By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports activities
Can you hear it?
That’s the sound of a elementary shift within the energy dynamic amongst groups from the West within the Massive 12.
BYU has formally eclipsed Utah, the results of which is able to play out over the following few years or longer.
From recruiting to perceptions on the nationwide panorama, the sport has modified.
The BYU period is formally right here.
However the Cougars weren’t the one staff that secured a important victory final week. Arizona State upset Texas Tech, additional jumbling up the narratives within the area.
Right here’s how I view the High 10 Groups within the West heading into Week 9.
1. Oregon (3-1, 6-1) ◄►
It shouldn’t have taken a loss at house to Indiana for Oregon to get up.
Apart from the highway win at Penn State, the staff had been sleepwalking ever for the reason that blowout over Oklahoma State. Crushing Rutgers was a good response.
However the Geese ought to by no means have been on this place. In an ideal situation, the loss to the Hoosiers sparks a run to the Nationwide Championship Sport.
The 56 to 10 end result may be step one in a proverbial new season.
2. BYU (4-0, 7-0) ▲1
It solely took three seasons for BYU to turn out to be a powerhouse within the Massive 12.
The trajectory of this system has been skyrocketing, which immediately contrasts with rival Utah.
The inspiration of this system is rooted in tradition, and the fanbase is elite. BYU is right here to remain. Sustaining the success is the following problem.
However with all of the items in place, it’s laborious to see the Cougars falling off any time quickly.
3. Utah (2-2, 5-2) ▼1
Okayyle Whittingham ought to critically take into account retiring on the finish of this season.
The Utes now have three straight losses to BYU, the worst stretch within the rivalry since 1989 to 1992.
A number of gamers are taking part in each side of the ball, indicating the shortage of depth on the ability positions.
It wasn’t that way back that this system was lauded for its energy within the trenches. Now?
eThe staff’s identification up entrance has fractured after permitting 12 tackles for loss and 4 sacks in its two defeats.
4. Arizona State (3-1, 5-2) ▲2
The Solar Devils are having a curler coaster of a season. The upset win over Texas Tech as soon as once more modifications the dynamic of the 12 months.
However the inconsistency must be corrected.
Which staff are we going to get transferring ahead? The one which misplaced to Mississippi State and was blown out by Utah, or the one which beat Texas Tech, TCU, and Baylor?
When Arizona State is at its finest, they’re able to profitable the Massive 12 title. And with only a single loss in convention play, the trail to Arlington is there.
5. USC (3-1, 5-2) ▼1
It isn’t straightforward to get a learn on USC this season.
The Trojans have taken care of the groups they have been alleged to beat, apart from Illinois, and beat up on a ranked Michigan staff in Los Angeles.
However with a shedding report towards High 25 opponents, this system is floating simply above mediocrity. It’s clearly not the USC that it was. However it’s additionally not a has-been.
The staff simply is what it’s: A fringe High 25 program, neither knocking on the door nor falling aside.
6. Washington (2-2, 5-2) ▼1
Well, a lot for the noise popping out of Seattle.
If the Huskies have been official this season, they’d have crushed Michigan on the highway. However the margin of defeat paints a completely totally different image.
The staff is just not a critical contender within the Massive Ten. Nonetheless, the Dawgs enter a four-game stretch of totally winnable video games.
The notion of this system would deteriorate considerably, nonetheless, if Washington loses to Illinois at Husky Stadium this weekend.
7. Boise State (3-0, 5-2) ▲2
It was solely a matter of time till Boise State regained its standing.
Beating UNLV with that margin of victory supplied ample proof that the Broncos are as soon as once more the true deal.
This system’s two defeats this 12 months have come towards opponents at present ranked within the High 25. There aren’t many groups that may say that.
It’s nonetheless one week at a time, however a 10-win common season appears to be like to be inside attain. If achieved, it could be the Broncos’ third 10-win or higher season within the final 4 years and their tenth since becoming a member of the Mountain West in 2011.
8. San Diego State (2-0, 5-1) ◄►
The Aztecs have been on a bye final week and have a vital check on the highway to Fresno State this Saturday.
San Diego State is driving a four-game win streak, sparked by a 34-0 blowout over California a month in the past.
The margins of victory through the streak have been spectacular and garnered respect. The end result towards the Bulldogs this week might be telling.
Can SDSU maintain its momentum? We’re about to seek out out.
9. UNLV (2-1, 6-1) ▼2
After profitable 4 of their first six video games by single possessions, the Rebels suffered their first lack of the season.
The margin of defeat was barely stunning however not stunning.
Now, the staff should put the end result behind them and concentrate on New Mexico.
The remaining schedule is favorable and units up a path for a rematch with Boise State within the MWC Championship Sport. Simply preserve caring for enterprise, and the chance will come.
10. California (2-1, 5-2) ▲NR
The Bears are 5-2 with, frankly, one of many lesser gifted rosters that Justin Wilcox has had throughout his tenure at Cal.
The report is a testomony to his teaching workers and true freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele.
The protection made a important play on the finish of the sport towards North Carolina, and now this system is one win away from bowl eligibility.
However the schedule from right here on out is hard. It may be a tough five-game stretch in Berkeley.
Dropped Out: Arizona
Miller covers School Basketball and School Soccer in addition to Method 1 racing as a Senior Author and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports activities.
