Anonymous | Posted: 10 Nov 2002 | Updated: 10 Nov 2002

Bowl Hopes Still Alive

PROVO -- With its 35-31 win over Wyoming on Saturday, the Cougars (5-5, 2-3) remain in strong contention for one of the Mountain West Conference's four post-season bowl opportunities.

Two MWC teams have already achieved the required six wins to become bowl-eligible, including Colorado State (8-2, 4-0) and Air Force (7-3, 3-2). Three additional teams are still alive, while San Diego State (3-7, 3-2), Utah (3-6, 1-4) and Wyoming (2-8, 1-4) have been eliminated from post-season bowl consideration.

The Cougars have won five games on the season, and with two games remaining, BYU must win one of its final two games. BYU will play host to New Mexico on Saturday, and will travel to Utah on Nov. 23 for the season finale.

New Mexico is also very much alive in the bowl hunt. The Lobos, like BYU, are also 5-5 on the season. However, with a 13-game schedule, they must win two of their final three games. New Mexico plays at BYU on Saturday, at Colorado State on Nov. 23 and will wrap-up the regular-season on Nov. 30 in Albuquerque against Wyoming.

Needing to win each of its remaining games, UNLV has its proverbial back against the wall. UNLV (4-6, 2-3) must win out in order to qualify for a bowl invitation. The Rebels will host Air Force on Saturday and will travel to Colorado State on Nov. 30 to conclude the regular season.

The winner of the Mountain West Conference will travel to Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 31 to take on the Conference USA champion in the Liberty Bowl.

The Las Vegas Bowl will have second choice among the league's bowl-eligible teams. The MWC selection will face the Pac-10's fifth selection. The game will be played at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas on Christmas Day.

The third MWC selection will travel to the first-ever San Francisco Bowl on Dec. 31. The Mountain West selection will face a Big East opponent at Pac Bell Park.

Finally, a fourth MWC selection will travel to the second-annual Seattle Bowl, facing a sixth selection from the ACC. The game will be played at the new Seahawk Stadium on Dec. 30.