1. Utah (2-0) ◄►

The Ute offense ground to a halt after Rising left the game, indicating the knife’s edge that Utah’s program rests on.

Any prolonged absence from their star quarterback could dramatically alter the trajectory of the season.

2. USC (2-0) ▲1

USC shut out Utah State in a 48 to 0 victory, reinforcing the rebirth of the defense under D’Anton Lynn.

With plenty of weapons on offense and one of the top defensive coordinators in College Football, the sky appears to be the limit for USC.

3. Oregon (2-0) ▼1

Dillon Gabriel has not been the quarterback he was advertised to be and there’s not much national buzz around the program.

And after another close game on a network that not many people can watch, the eyes of the College Football world are everywhere but Eugene.

4. California (2-0) ▲3

After the upset win, Cal is now considered one of the favorites to win the ACC. Justin Wilcox’s defense is elite and there’s depth at almost every position on both sides of the ball.

Look out, because California has arrived.

5. Boise State (1-1) ◄►

The Broncos looked like they belonged with a team that many expect to make the Playoff.

There’s still a long way to go, but Boise State has put itself in position to secure an invitation to the postseason if it wins out.

6. Arizona State (2-0) ▲4

The Sun Devils held on to beat Mississippi State, securing the program’s first victory against an SEC program in school history.

Cam Skattebo is establishing himself as one of the top running backs in the country and ASU is positioning itself to make a run in the Big 12.

7. UNLV (2-0) ▲1

After beating Houston in the opener, UNLV followed up with a 72-14 blowout over Utah Tech. The momentum around the program is the highest it’s been in perhaps a few decades.

With skilled players on both sides of the ball and an effective offensive scheme, UNLV is here to stay.

8. Washington (2-0) ▲1

Playing another game tucked away on the Big Ten Network, not many people saw the Dawgs beat Eastern Michigan.

The defense has only allowed 12 points across two games and Will Rogers is running Jedd Fisch’s offense effectively.

9. Arizona (2-0) ▼5

The offensive scheme and playcalling are nowhere near the quality that Jedd Fisch ran. The offensive line has serious issues and both sides of the ball are inconsistent.

There are no excuses for the early season results considering the elite talent on the roster.

10. Washington State (2-0) ▲ NR

Quarterback John Mateer led Washington State to a convincing victory over Texas Tech, putting Wazzu in a solid position heading into the Apple Cup.

A win over Washington this week would make WSU a dark horse to make the College Football Playoff.

Dropped out of rankings:  Colorado