Week 6 brings one of the biggest games of the season in the Pac-12 as Boise State and Fresno State face off in a matchup that could have major implications for the conference championship race. There is also plenty of movement behind the top teams as the Pac-12 continues to take shape.
1. Boise State (#1 Last Week)
Another week with no change at the top of the rankings as Boise State maintains the No. 1 spot in this week’s rankings. The Broncos coasted to a 37-18 victory over Utah State to pick up their first-ever Pac-12 conference
win.
This week is rivalry week for Boise State as they face Fresno State on the road. This figures to be one of the toughest conference games for Boise State, and the winner of this game will be in prime position to make the Pac-12 championship game.
2. Oregon State (#2 Last Week)
Oregon State went into Colorado State’s Canvas Stadium with more than 40,000 fans in the stands. By the time the fourth quarter started, very few remained to watch the end of Oregon State’s dominating 56-26 victory over Colorado State.
The Beavers are back in Corvallis this weekend for a game against San Diego State. The Beavers have a real chance to win this week, and then again next week with another home game against WSU, before a massive road game against Fresno State on Oct. 31.
3. Fresno State (#3 Last Week)
Fresno State is coming off a dominant 26-6 victory over WSU in Pullman and has clearly established itself as a top-three Pac-12 team alongside Boise State and Oregon State.
The Bulldogs will have a chance to truly establish themselves at the top of the Pac-12 as they host Boise State this weekend. A win against Boise State would catapult Fresno State to the top of the Pac-12 and put them in the College Football Playoff picture.
4. San Diego State (#7 Last week)
The Aztecs were shorthanded last week but were still able to beat Texas State 31-29 to pick up their first-ever Pac-12 conference win.
San Diego State will look to beat a rising Oregon State team in Corvallis this weekend. A San Diego State win in Corvallis would put the Aztecs at 2-0 in Pac-12 play and move them into the upper tier of the conference.
5. Texas State (#5 Last Week)
Texas State started fast, but after SDSU outscored the Bobcats 21-0 in the third quarter, the Bobcats couldn’t come back and Texas State dropped to 0-1 in Pac-12 play.
The Bobcats’ offense was again able to put almost 30 points on the board, but for the fourth time this season, Texas State’s defense gave up 30-plus points. The Bobcats are idle this weekend before a Thursday game on Oct. 15 against Colorado State.
6. Colorado State (#4 Last Week)
Another lopsided score was put up against the Colorado State defense as defensive coordinator Tyson Summers was fired midgame by Jim Mora. The good news for Colorado State fans is the offense continues to be able to put points on the board.
The Rams’ defense will get an extra week to prepare for an explosive Texas State offense as Colorado State has a bye this week.
7. Washington State (#6 Last Week)
Coming off another subpar performance from the Cougar offense, Washington State drops to No. 7 in this week’s rankings. Last week, WSU lost to Fresno State 26-6 to fall to 1-4 on the season.
WSU will have a chance to get back on track this week as they head to Logan for a game against Utah State, which is also 1-4 on the season. Head coach Kirby Moore has taken over play-calling duties, and this may be a real chance for the WSU offense to gain some momentum on the offensive side of the ball.
8. Utah State (#8 Last Week)
The Aggies stay in the last spot after a 19-point loss to Boise State. Utah State trailed by 14 points after the first quarter, and the game was never very competitive.
The good news for Utah State fans is they play WSU this week. Both teams enter the game with 1-4 records, and with Utah State being at home, fans should feel good about their chances to win. If the Aggie offense can put some points on the board, it may be tough for a struggling WSU offense to keep up.
