The team was led by first year head coach Nick Rolovich, who replaced Norm Chow.

With their 52–16 loss to Boise State on November 12, the team clinched their sixth straight losing regular season, a new school record.

However, with a 14–13 victory over Fresno State the following week, they won their fourth conference game, their most since joining the Mountain West.

Calling the game for ESPN: Allen Bestwick, Mike Bellotti (from Bristol) and Fox Sports Australia's NRL host Warren Smith (live on-site).

On the call for CBS Sports Network: Rich Waltz, Eric Davis, and Cassie McKinney.