Pac-12 football power rankings: Where teams stand with conference play starting
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The first introduction of the new Pac-12 is complete.
All eight teams in the revamped league finished their nonconference part of the schedule, and even though it went a collective 15-17 in the first four weeks of the season, there was still plenty to be happy about. The Pac-12 has a strong lead to be the Group of Six representative for the College Football Playoff and features some high quality young talent becoming big stars.
With the first conference games next on the schedule, here is where every Pac-12 team stands as the chase to the league title gets underway.
1. Boise State (3-1)
Last week ranking: 1 (↔️)
Week 4 result: Win vs. Western Michigan, 32-7
What to know: By easily taking down Western Michigan, Boise State successfully navigated the noconference slate by making themselves the heavy favorite for the CFP spot, even though they aren't undefeated. The Pac-12 is Boise State’s to lose, and it'll be tough to slow down Dylan Riley.
Up next: vs. Utah State
2. Oregon State (2-2)
Last week ranking: 3 (⬆️1)
Week 4 result: Win vs. UTEP, 33-7
What to know: The prolific Beavers offense hasn’t skipped a beat, earning its first road and FBS victory of the season in comfortable fashion against UTEP. Braden Atkinson and Jesse Legree may be the best quarterback-receiving duo in the West Coast, and can make a great run at winning the conference.
Up next: at Colorado State
3. Fresno State (3-1)
Last week ranking: Win vs. Rice, 38-24
Week 4 result: 4 (⬆️1)
What to know: Now the Bulldogs match the identity of what’s expected in Fresno, outscoring Rice 24-7 in the second half for a third straight win after the offense was starting to look troubling. The running game is becoming a real strength alongside Jayden Mandal.
Up next: at Washington State
4. Colorado State (2-2)
Last week ranking: 2 (⬇️2)
Week 4 result: Loss vs. UTSA, 59-45
What to know: The Rams burst out of the gates against UTSA with touchdowns on the opening kickoff and one offensive play. Then the Roadrunners scored 35 straight points and made life a nightmare for the Colorado State defense, giving up 59 points in the loss. While the defense is giving up 34.3 points per game (129th), it has to be encouraging to see K’Saan Farrar step up in place of Hauss Hejny at quarterback.
Up next: vs. Oregon State
5. Texas State (2-2)
Last week ranking: 6 (⬆️1)
Week 4 result: Win vs. Incarnate World, 63-10
What to know: It took a couple of weeks, but Texas State’s offense is living up to the billing after a 63-10 win over Incarnate Word. Brad Jackson threw all five touchdown passes in the first half to up his total to 10 this season, in the top 15 of the country, giving great momentum as conference play begins.
Up next: at San Diego State
6. Washington State (1-3)
Last week ranking: 5 (⬇️1)
Week 4 result: Loss vs. Arizona, 34-24
What to know: An old Pac-12 foe got the best of Wazzu with Arizona coming back from a halftime deficit thanks to the arm of Noah Fifita. The defense is starting to crack and that's a bad sign for an offense that is still having growing pains under Caden Pinnick, and the running game hasn’t been able to step up.
Up next: vs. Fresno State
7. San Diego State (1-3)
Last week ranking: 7 (↔️)
Week 4 result: Loss vs. Toledo, 41-16
What to know: After leading San Diego State to nine wins last season, a down year is in store for Sean Lewis after the Aztecs fell on the road for a third straight loss. The Rockets torched the SDSU defense for 34 straight points as the Aztec offense has been quiet, averaging just 13 points per game during the losing streak, among the worst in FBS in the stretch.
Up next: vs. Texas State
8. Utah State (1-3)
Last week ranking: 8 (↔️)
Week 4 result: Win vs. Troy, 21-10
What to know: Celebrations are going on in Logan, Utah after the Aggies got their first win of the season, an impressive one against a quality Sun Belt team in Troy. Despite two turnovers, the offense finally did just enough for a defense that has been mostly solid so far, which picked off Goose Crowder three times, including two in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Up next: at Boise State
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pac-12 football power rankings: Where teams stand with conference play starting
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