1. Oregon (2-0, 5-0) ◄►

That’s a statement that would have been hard to fathom a few years ago. But it highlights the significant success of Oregon’s move to the Big Ten.

Everyone knows that this is the type of game where Dan Lanning thrives.

A team is only as good as its most recent result, and the Ducks are about to send another message.

2. Arizona State (2-0, 4-1) ◄►

The conference victories over Baylor and TCU grew stronger over the weekend, with both the Bears and Horned Frogs securing wins.

Texas Tech appears to be the class of the Big 12, though, as all the other programs jockey for the right to play them in the Conference’s Championship Game.

Beating Utah this weekend would be a critical step in getting there.

3. BYU (2-0, 5-0) ◄►

Style points matter. Failing to meet those expectations hurts the status of the program.

BYU has now failed to cover in both of its Big 12 games this season. Like it or not, that means the team is underperforming.

Sure, they are 5-0 and that’s all that matters. But the Playoff Committee members will use any reason they can to keep Big 12 teams out, and questionably close results give them a leg to stand on.

4. Utah (1-1, 4-1) ◄►

Utah plays Arizona State this week at Rice-Eccles Stadium in what feels like another critical game for the program’s reputation.

The Utes responded well to the Texas Tech loss by crushing West Virginia, which now provides a common opponent comparison to BYU. The momentum is there.

But a loss to Arizona State would essentially relegate Utah to the third tier of the Big 12 hierarchy. There’s a lot on the line this Saturday night.

5. Washington (1-1, 4-1) ▲1

The victory keeps Jedd Fisch’s seat from getting warm while setting the standard for the rest of the year.

If Washington can beat the Terps on the road, they should be able to take care of Rutgers in Seattle. An eight-win season now seems doable.

But it’s still one game at a time. The first hurdle has been cleared. Now, it’s on to the next.

6. USC (2-1, 4-1) ▼1

A loss would likely mean the team’s ceiling is somewhere around eight wins. A victory would keep the Trojans’ Playoff hopes alive.

As the early favorite, the expectations for a win are tangible. Lincoln Riley was not hired to lose games like this one.

The administrative decision-makers who engineered the move to the Big Ten expect to win these types of games. It’s now or never.

7. UNLV (1-0, 5-0) ◄►

Winning on the road in Laramie is not easy, and especially not in the snowy hail.

It was the Rebels’ first victory at Wyoming since 2003 and the program is 5-0 for the first time since 1974. The team deserves to be ranked in the Top 25.

But control what you can control. Don’t overlook Air Force this week.

8. Arizona (1-1, 4-1) ▲NR

Now with two victories over traditional Big 12 opponents, the program is taking clear steps in the right direction.

The defense is playing elite and is the only unit in the country that has not allowed a passing touchdown this season.

This weekend’s matchup against BYU in Tucson is the biggest game of the season so far. Win that one, and the trajectory of the program changes.

9. Fresno State (2-0, 5-1) ▲1

The offense stalled out and the defense couldn’t slow down the Wolfpack’s backup true freshman quarterback.

But Fresno State is now 5-1 and controls its own destiny. Keep winning games and the margins of victory become less important.

Yet, from a style-points perspective, the showing was brutal and raises concerns for the ceiling of this year’s team.

10. San Diego State (1-0, 4-1) ▲NR

Beating Colorado State with a convincing margin of victory is the type of result we love to see. The Vegas oddsmakers were expecting a close game and SDSU sent a message.

The only loss on the season is a road game in Pullman, which is a difficult place to leave with a win.

With a tough schedule to finish the year, San Diego State is about to show us what they are made of.

Dropped Out: Boise State, Cal