Boise State and Colorado State lead the way

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The PAC-12 had another week of challenging games. However, some outstanding progress was made. Boise State, Oregon State, Washington State, Utah State, and San Diego State all played tough games. Most were competitive until late in the game and a few teams were even able to pull off impressive wins. The PAC-12 is firmly in the driver’s seat for the last spot in the College Football Playoff after Boise State’s big victory over Memphis. Oregon State looks like a legitimate threat to compete for a spot in the conference championship game and Colorado State appears to be one of the most improved teams in the nation. Last week, Boise State was able to keep the number one spot despite losing to Oregon. Were they able to hold on after Oregon’s shocking loss to Oklahoma State? Let’s find out in the week’s edition of the PAC-12 Power Rankings.

#1: Boise State (Last week #1)

It was a slow start for the Broncos, but a late first half run and some second half defensive adjustments allowed the Broncos to pull away and gain their first victory of the season. The defense definitely has a lot to improve on, but Boise State’s offensive line was outstanding. Memphis had been really good against the run heading into this game, but the Broncos were able to gash the Tigers. The Broncos finished the game with 357 yards rushing, led by Dylan Riley’s 206 yards.

#2: Colorado State (Last week #2)

The Rams look like an offensive juggernaut and appear to have found an elite quarterback in Hauss Hejny. Hejny has been spectacular through two games and accounted for 410 yards of total offense this week. I’m still not sure what to think about this defense, though. They gave up a lot of yards to Southern Utah and haven’t really faced a good offense yet. But there is no denying this is an improved football team. It will be interesting to see how they compete against BYU this weekend.

#3: Oregon State (Last week #5)

They say close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. The Beavers will be sure to look back at this game against Texas Tech and view it as a game that they should have won. The Beavers had an excellent chance to win this football game until a controversial offensive pass interference call stalled the Beavers drive. This team is dangerous, and Braden Atkinson has been the best quarterback in the conference through two weeks.

#4: San Diego State (Last week #3)

The Aztecs take a step back after an impressive offensive showing against an FCS squad last week. This season was oddly familiar and they reminded me a lot of the Aztec teams that have infuriated fans in recent seasons. It was pretty clear that head coach Sean Lewis has little confidence in starting quarterback Jayden Denegal. Denegal completed only 6 of 17 passes for 45 yards. Those numbers aren’t going to cut it. It will be interesting to see how Lewis approaches the quarterback position moving forward.

#5: Fresno State (Last week # 7)

The Bulldogs did what they needed to do. They looked significantly better on the defensive side of the ball, cleaned things up in the secondary, and absolutely dominated a team that has no business being on the same field as them. It was an outstanding showing by the Bulldogs who have a schedule that shapes up nicely for a run up the power rankings.

#6: Washington State (Last Week #4)

Last week I felt pretty good about the Cougars after a close loss to Washington in the Apple Cup. But now we saw the Huskies nearly lose to Utah State and the Cougars were demolished by a mediocre Kansas State team. I was skeptical of Kirby Moore hiring Matt Miller as the offensive coordinator after Miller’s less than stellar performance as the wide receiver coach at Boise State. Now it just looks like a matter of time before Moore will have to take over play calling duties.

#7: Utah State (Last week #8)

A week after a shocking loss to an FCS team in Idaho State, the Aggies nearly pulled off a massive upset against a ranked Washington Huskies squad. Utah State is a much different team than last year. They don’t have a player like Bryson Barnes that can put the team on his shoulders. However, the defense has improved dramatically and is doing enough to give the Aggies a chance to win these football games. If Bronco Mendenhall and his coaching staff can figure out how to get the offense clicking, the Aggies should keep moving up the power rankings.

#8: Texas State (Last week #6)

The Bobcats had every chance to win this game and couldn’t pull it out late. Despite outgaining the Roadrunners, the Bobcats could not get out of their own way. It is really hard to win football games when you lose the turnover battle. Brad Jackson was expected to be the best quarterback in the PAC-12 and has been less than impressive in the early part of the season. This team is too talented to keep playing this way; I expect them to bounce back, but they have a lot to clean up.

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