What is the story about?
There's
a clear separation going on in the Pac-12. Will anyone be able to disrupt it?
Only two games were needed to establish the clear favorites in the conference, with Boise State and Oregon State not only looking like they are on a path to battle for the conference title, but possibly be the front-runners for the College Football Playoff Group of Six bid. It's made for an exciting time in the league, but not for the other six members trying to establish themselves as contenders.
Nearly every team is at the halfway point of their seasons. Here's what the Pac-12 power rankings stand after Week 6.
1. Boise State (5-1, 2-0)
- Last week ranking: 1 (↔️)
- Week 6 result: Win vs. Fresno State 38-31
- What to know: The Broncos got an early conference road test against Fresno State, and Dylan Riley powered his team to snap a three-game losing streak to its longtime foe. The good news is that was the last big road game for Boise State and it gets a week off right in the middle of the schedule.
- Up next: Bye
2. Oregon State (4-2, 2-0)
- Last week ranking: 2 (↔️)
- Week 6 result: Win vs. San Diego State 66-14
- What to know: Another victim has been claimed in the deadly attack of Braden Atkinson and Jesse Legree, with the duo leading the country in passing and receiving yards. During its four-game win streak, Oregon State is averaging a blistering 51.8 points per game.
- Up next: vs. Washingon State
3. Fresno State (4-2, 1-1)
- Last week ranking: 3 (↔️)
- Week 6 result: Loss vs. Boise State 38-31
- What to know: The Bulldogs couldn’t keep up with Boise State as the defense couldn’t stop one of the best rushing attacks in the country. The four-game win streak is snapped and it makes for a tough road to the conference title, but Fresno State remains in the hunt.
- Up next: at Fresno State
4. Texas State (2-3, 0-1)
- Last week ranking: 5 (⬆️1)
- Week 6 result: Bye
- What to know: Here’s hoping the bye week helped Texas State get back in sync offensively since mistakes have really prevented the Bobcats from getting out to the start it imagined.
- Up next: vs. Colorado State (Friday)
5. Colorado State (2-3, 0-1)
- Last week ranking: 6 (⬆️1)
- Week 6 result: Bye
- What to know: New defensive coordinator Kenny McClendon got a full two weeks to make the adjustments to a unit that has given up 52 points per game in the last three contests. Hopefully Hauss Henjy can return at quarterback.
- Up next: at Texas State (Friday)
6. San Diego State (2-4, 1-1)
- Last week ranking: 4 (⬇️2)
- Week 6 result: Loss vs. Oregon State 66-14
- What to know: Outside of another kick return for touchdown by Jaylon Hawkins, there wasn’t anything pretty about San Diego State’s trip to Oregon State. The offense really needs to wake up to get the season back on track, as questions are mounting if Jayden Denegal will remain starting quarterback.
- Up next: vs. Fresno State
7. Utah State (2-4, 1-1)
- Last week ranking: 8 (⬆️1)
- Week 6 result: Win vs. Washington State 17-16
- What to know: The first FBS of the season is in the books for the Aggies after they held Washington State scoreless in the second half for a much-needed comeback victory. It was important for Utah State to capitalize on mistakes after it struggled to do so out of the gate.
- Up next: Bye
8. Washington State (1-5, 0-2)
- Last week ranking: 7 (⬇️1)
- Week 6 result: Loss vs. Utah State 17-16
- What to know: Hard times have fallen for the incumbent Pac-12 member. The Cougars fell apart against Utah State with just 64 yards in the final two quarters of the loss. Owen Eshelman will be the new starting quarterback hoping to get things figured out on offense as the season is about to collapse with a trip to the high-powered Oregon State offense awaiting.
- Up next: at Oregon State
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pac-12 football power rankings: Can anyone catch Boise State or Oregon State?
