Since the Mountain West’s last realignment in 2013, a handful of games have risen above the rest, not just for their scores but for the way they swung momentum in an instant. The author built an Excitement Index that tracks large swings in win probability, then refined it to consider context such as conference play and bowl settings, ultimately ranking only those contests where a Mountain West team emerged victorious.
How the Index Was Adjusted
The raw index runs on a 0‑1.5 scale, but the author applied a contextual multiplier to reflect the significance of a game’s stage. This adjustment rewards matchups that feature dramatic lead changes, high‑stakes implications or extraordinary performances, ensuring that a simple close score does not automatically translate to the highest ranking.
At the top of the list, Hawai’i’s 35‑31 comeback over Cal in the 2025 Hawai’i Bowl stands out. The Rainbow Warriors erased a deficit by scoring 22 points in the final quarter, producing an Excitement Index of 7.6 and an adjusted score of 0.880. The victory marked the largest comeback in Hawai’i Bowl history and showcased a resilient offensive surge that defined the game’s narrative.
Not far behind, the 2015 Conference Championship clash between San Diego State and Air Force delivered a back‑and‑forth battle that saw all nine scoring drives either take the lead or tie the contest. With an Excitement Index of 7 and an adjusted score of 0.904, the game remains a benchmark for competitive parity in the league.
Boise State’s 35‑32 win over North Texas in the 2022 Frisco Bowl illustrates how individual brilliance can amplify a game’s drama. Running back Ashton Jeanty erupted for 178 rushing yards on 28 carries, turning a modest lead into a decisive advantage. The match posted an Excitement Index of 7.7 and an adjusted score of 0.912, underscoring the impact of a breakout performance.
Special teams added another layer of unpredictability in the 2024 LA Bowl, where UNLV edged Cal 24‑13. A fake punt and a pivotal punt return shifted field position at critical moments, contributing to an Excitement Index of 7.1 and an adjusted score of 0.914. The game highlighted how unconventional plays can alter the trajectory of a contest.
Colorado State’s 16‑13 victory over Utah State in a 2014 regular‑season showdown demonstrated late‑game composure. A 12‑play, seven‑minute drive culminated in a field goal that tied the game, delivering an Excitement Index of 10 and an adjusted score of 0.915. The drive is still cited as a model of clock management and precision.
Fresno State’s 33‑27 triumph over Houston in the 2017 Hawai’i Bowl featured a daring onside kick recovery that snapped a decade‑long bowl drought. The play helped the Bulldogs secure an Excitement Index of 7.9 and an adjusted score of 0.926, cementing the game’s place in conference lore.
The 2019 Hawai’i Bowl delivered a dramatic finish when Hawai’i quarterback Cole McDonald threw for a career‑high 493 yards and four touchdowns in a 35‑34 win over BYU. The performance generated an Excitement Index of 9.11 and an adjusted score of 0.980, reflecting both the high‑scoring nature and the quarterback’s clutch display.
Nevada’s defensive masterclass in the 2018 Arizona Bowl limited Arkansas State to just seven points despite five red‑zone trips, paving the way for a 16‑13 upset. The game’s Excitement Index of 9.34 and adjusted score of 1.02 illustrate how a stifling defense can create excitement even in a low‑scoring affair.
Rounding out the selection, Fresno State’s 19‑16 victory over Boise State in the 2018 Conference Championship unfolded under deteriorating weather, eventually turning into a snow‑laden contest. The back‑and‑forth scoring produced an Excitement Index of 8.52 and an adjusted score of 1.09, encapsulating the raw drama that defines Mountain West football.