Pac-12 football power rankings: Boise State clearly No. 1, but then what?
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Pac-12 football 2.0 has arrived.
The conference has been restored with its eight football members beginning the new era, all trying to take that next step in their program while trying to bring the Pac-12 back to relevance.
However, it wasn't a stellar debut for the league with a 2-6 mark in Week 1. There were plenty of blowouts and tough losses scattered around. However, within those defeats, a true contender emerged, and that's why a team that didn't even win its season-opener already has taken the top spot in the reimagined Pac-12.
1. Boise State (0-1)
Week 1 result: Loss vs. No. 2 Oregon, 34-27
What to know: No. 1 after a loss? You better believe it. The Broncos went into Autzen Stadium and nearly took down a national championship contender. It showed Boise State can compete with some of the best in the country, putting it at the forefront for a Group of Six College Football Playoff spot despite not winning. The Week 2 game against Memphis will be for the lead in the G6 race.
Up next: vs. Memphis
2. Colorado State (1-0)
Week 1 result: Win vs. Wyoming, 35-13
What to know: The Jim Mora era begins with a resounding win over the rival Cowboys to get the Bronze Boot. Former Oklahoma State quarterback Hauss Hejny looks comfortable in his new home after throwing five touchdowns. Now the Rams are on track to match last season's win total in just two games.
Up next: vs. Southern Utah
3. San Diego State (1-0)
Week 1 result: Win vs. Portland State, 53-20
What to know: It was a slow start, but the Aztecs made up for it with a 33-point win that featured the most points it has scored since 2016. Quarterback Jayden Denegal looked like he may have taken a critical step forward. Now coach Sean Lewis tries to get his first 2-0 start at San Deigo State with a trip up Interstate 5.
Up next: at UCLA
4. Washington State (0-1)
Week 1 result: Loss vs. No. 19 Washington, 24-10
What to know: Yes, the Cougars offense struggled and it lost the Apple Cup, but it certainly frustrated the Huskies to leave a bad taste in their mouth. There's potential in Wazzu if it can clean up the mistakes as it gets back on the road again.
Up next: at Kansas State
5. Oregon State (0-1)
Week 1 result: Loss vs. No. 24 Houston, 33-20
What to know: After a dismal 2025, maybe JaMarcus Shephard can be the guy to bring winning back in Corvallis. The Beavers showed tremendous fight against the Cougars, and nearly pulled off an impressive comeback in the fourth quarter. It's certainly a work in progress, but Oregon State looks like it could be better than thought.
Up next: vs. No. 12 Texas Tech
6. Texas State (0-1)
Week 1 result: Loss vs. No. 4 Texas, 59-7
What to know: One of the most electric offenses in the conference got shut down by the Longhorns. Quarterback Brad Jackson was kept in check in what was a disappointing outing, but this game probably says more about Texas than it does the Bobcats.
Up next: vs. UTSA
7. Fresno State (0-1)
Week 1 result: Loss vs. No. 14 Southern California, 39-0
What to know: Let's check how bad it was for Fresno State: the defense was ripped apart, it gave up two safeties, had just 56 yards of offense before its final drive and was shutout in the season-opener for the first time since 1944. Yikes. Time to completely wash away that one.
Up next: vs. Sacramento State
8. Utah State (0-1)
Week 1 result: Loss vs. Idaho State, 29-17
What to know: The Aggies were one of three FBS teams to lose to FCS competition, and it was ugly all around. Despite outgaining Idaho State 407 yards to 241, four interceptions doomed Utah State, as neither McCae Hillstead or Grady Brosterhous looked worthy of starting. This was the best chance at victory in a tough nonconference schedule, making it look like a real bad year is in store for Bronco Mendenhall.
Up next: at No. 19 Washington
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pac-12 football power rankings: Boise State clearly No. 1, but then what?
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