Welcome to a new feature on Hotline – an examination of the eight teams in the rebuilt PAC-12 as they compete in the conference this season. We will also see one lucky team as the regular season champion. Power rankings will be published each Sunday throughout the regular season.
(Here are last week’s positions.)
The new PAC-12 is starting to look like the old PAC-12 in an awkward fashion. It’s early November, and the conference is effectively (but not officially) removed from college football.
Granted, the rebuilt PAC-12 isn’t officially out until next summer.
But a group of eight football schools that are scheduled to link arms have certainly made their time to build the future with grace by making the most important playincf – a place reserved for a high-level team from outside the power conferences.
That road was narrow but it was able to go until late Saturday night, when SAN-SANGUGE State was sent home from Hawaii with a 38-6 score in its run.
During this time, the AZTECs have lost two and every other team in the rebuilt PAC-12 has lost at least three. That’s a problem for the calculation of CFP because of the power of America, which has a losing team (with North Texas) and two losing teams with STOUT resumes.
One score pops up on the screen: South Florida 34, BOOSS State 7.
That week 1 Strike could play a big role in the CFP Commission’s conference evaluation of the Committee – even if the broncos can win the Mountain West.
Yes, San Diego State’s victory at Cal got a treat on Saturday when the Bears (6-4) were upset by Nouisville, but the Aztecs now have two playoff berths (Washington State and Hawaii) out of four teams.
The situation is fluid, of course. But with three weeks left in the regular season, the Aztecs appear to be the only future PAC-12 school with a viable chance to reach the CFP.
Their hopes, however, are nil.
In power levels…
1. San Diego State (7-2)
Result: lost to Hawaii 38-6Next: vs. boise state (7:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network)Leave a comment: It says a lot about the state of this eight that the Aztecs kept the top spot after a fiery loss, not to lick what it says is praised. (Previous: 1)
2. Fresno State (6-3)
Result: he didn’t playAs follows: vs. Wyoming (7:30 PM on FS1)Leave a comment: It’s hard to raise the Bulldogs to a higher spot given that they lost decisively to San Diego State a few weeks ago, but we thought it was a long shot. (Previous: 2)
3. Boise State (6-3)
Result: he didn’t playNext: at San Diego State (7:30 PM on CBS Sports Network)Leave a comment: Good head results – SDSS whacked Fresno State, and FSU Whacked Boise State – Clearly show the broncos are banned in the right place. Uncertainty about quarterback maddux madsux madsen’s return only adds to our prediction of a low finish for boise. (Previous: 3)
4. Washington State (4-5)
Result: he didn’t playNext: vs. louisiana tech (7 pm on the cw)Leave a comment: Louisiana Tech’s loss will create a must-win game for the Cougars (doing their math) when they visit James Madison (8-1) the following week. That is a situation to avoid at all costs. (Previous: 4)
5. Utah State (5-4)
Result: Beat Nevada 51-14Next: On INNLV (4 PM on CBS Sports Network)Leave a comment: Three games left, one win needed for Bowl eligibility and a tough schedule: At INNV, at Fresno State, vs. Boise State. Good luck to the aggies; they need it. (Previous: 7)
6. Texas State (3-6)
Result: lost to Louisiana 42-39Next: South Mississippi (12:30 p.m. on ESPN+)Leave a comment: Not that the PAC-12 will start the bobcats before officially joining the conference, but this is not exactly the trajectory even if this invitation is extended in the summer. (Previous: 6)
7. Oregon State (2-8)
Result: lost at Sam Houston State 21-17Next: at Tulsa (10 a.m. on ESPN+)Leave a comment: Losing at home to the club in the past without any truth is the biggest shame of Osu’s embarrassing moment. (Previous: 5)
8. Colorado State (2-7)
Result: lost to New Mexico 42-10Next: New Mexico (12 PM west of Mt.)Leave a comment: For all of Candor, there are excellent options at the bottom of the PAC-12 2.0 power levels at the Top. (Previous: 8)
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