Last season, the Hotline published weekly ‘Best of the West’ power ratings that considered not only Pac-12 teams but those in the Mountain West and Brigham Young. The exercise was so popular that we’re adding a MW-specific column to our array of offerings this season.
(All times Pacific)
1. Air Force (6-0/4-0)
Last week: 3
Result: beat Wyoming 34-27
Next up: at Navy (9 a.m. on CBS)
Comment: Full disclosure: The Falcons are No. 20 in my Associated Press ballot, which was submitted Saturday night. And they are the MW’s only representative.
2. Wyoming (5-2/2-1)
Last week: 1
Result: lost at Air Force 34-27
Next up: idle
Comment: Winning in Colorado Springs one week after toppling Fresno State was a task too daunting for the Cowboys. We were impressed they went point-for-point with the Falcons deep into the fourth quarter.
3. Fresno State (6-1/2-1)
Last week: 2
Result: won at Utah State 37-32
Next up: idle
Comment: Given Boise State’s clear mediocrity and San Diego State’s obvious shortcomings, the Bulldogs should be significant favorites in each game the rest of the way. So let’s presume 11-1 unless there’s a result to the contrary.
4. Colorado State (3-3/1-1)
Last week: 6
Result: beat Boise State 31-30
Next up: at UNLV (4 p.m. on the MW Network)
Comment: For those unaware, the Rams scored three touchdowns in the final four minutes to stun BSU. The rally culminated with an 88-yard drive that spanned 32 seconds and featured a 33-yard touchdown pass as time expired. Wow. Just, wow.
5. Utah State (3-4/1-2)
Last week: 5
Result: lost to Fresno State 37-32
Next up: at San Jose State (4 p.m. on CBS Sports Network)
Comment: The Aggies’ record is more than a tad deceiving. Their four losses have come against teams (Iowa, James Madison, Air Force and Fresno State) that have a combined record of 24-2. That’s right, 24-2.
6. Boise State (3-4/2-1)
Last week: 4
Result: lost at Colorado State 31-30
Next up: idle
Comment: The Broncos have lost five or more games only twice this century, in Chris Petersen’s final year (2013) and in Andy Avalos’ first (2021). With a difficult schedule looming, there are plenty of chances for another dive to five.
7. San Jose State (2-5/1-2)
Last week: 7
Result: won at New Mexico 52-24
Next up: vs. Utah State (4 p.m. on CBS Sports Network)
Comment: Win this week, and the Spartans have a real chance to sneak into the postseason. Lose this week, and the margin for error vanishes — a treacherous position with Fresno State looming.
8. UNLV (5-1/2-0)
Last week: 8
Result: won at Nevada 45-27
Next up: vs. Colorado State (4 p.m. on the MW Network)
Comment: Winning five of the first six games at UNLV is a minor miracle. But taking the next step, to win No. 6, will be more difficult than it seems.
9. San Diego State (3-4/1-2)
Last week: 9
Result: won at Hawaii 41-34
Next up: vs. Nevada (6 p.m. on FS2)
Comment: Good time to remind fans that the Aztecs have a 13-game season, leaving five opportunities to win three games. Because they need all the chances they can get.
10. Hawaii (2-5/0-2)
Last week: 10
Result: lost to San Diego State 41-34
Next up: at New Mexico (3 p.m. on Spectrum Sports)
Comment: A winless conference season could hinge on the outcome of Hawaii’s trip to Reno in early November, because it’s tough to spot another victory.
11. New Mexico (2-4/0-2)
Last week: 11
Result: lost to San Jose State 52-24
Next up: vs. Hawaii (3 p.m. on Spectrum Sports)
Comment: Too much emphasis is placed on coaching adjustments, unless a three-point halftime lead dissolves into a 28-point loss. And then not enough emphasis is placed on coaching adjustments.
12. Nevada (0-6/0-2)
Last week: 12
Result: lost to UNLV 45-27
Next up: at San Diego State (6 p.m. on FS2)
Comment: Winless teams in major college football: Nevada and Sam Houston. That’s it. Just those two.
*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716
*** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline
*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.
Want more sports news? Sign up for the Sports Omelette to get all our analysis on Denver’s teams.
Want more sports news? Sign up for the Sports Omelette to get all our analysis on Denver’s teams.
