The PAC-12 football season has not lacked excitement, and Week 9 was no different. Texas State traveled to Boise, where the Broncos welcomed a special visitor in legendary quarterback Kellen Moore. Oregon State traveled to Fresno for a must-win game against the Bulldogs. Colorado State looked to keep its momentum going against Utah State, while San Diego State looked to get back on track as it took on Washington State. Did this week’s results lead to any big changes in this week’s power rankings?
Let’s find out…
#1: Boise State (Last week: #1)
It was arguably the craziest college football game I have ever witnessed, but Boise State somehow managed to escape with a victory despite giving up 36 unanswered points to Texas State in the second half. In a game that was truly a tale of two halves, the Broncos managed to find a spark in the fourth quarter after starting quarterback Maddux Madsen left the game with an injury. Receivers Rasean Jones and Akeem Wright came up with heroic fourth-quarter performances, combining for four touchdown receptions and more than 200 receiving yards. Injuries are mounting for the Broncos, with both Madsen and Matt Wagner likely to miss some time. However, Oregon State’s loss gives the Broncos some breathing room. If they win two of their final three games, they are guaranteed a spot in the conference championship game.
#2: Oregon State (Last week: #2)
Fresno State fans are going to give me some grief for this, and frankly, I get it. But the standings should matter, and the Beavers still sit alone in second place. However, the loss likely squashes any hopes the Beavers had of making an appearance in the College Football Playoff. The loss to Fresno State exposed some flaws in this team. Opponents with a decent running attack can find success against the Oregon State front seven. If you can hold this team to field goals and force a turnover or two, it could lead to bigger problems for the Beavers. Despite the loss, the Beavers still control their own destiny. If they win out and beat Boise State on the blue turf, they will host the Broncos for the PAC-12 Championship in December.
#3: Fresno State (Last week: #4)
The Bulldogs continue to be a team that is difficult to figure out. Maybe the bye week helped fix some of their problems, but I couldn’t quite move them into the number two spot, despite beating the team ranked ahead of them. Their puzzling performance against San Diego State still lingers. They need to figure out a way to slow down opposing rushing attacks while also establishing more consistency in their own running game. Despite needing some help, the Bulldogs now have a realistic path to the conference championship game. They just need a little help from Texas State or Boise State.
#4: Texas State (Last week: #3)
I hate moving the Bobcats down after they narrowly lost to the top team in the standings. However, Fresno State’s win over Oregon State was too impressive to ignore, making it difficult not to move the Bulldogs up. While the loss stings, the Bobcats still have a path to a special season. They proved they can hang with the big dogs, and they will have a chance to enter the championship picture if they can upset Oregon State and Fresno State in the coming weeks. This team just needs to find a way to put together a complete game, something they have struggled to do all season.
#5: San Diego State (Last week: #6)
Like many PAC-12 teams, the Aztecs have been all over the place this season. Their 26-20 win was important for several reasons. Despite a struggling passing attack, the Aztecs relied on a solid defensive performance and a strong day on the ground to come away with the victory and keep their bowl hopes alive. The Aztecs are also still in contention for a spot in the conference championship game and would have a decent chance if they win out. However, that would require a win over Boise State on “The Blue.”
#6: Utah State (Last week: #7)
The Aggies have looked like a much better team in recent weeks. They nearly pulled off an upset against Texas State and handled Colorado State this week. This team is trending in the right direction, and the offense looks more efficient with Hillstead in control. While a bowl appearance is unlikely, that could change if they can pull off an upset over Fresno State on the road. Whatever happens, I think Mendenhall has done enough to secure another season at the helm.
#7: Colorado State (Last week #5)
After an encouraging performance last week, the Rams looked like a completely different team this weekend. While the final score may not indicate it, the Rams were thoroughly beaten and looked overwhelmed for the majority of the contest. Now, the Rams face their toughest test of conference play when they host the No. 20 team in the country, Boise State.
#8: Washington State (Last week: #8)
Another week, another loss for the Cougars. I thought there was a decent chance this would finally be the week the Cougars picked up their first win in PAC-12 play. But it wasn’t meant to be. The rushing attack continues to be the team’s biggest weakness. Their only effective option is the quarterback run, and even that has been questionable. Kirby Moore will likely get another year, but he has to address the running back position and offensive line through the transfer portal.
How would you rank each team after this week’s results? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
