TGIF (time)

 Yes, thank goodness it’s football time. Finally - here at last, here at last.

 Without question, this season is the most important in the 10-year existence of Mountain West football. One way or the other, disaster or deserved respect is coming.

 As Kyle Whittingham profoundly said on DJ and PK during the 7 a.m. hour Thursday, respect is earned and not given. Considering that Utah, TCU and BYU each has a decent non-conference schedule, it’s now or never for the MWC to increase its stock nationally.

 All the second-tier bowl wins are nice, but they are not good enough to garner respect beyond MWC borders. For the conference to grow, and maybe gain an automatic BCS berth, the better teams need to beat name non-conference opponents.

 If the big three fail to win big games, all the Las Vegas Bowl championships in the world won’t change a thing.

 It’s all in place this year. Now go do it.

Northern Iowa at BYU

 First off, I’ve got no problem with the Cougars playing a 1-AA opponent – this time. A steady diet, given an already easy conference slate, won’t work.

 Like the entire world, I expect BYU to win comfortably. Thanks to Applachian State’s stunner over Michigan last season, no I-A team will ever take the smaller schools lightly.

 With Washington and UCLA ahead the following two weeks, I expect BYU to keep it simple Saturday. Unless the game is close, there’s no need unveil a halfback pass or fancy blitzing packages.

 But I do anticipate seeing Austin Collie at quarterback for at least a series worth of plays. I believe coach Bronco Mendenhall is intent on putting the star receiver in the backfield.

 The other two things to watch for are the running backs and defensive backs.

 BYU has got to fine another runner to go along with Harvey Unga and Fui Vakapuna. Look for J.J. DiLuigi and Wayne Latu to get several reps.

 As long as the two starters stay healthy, BYU’s ground attack should succeed. I also think it’s time for Latu to make a splash.

  I’m eager to see cornerbacks Scott Johnson and Brandon Howard play, along with reserves G Pittman and Brandon Bradley. We’ve heard that Northern Iowa quarterback Patrick Grace has a strong arm.

 I’ve got no concerns about BYU’s defensive line and linebackers.

 BYU 42, Northern Iowa 17

 Utah at Michigan

  Congratulations, coach Whittingham. Anybody who agrees to play at Michigan without a return game deserves my respect.

 As we’ve said all week long on 1320 KFAN, Michigan is ripe to lose. History shows that Rich Rodriguez needs a season to get his system in place before his programs take off.

 One thing that scares me is Whittingham’s teams usually play better as big underdogs. The last thing the Utes need to hear is Michigan isn’t ready.

 Rating both sides of the ball, I’d give Utah a strong edge on offense and Michigan the nod on defense. To take the heat off Brian Johnson, the Utes must be able to run the ball against Michigan’s powerful front seven.

 The match-up of Utah’s defense against Michigan’s offense is advantage Utes. I’d be disappointed if the Utes allow more than two touchdowns on defense.

 If the Utes have two or more turnovers, they are doomed. It the miscues are one or none, I’m going with the visitors. Utah 17, Michigan 10

Utah State at UNLV

 I just don’t see it for the Aggies, who simply have too many question marks on offense. No proven runners or quarterbacks doesn’t bode well for success.

 Like Brent Guy, UNLV’s Mike Sanford is in survival mode. I’ve seen nothing out of the Rebels to indicate Sanford returns next season.

 But at least the Rebels have something to work with at quarterback and running back. I don’t see one of the MWC’s two biggest underachieving programs – along with San Diego State – losing to the Aggies at home.

 Before a crowd of maybe 17,000, I say: UNLV 20, USU 10