By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports activities
At this level within the season, the Energy Rankings are comparatively set in stone.
USC’s loss on the street to Oregon just isn’t that damaging, particularly within the context of Arizona State taking all the best way till the fourth quarter to drag away from Colorado.
Arizona is trending up and the margin of victory over Baylor was spectacular, however nonetheless not sufficient to leap ASU’s resume of wins.
The first motion is on the backside of the listing with all of the chaos within the Mountain West.
New Mexico has an argument for that tenth spot and even has a win over UNLV. However UNM’s loss to San Jose State was a significant component in protecting them on the unseen No. 11.
Right here’s how I view the Prime 10 Groups within the West heading into the ultimate week of the common season.
1. Oregon (7-1, 10-1) ◄►
Bconsuming USC was one of many final hurdles within the Playoff race. Oregon’s resume was shaky, nevertheless it acquired a lift because of the win.
Now, all that’s left is the ultimate check in opposition to Washington.
The Geese are nonetheless not out of the woods, although. A loss to the Huskies would put them in an uncomfortable place on Choice Sunday, because of the collapse of some early opponents.
When the 2025 schedule was set, not many seen Oklahoma State, Oregon State, and Penn State as a cream-puff slate, however each season brings surprises.
2. BYU (7-1, 10-1) ◄►
The Cougars should be within the Playoff area. The only real rationalization for being overlooked is a Energy 2 bias.
The tv executives solely care concerning the scores and can exert all of the affect they’ve to draw the informal NFL followers. Meaning they need the big-name SEC colleges and Notre Dame.
It’s not a postseason designed to ask essentially the most deserving groups. It’s designed to take advantage of cash attainable. Blame Disney and ESPN for propagandizing their content material.
The Large 12’s auto-bid is likely to be the one path to the Playoff obtainable.
3. Utah (6-2, 9-2) ◄►
Survive and advance. That’s what Utah did on Saturday at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
However in an period the place type factors matter, the Utes failed. The probabilities of making the Playoff have been already dim and the shut win over Kansas State didn’t transfer the needle.
Regardless, the season has been a powerful success. The second 12 months within the Large 12 may set the muse for a constant run of seasons to observe.
Go beat Kansas and maybe the Las Vegas Bowl will lengthen an invite for a sport in opposition to a Large Ten opponent.
4. USC (6-2, 8-3) ◄►
Winning on the street is the subsequent step within the evolution of USC’s program within the Large Ten. The Trojans are going to complete the 12 months with convention losses at Illinois and at Oregon.
Till defeats like which can be prevented, USC will probably be someplace close to the second or third stage within the Convention.
But, progress takes time and there’s no denying that USC superior ahead this 12 months.
Now, it’s time to construct on the positive aspects and maintain the momentum shifting in the fitting route.
5. Arizona State (6-2, 8-3) ◄►
It took till the fourth quarter for Arizona State to drag away from a nasty Colorado group. However the last rating was an applicable margin of victory, and that’s all that actually issues.
Trying ahead to the Territorial Cup sport, the Solar Devils have some essential benefits.
Arizona doesn’t have a superb run protection and ASU has one of many prime dashing offenses within the Large 12.
It’s arguably the largest sport within the rivalry since 2014. And it’s one the Solar Devils shouldn’t lose.
6. Arizona (5-3, 8-3) ◄►
Senior Day supplied a storybook ending for the Wildcats.
Baylor was driving within the fourth quarter and in place to take the lead. On a fourth-down throw to the endzone, senior defensive again Treydan Stukes intercepted the ball. And a swap was flipped.
Arizona ended up scoring three touchdowns over 4 minutes to win 41 to 17.
The ultimate rating despatched a message to a nervous Arizona State fanbase. This group is gifted, well-coached, and able to beating ASU in Tempe.
7. Washington (5-3, 8-3) ◄►
The Huskies destroyed UCLA in Pasadena. The victory secured Washington’s third street win of the Jedd Fisch period.
Now, the group returns to Seattle for what is likely to be the largest sport since Fisch took over this system in 2024.
There’s a slim probability that Oregon may miss the Playoff if the Dawgs get the upset. The stakes are excessive for the Geese, and UW has nothing to lose.
A win would electrify the trajectory of a program that’s already trending in the fitting route.
8. San Diego State (6-1, 9-2) ◄►
Sitting on the prime of the Mountain West, the Aztecs management their very own future.
Beat New Mexico in Albuquerque this week, and the sophisticated tie-breaker situations are prevented. Lose, and the group is on the mercy of outcomes all through the remainder of the league.
It’s been an ideal season for San Diego State after a number of years of distress.
The Playoff is out of attain, however a MWC Championship and LA Bowl look are on the desk.
9. UNLV (5-2, 9-2) ▲1
The Rebels are enjoying their greatest soccer late within the 12 months. The convincing victory over Hawaii was UNLV’s most spectacular win of the season.
All that’s left is a street sport in opposition to rival Nevada and to observe how the playing cards fall.
Based mostly on the Mountain West’s tiebreaker situations, the Rebels would make the Championship Sport in the event that they beat the Wolf Pack whereas Boise State and New Mexico each lose their last sport.
The Broncos play at Utah State and the Lobos host San Diego State, so there’s nonetheless hope.
10. Boise State (5-2, 7-4) ▲NR
It’s by no means too late to get again on monitor.
The Broncos dominated Colorado State and seemed like their regular selves.
Dealing with Utah State on the street this week, the chance to finish the 12 months on a excessive observe is there. However lose, and BSU would have three convention losses for simply the third time since becoming a member of the Mountain West in 2011.
Within the context of the league’s tiebreaker situations, the Broncos have wins in opposition to New Mexico and UNLV that may very well be essential.
Dropped Out: Cal
Miller covers School Basketball and School Soccer in addition to System 1 racing as a Senior Author and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports activities.
