By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports activities
It’s a brand new week and a recent alternative to form the narratives.
USC and Utah handed their exams whereas Oregon left the Chicago metro with a B+ grade.
However the actual motion is on the decrease finish of the Energy Rating.
California is trending up whereas UNLV has come underneath scrutiny. That’s the best way it goes early within the yr when the outcomes are probably the most impactful.
Right here’s how I view the High 10 Groups within the West heading into Week 4.
1. Oregon (1-0, 3-0) ◄►
Oregon is the perfect staff within the nation proper now.
The AP voters don’t know what they’re doing. Give me a head-to-head matchup with the Geese and Ohio State on a impartial area, and I’m taking Oregon each time.
The sluggish begin in opposition to Northwestern was predictable contemplating the circumstances. What wasn’t acceptable was the poor fourth quarter. As they are saying, “Good groups win, nice groups cowl.”
The late touchdowns UO allowed may need value the staff just a few spots within the Ballot.
2. Utah (0-0, 3-0) ◄►
Margins of victory matter. Perceptions matter. If you happen to solely watched the primary half in opposition to Wyoming, you had some critical questions on Utah.
However the offense received it collectively within the second half, and the struggles within the first two quarters could be attributed to the problem of taking part in in Laramie.
On the finish of the day, the Utes confirmed what they wanted to point out. Albeit with some considerations. The protection is nice, however particular groups is questionable.
And what’s going to occur to the offense’s effectivity if a staff can restrict Devon Dampier when he runs?
3. USC (1-0, 3-0) ◄►
That was sorta, kinda what we wanted to see. The highway victory over Purdue wasn’t precisely earth-shattering. But it surely was a passing grade.
The Trojans settled for area targets too many occasions, and it was a two-possession recreation within the fourth quarter.
But, the climate points muddy the water, and the SC protection performed properly. Would you’ve got preferred to see extra? Positive. However the first hurdle was cleared.
Beat Michigan State convincingly this weekend, and the narrative will shift much more.
4. BYU (0-0, 2-0) ◄►
Do you marvel why BYU just isn’t ranked within the AP High 25? It’s as a result of they haven’t confirmed something but.
The Cougars have their first actual take a look at of the season this week after they go on the highway to face East Carolina.
The win over Stanford seems to be higher after the Cardinal beat Boston School. However the remainder of the nation continues to be in wait-and-see mode for BYU.
The consequence in opposition to the Pirates will transfer the needle in both course. It’s time to ship or face the music.
5. California (0-0, 3-0) ▲2
It might be a particular season in Berkeley. The Bears beat Minnesota as an underdog and have a positive schedule the remainder of the yr.
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has the “it” issue, and the attendance on Saturday night time reveals momentum is constructing.
But it surely’s nonetheless a game-by-game method. With two highway video games up subsequent, now just isn’t the time to place the cart earlier than the horse.
Care for San Diego State and beat Boston School. Then let’s speak.
6. Washington (0-0, 2-0) ▼1
Having a bye week so early within the season just isn’t splendid for the narrative.
Washington most likely has the expertise to be a High 25 staff. However the one outcomes on paper are a 17-point win over a Mountain West program and a blowout in opposition to an FCS faculty.
That is now Week 4. When are the Dawgs going to get a win that may be pointed to? In that sense, the margin of victory in opposition to Washington State this weekend in vital.
Something lower than a blowout win could be unwelcome.
7. Arizona State (0-0, 2-1) ▲1
That’s the model of Arizona State that many had been anticipating in the beginning of the yr.
The Solar Devils simply dealt with Texas State and regarded the half whereas doing it. But it surely’s Texas State. Let’s not fake that’s some nationally revered program. ASU did what it was purported to do.
Let’s see how the Solar Devils look after they return to taking part in high quality competitors, like Baylor this week.
The remainder of the nation hasn’t forgotten in regards to the loss to Mississippi State.
8. UNLV (0-0, 3-0) ▼2
The Rebels are 3-0 coming off a bye. But it surely’s a protracted season, and the seven-point win over UCLA is now extra questionable.
New Mexico fully uncovered the Bruins, and it makes you marvel why UNLV didn’t win by greater than seven.
Mixed with the slender seven-point win over FCS Idaho State, and out of the blue, the microscope is targeted on the Rebels.
Overlaying the unfold in opposition to Miami of Ohio this week would allay a number of the considerations.
9. Boise State (0-0, 1-1) ◄►
It was a bye week for Boise State because the Broncos enter an essential stretch of their season.
Air Drive, Appalachian State, Notre Dame, New Mexico, and UNLV are up subsequent. To get again within the nationwide narrative as a Playoff contender, BSU would possibly must go 4-1.
Air Drive is respectable sufficient regionally, beating up on Appalachian State could be famous on the East Coast, New Mexico is buzzing this yr, and UNLV is considered as the highest canine within the Mountain West.
The following 5 video games would possibly outline the yr.
10. Arizona (0-0, 3-0) ▲NR
Bhire Brennan’s staff did every part they might to lose that recreation in opposition to Kansas State. However they discovered a strategy to get the job completed.
The margin of victory ought to have been wider, implicating some flaws inside the staff. But, the Wildcats are nowhere close to their ceiling.
The protection is powerful and the offense continues to develop inside Seth Doege’s system. Noah Fifita’s willingness to run has been vital.
However on the finish of the day, Danny Gonzales’s protection is why the Cats are 3-0.
Dropped Out: Fresno State
Miller covers School Basketball and School Soccer in addition to Formulation 1 racing as a Senior Author and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports activities.
