Posted on September 2, 2024
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The Oregon Ducks could never pull away from Idaho while Arizona, Colorado, and even California struggled at times with their FCS opponents.
But after just one game, it might be fair to blame the early season struggles on rust. Even so, a new Power Ranking is appropriate and there’s a new team on the top of the chart.
Here’s how I view the Top 10 Teams in the West heading into Week Two.
1. Utah (1-0) ▲1
The Utes handled their business like an elite team.Southern Utah is no FCS powerhouse, but Morgan Scalley’s defense pitched a shutout and Cam Rising was efficient.
Comparing the results to other teams in the West, Utah clearly had the strongest opening week.
2. Oregon (1-0) ▼1
That was ugly.The only saving grace was that the Ducks played on a channel with distribution issues and there were many other games to draw the nation’s attention.
If that performance had been broadcast on ESPN on Thursday or Friday night, there would be plenty more people discussing Oregon’s opening week dud.
3. USC (1-0) ▲2
Miller Moss led the Trojans on a game-winning final drive to secure the upset over LSU.The win changes the perception of USC’s program and makes them a legitimate contender in the Big Ten.
The offseason addition of defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn was a gamechanger.
4. Arizona (1-0) ▼1
The Wildcats have problems on defense. The secondary couldn’t cover anyone and the defensive line failed to produce a sack.That’s a problem considering the level of competition Arizona was facing in a beleaguered New Mexico program.
Defensive coordinator Duane Akina has a lot of work to do.
5. Boise State (1-0) ▼1
Ashton Jeanty went off for six touchdowns in Boise State’s opening win on the road.The 45 points allowed to Georgia Southern was not ideal, but the Broncos got the job done with an offensive explosion.
Heading to Oregon next, the favorites to win the Mountain West must feel confident.
6. Colorado (1-0) ▲1
The primary problem with Colorado last season was its offensive line.After beating FCS power North Dakota State in the opener, it’s fair to say the line is reasonably improved.
The Buffaloes are by no means dominating in the trenches, but the extra time provided to Shedeur Sanders is enough to make CU a more potent team in 2024.
7. California (1-0) ▼1
The Bears struggled with UC Davis in the first half and then turned up the defensive pressure in the final two quarters.Jaydn Ott left the game with an injury, though, putting his status for this week’s game against Auburn in question.
Justin Wilcox continues his risky strategy of rotating quarterbacks, too, throwing some doubt on Cal’s ceiling.
8. UNLV (1-0) ▲1
If you didn’t know by now, you know now. UNLV is a good football team with weapons on both sides of the ball.The offensive scheme is innovative and the play-calling is strong.
The Rebels have skilled and quick receivers to make plays and a quarterback that can get the job done.
9. Washington (1-0) ▼1
Jonah Coleman had three touchdowns and 127 yards rushing in the opener against Weber State.The Huskies overcame a slow start with Will Rogers executing Jedd Fisch’s offense the way it should be done.
Don’t sleep on the Huskies this season, this team is better than some think.
10. Arizona State (1-0) ▲NR
Kenny Dillingham and the Sun Devils thumped Wyoming.If not for a garbage time touchdown with a few seconds remaining, the Arizona State defense would have pitched a shutout.
The 48-7 victory was a statement to the Big 12 and all those that projected ASU to finish at the bottom of the league.
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