PAC-12 Preseason Football Rankings
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Week Zero is here. While there are no PAC-12 teams in action, I am going to get a head start on the upcoming season. Every Monday (except next week), I will look at where each PAC-12 team stands and do my best to re-rank them based on their collective body of work. This week will look a little different. My power rankings are going to take a look at where I think each team currently stands as the season begins. Let’s get started….
#1: Boise State
The Broncos are coming off of three consecutive Mountain West championships and have a fair amount of talent returning. While this is a new conference, the Broncos have earned the right to be on top until proven otherwise. Boise State will have its hands full in week one as they travel to take on the #2 team in the nation, the Oregon Ducks. I’m a big fan of Boise State’s run game and think they will do an excellent job of controlling the game with elite play in the trenches.
#2: San Diego State
The Aztecs showed significant improvement in Sean Lewis’ second season as head coach. They were a tiebreaker away from playing for the conference championship and should be improved on the offensive side of the ball. There are some questions on the defensive side of the ball, as the secondary will look much different. But the Aztecs should have the best special teams unit in the PAC-12.
#3: Washington State
This team has the potential to compete for a conference championship if everything comes together. However, a new coaching staff and uncertainty at the quarterback position make this a dangerous pick. I think the Cougars will be an improved team this fall, and you could make a case that they may have upgraded at head coach.
#4: Fresno State
The Bulldogs were an improved squad last season under new head coach Matt Entz. Entz brings with him a physical style of football that will drive their opponents wild. The success of this team will likely come down to the play of its offensive line and quarterback, the weakest parts of last year’s team. We know the defense will be really good. The question is whether or not the offense will catch up.
#5: Utah State
The Aggies will have a familiar face at quarterback with McCae Hillstead taking over the reins after a brief hiatus at BYU. The former Aggie quarterback should thrive under the leadership of Bronco Mendenhall. We know the offense will be good; the question is whether or not the defense can be good enough to help them compete with the top teams in the conference.
#6: Texas State
The biggest unknown in the conference is the team in San Marcos, Texas. We know the Bobcats have elite players at quarterback and wide receiver, but the rest of the team is a bit of an unknown. I think this team will be good enough at the skill positions to make most games interesting, but I’m worried they will have a hard time competing in the trenches.
#7: Oregon State
New head coach JaMarcus Shepherd is inheriting a rebuild that will likely take some time. He has done a nice job of surrounding himself with quarterbacks with enough skill and talent to be competitive, but the defense and special teams are worrisome. The Beavers should be better than last season, but that won’t be good enough to compete with teams like Boise State.
#8: Colorado State
Jim Mora Jr. was an impressive hire. What he did during his brief stint at UConn seemed impossible, and it wouldn’t shock me if he turns things around in Fort Collins. However, this rebuild is going to take time, and this roster isn’t ready to compete with the heavyweights of the conference.
Where would you rank each PAC-12 team heading into the season? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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