, they have lost games to Rice University and WAC member San Jose State. Rice beat UTSA 34-14, while San Jose State roughed up the Roadrunners 52-24.


• WAC scheduling—Since the WAC had to put pieces together prior to the 2012 season getting underway, the conference has had trouble adjusting regionally. Texas State may have drawn the short stick with four road games in a six week span including trips to San Jose, CA, Utah and Annapolis, MD. Overall, conference members are 3-5 in WAC road games.


• New Mexico State—The Aggies have lost six straight games after winning their season opener over Sacramento State University 49-19. Four of their next five games are against teams of winning records. Louisiana Tech is their next opponent, ranked 24th in the latest poll by the Associated Press. New Mexico State is sitting at 103rd in the country in points allowed per game (34.3).

Twitter: @jbrewer32