1. Oregon (8-0, 11-0) ◄►

Last Week: BYE
This Week: vs Washington

But the knock on the program is that it can’t win the “big” games. The Ducks always seem to fall short in the most important moments.

It’s up to this year’s team to change the narrative.

2. Arizona State (6-2, 9-2) ▲3

Last Week: Defeated BYU 28-23
This Week: at Arizona

Kenny Dillingham has the Sun Devils one win away from reaching the Big 12 Championship Game.

Sam Leavitt deserves a lot of the credit for this year’s success along with defensive coordinator Brian Ward.

3. Boise State (7-0, 10-1) ▲1

Last Week: Defeated Wyoming 17-13
This Week: vs Oregon State

But the win keeps it in position to reach the Playoff. With the Big 12 cannibalizing itself, all the Broncos have to do is keep winning.

Still, another close game against a perceived bottom feeder in the Mountain West is concerning.

4. UNLV (5-1, 9-2) ▲2

Last Week: Defeated SJSU 27-16
This Week: vs Nevada

Now in control of their own destiny, Barry Odom’s team can reach the Mountain West Championship Game with a win over Nevada this week.

Still in the race for the Playoff, UNLV’s season is arguably the story of the year in college football.

5. BYU (6-2, 9-2) ▼2

Last Week: Lost at ASU 28-23
This Week: vs Houston

The Cougars were winning close games all season but seemed to have lost the juice. A late interception cost them in Tempe and they are now on a two-game losing streak.

There still a chance for a special season, but the momentum has been extinguished.

6. Colorado (6-2, 8-3) ▼4

Last Week: Lost at Kansas 37-21
This Week: vs Oklahoma State

The Buffs had put themselves in position for a shot at the Playoff—and still can make it to the Big 12 title game with some help—but the defeat to Kansas was ugly.

Bringing in an impact player at running back should be one of Coach Prime’s main projects this offseason.

7. Washington (4-4, 6-5) ▲1

Last Week: BYE
This Week: at Oregon

With the pressure eliminated, Jedd Fisch could be up to something. Whether that means trick plays or surprising personnel choices remains to be seen.

An upset is probably not in the cards, but there’s a chance UW could make it closer than expected.

8. USC (4-5, 6-5) ▲2

Last Week: Defeated UCLA 19-13
This Week: vs Notre Dame

The season has not met USC’s expectations, but beating a rival on their home field is a noteworthy accomplishment.

Still, there are many issues to fix in the program and six wins is not the standard in L.A.

9. Washington State (8-3) ▼2

Last Week: Lost at Oregon State 41-38
This Week: vs Wyoming

It’s almost a given that John Mateer will enter the transfer portal at the end of the season and Jake Dickert could be linked to several job openings.

The brief golden era in the post-Pac-12 world seems to be over.

10. California (2-5, 6-5) ▲NR

Last Week: Defeated Stanford 24-21
This Week: at SMU

“98 yards with my boys.” Cal is fortunate to have a player like Fernando Mendoza leading the team.

He resurrected the program last season and is essentially a living legend. His game-winning drive against Stanford in the Big Game sealed the deal.

One day, people will look back at the Mendoza era with nostalgia.