BYU, Utah Utes football: MWC coaches evaluate squads

The Mountain West Conference is coming off of its best football season ever, with five teams playing in bowl games and three ending the year ranked in the top 25 — headlined by the top-10 finishes by Utah and TCU.

But that's in the past, as the league looks ahead to the 2009 campaign.

As spring football practices wind down around the MWC, the conference's nine coaches participated in a teleconference Tuesday to discuss the state of their respective programs.

Here's a report from each MWC team:

AIR FORCE

2008 record: 8-5, 5-3

2008 conference finish: 4th

2008 final AP ranking: NR

2009 nonconference games: vs. Nicholls State, at Minnesota, at Navy, vs. Army

Second-year coach Troy Calhoun dealt with last year's MWC freshman of the year, quarterback Tim Jefferson, being sidelined for most of spring ball for academic reasons. Another freshman from last season, Asher Clark, who played quarterback in high school, moved back to QB to compete with Jefferson.

Calhoun said Jefferson's absence "opened the door to develop depth" on the team. Another sophomore emerged during spring, sophomore Connor Dietz. The battle for the QB job will resume during fall camp in August.

BYU

2008 record: 10-3, 6-2

2008 conference finish: 3rd

2008 final AP ranking: No. 21

2009 nonconference games: vs. Oklahoma, at Tulane, vs. Florida State, vs. Utah State

Coach Bronco Mendenhall was pleased with the way spring went for his team, knowing that he must replace the school's all-time leading receiver, Austin Collie, and four starters from the offensive line.

Running back Manase Tonga, who missed last season due to academic issues, is "on track" to rejoin the team soon, Mendenhall said. Tonga's status won't be known until next week, when his academic status is verified.

There are still questions on the defensive side, too, particularly in the secondary. Starting cornerback Brandon Howard likely won't return this fall due to ongoing personal issues, Mendenhall said.

COLORADO STATE

2008 record: 7-6, 4-4