1. Oregon (4-1, 7-1) ◄►

The Ducks are coming off a bye week at 7-1 with the lone loss of the year coming to No. 2 Indiana.

But Oregon’s perception is heavily reliant on its brand. If a blind comparison test were made, how would UO really stack up?

The team doesn’t have any victories over programs currently ranked in the Top 25, they have just one win against FBS teams above .500, and the FBS opponents they’ve beaten have a combined record of 17-34.

Frankly, it’s fair to say that Oregon has lost to the only good team it has played.

2. BYU (5-0, 8-0) ◄►

BYU has a case to be one of the Top 4 seeds in the playoff rankings released this Tuesday.

The Cougars are undefeated and sit atop the Big 12 standings. The best win of the year is over Utah, a team currently ranked No. 17 in the AP Poll, while the victories at Iowa State and at Arizona are moderately respectable.

The close game at Colorado is becoming more questionable by the week, however.

But none of that matters. What matters is the result this week on the road at No. 9 Texas Tech.

3. Utah (4-2, 7-2) ◄►

That was an impressive win. Cincinnati is having a good season, and the Utes embarrassed them. Utah looked to be in an entirely different class.

Now, an at-large bid to the Playoff is closer to reality. The ACC is horrible this season and figures to continue eating itself. All Kyle Whittingham’s team can do is win out and see how the cards fall.

Baylor, Kansas State, and Kansas are left on the schedule after this week’s bye.

It would not be a surprise if the Utes finish the regular season without losing another game.

4. USC (4-1, 6-2) ▲1

Beating Nebraska on their home field checked a critical box. It proves USC’s status in the expanded Big Ten.

Combined with the victory over Michigan, the Trojans are establishing themselves in the top third of the conference.

Entering the season, the program was on a downward spiral. Now, the light at the end of the tunnel can be seen.

There’s still a way to go and Northwestern can’t be overlooked. But USC finds itself in a good spot.

5. Washington (3-2, 6-2) ▼1

The AP voters have finally caught on.

About one-third of them are incompetent and don’t deserve their voting rights. But it’s nice that Washington has finally garnered some respect.

Entering the week at No. 24, the Dawgs can’t lose to Wisconsin. It’s a bellwether game that will show where UW really stands in the Big Ten.

Beat the Badgers, and you can consider yourself among the upper echelon. But lose, and the mountain left to climb will be made clear.

6. Arizona State (4-2, 6-3) ◄►

That’s a culture win.

Jeff Sims could have transferred out to a program where his chances of starting were higher. But the senior chose to stay despite Sam Leavitt having the starting role locked down.

Then, on a cold and rainy day in Ames, Iowa, Sims sets the program record for yards rushing by a quarterback and leads ASU to its second-straight win over Iowa State.

The result is emblematic of Kenny Dillingham’s program. It is one of the most impressive victories of his tenure in Tempe.

7. San Diego State (4-0, 7-1) ◄►

I said it once, and I’ll say it again: San Diego State is the Mountain West’s best chance of making the Playoff.

Still flying under the national radar, Sean Lewis’s team did it again. The 24 to 7 victory over Wyoming marked the sixth time this season that the Aztecs have held their opponent to 10 points or less.

Now at 4-0 in the MWC, SDSU is the favorite to win the league. But the schedule looms large.

Facing Hawaii on the road this week, then Boise State, San Jose State, and New Mexico, Lewis has his work cut out for him.

8. Arizona (2-3, 5-3) ▲2

The 52 to 17 victory in Boulder likely ensures that Brent Brennan will be the coach at Arizona next season. It was a job-saving performance that was a long time coming.

The Wildcats have been very close this season and are just a few plays away from being 7-1.

The domination of Colorado emphasized where UA stands. But a team is only as good as its most recent result.

If Brennan loses to Kansas on homecoming this weekend, the criticism and calls for change will begin again.

9. Fresno State (3-2, 6-3) ▲NR

The Bulldogs dominated Boise State on the blue turf. It was one of the most shocking results in the Mountain West this season.

The margin of victory re-energizes the hype around the program. Staying consistent is the new task.

Fresno State plays Wyoming, Utah State, and San Jose State to finish the year.

If the Bulldogs play to their potential, they should win out and potentially be in position to make the Mountain West Championship Game.

10. Boise State (4-1, 6-3) ▼2

There’s some soul-searching that needs to be done in Boise.

Replacing Ashton Jeanty was always going to be a struggle. But the margin of defeat in the losses this year are concerning.

If getting blown out by South Florida was the wake up call, then getting handled by Fresno State was the nightmare. And the Broncos are still asleep.

This week’s bye came at a good time. How the team finishes the year is critical. It’s time to wake up.

Dropped Out: UNLV