By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports activities
The panorama of school soccer within the West modified this weekend.
Oregon misplaced a recreation it by no means ought to have misplaced, elevating critical issues in regards to the staff’s ceiling. On the similar time, USC put itself again within the dialog with a convincing win over Michigan.
And Utah reminded everybody why they should be thought of when speaking about the very best groups within the area.
Right here’s how I view the High 10 Groups within the West heading into Week Eight.
1. Oregon (2-1, 5-1) ◄►
That was a horrible loss. Irrespective of how you narrow it, Oregon ought to by no means lose to Indiana in Eugene.
The quantity in entrance of Indiana’s identify doesn’t matter. That is Oregon soccer. And also you simply misplaced to the Hoosiers at Autzen. Gross.
The Geese have been outplayed and outcoached. It’s an unacceptable outcome that dampens the expectations shifting ahead.
What’s UO’s greatest win this season? A victory over Northwestern?
2. Utah (2-1, 5-1) ▲2
Utah has delivered back-to-back assertion wins.
After completely crushing West Virginia on the highway after which embarrassing Arizona State in Salt Lake Metropolis, the staff has clearly moved on from the defeat to Texas Tech.
Heading into the Holy Conflict this week, momentum is on the aspect of the
Utes. Beat BYU in Provo, and the Playoff probabilities will change into actual.
3. BYU (3-0, 6-0) ◄►
Unless you need to sit right here and inform me Arizona is definitely an excellent staff (Spoiler Alert: They’re not), then you may’t complain about this week’s rating.
It shouldn’t have taken double additional time to beat the Wildcats. Plain and easy.
The teaching employees, gamers, and the followers who traveled to Tucson deserve credit score for pulling off the comeback.
However I used to be there in individual for the final word eye take a look at. And I can inform you with out hesitation: BYU didn’t look nearly as good as its document signifies.
4. USC (3-1, 5-1) ▲2
Margins of victory are the final word response to issues in regards to the trajectory of a season. And USC delivered towards Michigan.
The unfold was only a discipline objective, and the Trojans gained by 18.
Now sitting at 5-1, the dynamic has modified. However the matchup with Notre Dame is one other take a look at. It’s fairly potential that the Wolverines have been simply laughably overrated, and the Irish will beat USC handily.
Or possibly the Trojans are literally legit.
5. Washington (2-1, 5-1) ◄►
It’s honest to say that Washington is being ignored and undervalued. I’m not going to argue with you about that, since you’re proper.
However there’s a cause why, and it’s due to the schedule. The staff has simply two wins over Energy Convention opponents coming into Week Seven. Rutgers and Maryland are usually not precisely soccer powerhouses, both.
However the Dawgs’ time will come. The offense is elite, and the protection is sweet sufficient.
Simply preserve stacking wins.
6. Arizona State (2-1, 4-2) ▼4
The harm to Sam Leavitt shatters the notion of the staff. Arizona State couldn’t do something on offense with out him.
Kenny Dillingham characterised Leavitt’s standing as “week to week,” arguably making him uncertain for this Saturday’s matchup with Texas Tech.
A second loss in convention play wouldn’t formally remove ASU from competition, however it might stack the deck towards the staff.
It simply goes to indicate how necessary Leavitt is to Arizona State’s success.
7. UNLV (2-0, 6-0) ◄►
UNLV is undefeated and controls its personal future. In most different years, that may give the Rebels extra respect.
However as a result of the Mountain West has been fully overshadowed by the American Convention this 12 months, it’s what it’s.
The staff’s regional notion can be damage by the constantly slender margins of victory. If UNLV was crushing groups the way in which Boise State has completed in years previous, the respect could be greater.
UNLV will seemingly have to win out as a way to be in true competition for the Playoff.
8. San Diego State (2-0, 5-1) ▲2
San Diego State seems to be like the very best staff within the Mountain West. The broad margins of victory are precisely what the staff wants to realize respect. And the Aztecs preserve delivering.
However what occurred final week or the weeks earlier than doesn’t matter. The remaining schedule is the hardest for any staff within the MWC.
If SDSU can run by this gauntlet unscathed, there’s a small probability they find yourself because the highest-ranked Group of 5 champion.
Nevertheless it’s one step at a time.
9. Boise State (2-0, 4-2) ▲NR
The cream at all times rises to the highest. Boise State is an efficient program and can at all times discover its manner again.
Each losses on the 12 months are to groups at present ranked within the High 25. And this week offers the final word alternative to ship a message.
The Broncos have owned UNLV since becoming a member of the Mountain West, going 8-0 towards the Rebels since 2011.
Beating them within the closing 12 months within the Convention would ship a transparent sign.
10. Arizona (1-2, 4-2) ▼2
Tlisted below are two methods to take a look at the present state of Arizona soccer.
On one hand, the staff is clearly improved from final season. However what occurred at Arizona Stadium on Saturday evening brings again that chilly, acquainted, haunting feeling: That is Arizona soccer.
By no means in a position to recover from the hump. By no means in a position to develop a devoted fanbase. By no means in a position to preserve relevancy.
From teaching errors to poor execution, all of it got here collectively within the fourth quarter collapse. And nobody in Tucson is stunned that it occurred. In any respect.
Dropped Out: Fresno State
Miller covers School Basketball and School Soccer in addition to Method 1 racing as a Senior Author and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports activities.
