1. Utah (1-0, 4-0) ◄►

It’s official: The Big 12 runs through Salt Lake City.

The Utes went into Stillwater with a backup, true freshman quarterback, and walked away with a win.

The victory sent a statement to the rest of the league. The Utah defense and offensive line remain the program’s identities.

2. Oregon (0-0, 3-0) ◄►

The Ducks had a bye week to prepare for this week’s Big Ten opener at UCLA.

Entering the game 3-0, Oregon remains positioned to make the Playoff.

The matchup with the Bruins is on FOX, providing another national opportunity to make an impression.

A blowout win is arguably expected.

3. BYU (1-0, 4-0) ▲6

Kalani Sitake is cooking.

BYU destroyed a ranked Kansas State team in what can only be described as an easy win. The Cougars’ defensive front stifled the Wildcats’ offense and contained Avery Johnson.

With two true road wins and now a Top 25 victory, BYU looks like a threat.

4. USC (0-1, 2-1) ▼1

The Trojans fell short on the road against Michigan.

The defeat was a setback for a team that was heading in the right direction.

How USC responds against Wisconsin this weekend will be crucial. Any struggles with the Badgers could indicate SC’s fundamental challenges in their new league.

5. California (0-1, 3-1) ▼1

In the preseason, nobody expected California to beat Florida State. The defeat in Tallahassee does not change the trajectory of the season.

The 3-1 start is what dreams are made of and Cal’s special season is still fully attainable.

Fernando Mendoza’s continual in-season improvement could prove pivotal.

6. UNLV (0-0, 3-0) ◄►

UNLV took its 3-0 record into the bye week.

Coming into Mountain West play with two road victories over Power Conference opponents, the Rebels are ready.

Fresno State comes to Las Vegas on Saturday for a day game on FS1.

A Rebels’ win could force the rest of the country to pay more attention to what’s happening in Sin City.

7. Boise State (0-0, 2-1) ◄►

In a weekend filled with impactful and attention-grabbing games, Boise State crushed FCS opponent Portland State by 42.

Tucked away from the rest of the College Football world, weekends like this substantially hinder BSU’s program.

It’s still two years away, but the transition to the Pac-12 can’t come any sooner.

8. Washington State (0-0, 4-0) ◄►

The Cougars shouldn’t have needed overtime to beat San Jose State.

But the Instant Classic game introduced the nation to John Mateer. The quarterback is the face of the program and plays with an extra gear that is very uncommon.

There’s a reason why WSU is 4-0. And it’s all because of Mateer.

9. Arizona State (0-1, 3-1) ▼4

Kenny Dillingham’s team enters the bye week at a pivotal stage.

The victories over Mississippi State and Wyoming look less impressive each week.

And with an upcoming schedule featuring strong teams in the Big 12, the trajectory of the year hangs in the balance.

10. Colorado (1-0, 3-1) ◄►

They needed a miracle and the prayer was answered. Colorado’s overtime win over Baylor is an enigma.

You take the wins however you can get them, but the matchup again exposed CU’s weaknesses upfront.

Yet, with a new commitment to running the ball, a six-win season becomes more realistic.