By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports activities
Eventually, the remainder of the nation will likely be compelled to acknowledge the standard of soccer performed within the West.
Oregon simply went into Pleased Valley and beat Penn State in entrance of over 110,000 followers. On the identical weekend, Arizona State beat No. 24 TCU as Kenny Dillingham and the Solar Devils superior to 8-2 in regular-season Huge 12 video games since becoming a member of the league.
It’s weekends like that which make us all miss the previous Pac-12. However occasions change, and flexibility is essential. There’s a whole lot of soccer left to be performed.
Right here’s how I view the High 10 Groups within the West heading into Week Six.
1. Oregon (2-0, 5-0) ◄►
The prime crew within the nation performs in Eugene, Oregon.
I’ve mentioned it earlier than, and I’ll say it once more: Give me Oregon towards every other crew within the nation on a impartial subject.
Dan Lanning is an elite coach, and the Geese have expertise with depth. The coordinators on each side of the ball are sturdy, and the crew has an identification.
However a program is simply nearly as good as its final consequence. Indiana is subsequent up after a bye week and the sport is at Autzen Stadium. It’s time to show a degree. And Lanning is aware of it.
2. Arizona State (2-0, 4-1) ▲3
Arizona State seems like one of the best crew from the West within the Huge 12.
TCU has a gifted roster, and the Solar Devils now have two revered wins on their resume.
At 2-0 in league play, Kenny Dillingham’s crew is in a good place. The loss to Mississippi State is wanting higher every week whereas Dillingham’s group continues to enhance recreation by recreation.
Proper now, I’d take ASU in a head-to-head matchup on a impartial subject towards both BYU or Utah.
3. BYU (1-0, 4-0) ◄►
The Cougars are undefeated and by default might need a greater shot at making the Playoff, if the picks had been held at present.
However that recreation in Boulder was not what we wished to see. The offense is overly reliant on Bear Bachmeier working the ball.
What’s going to occur after they line up towards a superb defensive position?
Maybe Colorado has improved because the season started. However that was an eyebrow-raising consequence that creates extra questions than solutions.
4. Utah (1-1, 4-1) ▲2
The Utes bolstered their popularity with a convincing win over West Virginia.
The Mountaineers are a bottom-feeder within the Huge 12 and Utah reminded them of their place. The result’s a optimistic signal for the rest of the yr.
However let’s not get out over our skis. If Utah goes to compete for the Huge 12 Championship, they have to beat Arizona State at Rice-Eccles.
It’s one factor to crush the unhealthy groups within the Convention; it’s a completely completely different ballgame to beat the groups on the prime.
5. USC (2-1, 4-1) ▼3
That was purported to be one of many simpler video games inside the troublesome a part of USC’s schedule.
The Trojans had been favored by virtually a landing and couldn’t get the job carried out. The defeat is particularly confounding, coming only a week after Illinois was crushed by Indiana.
The stumble begs the query: The place does USC’s subsequent win come from? If the Trojans lose to Michigan on the Coliseum, the season is successfully over.
However beat the Wolverines, and there’s life left.
6. Washington (0-1, 3-1) ▼2
It was a little bit of a blended bag in Seattle on Saturday.
In some methods, the Huskies seemed aggressive towards the No. 1 crew within the nation. However on the similar time, it exhibits how a lot additional they must go.
The offense couldn’t rating touchdowns and Jedd Fisch’s odd decision-making reared its head once more. The protection performed just a little higher than anticipated, although, even with a handful of key accidents that the unit is coping with.
The trajectory of the season hangs within the stability at Maryland this week.
7. UNLV (0-0, 4-0) ◄►
UNLV has performed an odd schedule. With two bye weeks already, plus a Week Zero matchup, there’s been no rhythm to the season.
The crew’s finest win is a three-point highway victory over Miami of Ohio. That doesn’t sound just like the resume of a Playoff-caliber crew.
However Dan Mullen’s group is 4-0 and has confirmed able to successful shut video games.
The Rebels play Wyoming this week, and it’s truthful to say the sport is already on Upset Alert.
8. Boise State (1-0, 3-1) ◄►
The Broncos proceed to deal with their enterprise after the catastrophe within the opener towards South Florida.
The vast margin of victory over Appalachian State was precisely what we would have liked to see.
This week, this system seems down the barrel at one of many prime regular-season nonconference matchups in program historical past. Notre Dame is ranked No. 21 within the nation, and the sport is in South Bend.
If Boise State wins, they’re instantly again within the Playoff dialogue.
9. California (1-0, 4-1) ▲1
It won’t have been fairly, however Cal bought the job carried out on the highway towards Boston Faculty.
Beginning off ACC play with a victory was crucial for the rest of the season. It avoids the worst-case situation after the embarrassing loss to San Diego State and retains every part left to play for.
However to have a decent end to the yr, the Bears should win at residence. Duke involves Berkeley this week.
Win that one, and the remainder of the yr takes on a special perspective.
10. Fresno State (1-0, 4-1) ▲NR
At 4-1 and coming off a bye week, Fresno State is in place compete for a Mountain West Championship.
With a good schedule the remainder of the yr, it’s truthful to count on the Bulldogs to go 6-1.
Nevada is up this week adopted by an important check on the highway to Colorado State.
The Convention is vast open this yr and there’s alternative for the taking. The celebs appear to be aligning for Fresno State.
Miller covers Faculty Basketball and Faculty Soccer in addition to Components 1 racing as a Senior Author and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports activities.
