LaMarr Fields’ Week 12 West Coast CFB Top 10

  By LaMarr Fields, SuperWest Sports

---

The top two teams in the Pac-12 finally face off this week, with the Ducks looking to stay in the College Football Playoff hunt, and the Utes hoping to take another step toward clinching the South Division title.

While a Utah win would shake up this list, the top Mountain West and independent teams figure to cruise against weaker opponents.

Washington State drops out after a loss to Oregon, and Utah State jumps in after routing San Jose State.

So how do West Coast college football teams stack up this week? I’ve listed my Top 10 in reverse order below.

It all could change again this weekend, and I’ll update these rankings then.

---

10. Oregon State (6-4)

Oregon State rebounded after a disappointing loss to Colorado by dominating Stanford 35-14 in Corvallis to become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2013.

Up next, the Beavers will look to raise the bar with a seventh win by defeating the Sun Devils at home. In doing so, they would also hand Utah the South Division title.

---

9. UCLA (6-4)

Last Saturday, UCLA exploded for 34 second-half points at home to defeat Colorado 44-20, becoming bowl-eligible for the first time since 2017.

UCLA takes on crosstown rival USC this weekend in the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Our Stephen Vilardo looks back at some of the best games in the series in his latest column.)

---

8. Utah State (8-2)

Utah State has quietly put together a good season, bolstered by last weekend’s 48-17 route of San Jose State.

This week, Utah State comes home to take on Wyoming in what should be an easy win.

---

7. Nevada (7-3)

Nevada lost a challenging game on the road to San Diego State 23-21. The Wolfpack had a chance to pull out the win, but couldn’t convert on fourth down to keep their final drive going.

Up next, Nevada hosts Air Force, which got past Colorado State 35-21 last week at Canvas Stadium.

---

6. Arizona State (7-3)

Arizona State added insult to injury against struggling Washington last Saturday, defeating the Huskies 35-30 in Bob Gregory’s debut as interim coach, despite trailing for all but the final 2:55 of the game.

The Sun Devils play Oregon State in what should be an intriguing game in Corvallis, hoping to keep their slim South Division title hopes alive. ASU will likely need to play better than it did in Seattle to come away with a win.

---

5. Fresno State (8-3)

After a 40-14 loss to Boise State, the Bulldogs rebounded with an 34-7 win over New Mexico last Saturday.

Fresno State has a bye this week, and does not play until Thanksgiving day against San Jose State.

---

4. Utah (7-3)

No. 23 Utah has been playing solid, championship-caliber football, but struggled at times in last week’s 38-29 win over one-win Arizona.

The Utes may have been looking past the Wildcats to Saturday’s matchup with No. 3 Oregon, but having survived the potential trap game, they appear ready to play spoiler against the Ducks.

---

3. San Diego State (9-1)

No. 19 San Diego State snuck by Nevada 23-21 at home last week.

Up next, the Aztecs play the two-win Rebels in Las Vegas in what should be a cake-walk win.

---

2. BYU (8-2)

No. 14 BYU has been playing outstanding offensive football, scoring  66 points against Virginia two weeks ago and 59 points against Idaho State last week.

The Cougars should have no trouble on the road against Georgia Southern this week.

---

1. Oregon (9-1)

No. 3 Oregon beat much-improved Washington State 38-24 last Saturday at home in a game of counter-punches.

The Ducks take on No. 23 Utah next in what figures to be cold and windy Pac-12 showdown in the high-altitude of Salt Lake City. It could be another quality road win for the Ducks, or the end of their CFP hopes, should they slip.