With the 2016 College Football Season due to begin, there are many squads that will be scrapping it out for the Mountain West Conference championship. Here are our insights on the top Mountain West Conference favorites to win, along with our best play for the conference dark horse. The betting odds to win the Mountain West Conference this season have been provided by BetOnline.

BOISE STATE +140

We can sing Boise State’s praises for all they have achieved in recent history. The Broncos have won three Fiesta Bowls and their first accolade in this venue came as the role of a giant killer when they took down Oklahoma in 2007 in epic fashion. The markets are astute to the achievements of Boise State and the price is not all too friendly. The price reflects Boise State’s namesake as they are the most distinguished unit to put mid-major football on the map. However, Boise State finished runner-up to the Mountain Division in 2015 yet they are forecasted as a substantial favorite to win this conference outright this season. We recommend staying off as a premium is likely assessed in wagering on this outfit.

SAN DIEGO STATE +275

San Diego State has a target on its back as the defending MWC champ. As it has been perceived in many instances it is hard to repeat as champion. With respect to this narrative, it may be easier to find value elsewhere. Nevertheless, the Aztecs feature a truly gifted running back in Donnel Pumphrey. Pumphrey is a true workhorse, compiling over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 20 touchdowns in 2015. Teams have not been able to diagnose an approach to quell Pumphrey and with the Aztecs bringing him back in 2016 for his senior campaign, there is plenty of allure attached to this football team.

AIR FORCE +750

The Falcons offer a solid price given the fact Air Force won the Mountain Division last year and took down Boise State in the process, an outfit offered at a price nearly six times less. The Falcons have the recipe to succeed, they are one of the best rushing teams in America and sport a methodical and seemingly unstoppable option attack when operated appropriately. Air Force lost just four games in the regular season before they were lumped up in the post-season. There is hidden value in playing on this team.

FRESNO STATE +3300

The Men of the Valley have always employed a scrappy "Anyone, Anywhere" mentality and just because this team hit a down turn, does not mean they cannot emerge at any given point. Fresno State has been a household name associated with the term “BCS Buster” or “Non-Power Five Conference Contender”. The Bulldogs have cultivated a reputation of a hard-nose outfit that cannot be taken lightly and rightfully so. Fresno State won just three games in 2015 and thus expectations are low compared to years’ past. With the stock ever so low in Fresno State, we can’t help but marvel in how they have performed overall historically. At this price, Fresno State offers abundant upside from a hedge perspective.