Welcome to the Hotline’s weekly evaluation of the eight groups within the rebuilt Pac-12 that imagines them competing within the convention this season. (We’ll even acknowledge one fortunate workforce because the regular-season champion.) The ability rankings can be revealed every Sunday all through the common season.
(Listed below are final week’s rankings.)
(All instances Pacific)
1. San Diego State (9-2)
Consequence: beat San Jose State 25-3
Subsequent up: at New Mexico (Friday at 12:30 p.m. on CBS Sports activities Community)
Remark: The Aztecs held one more opponent to single digits — that’s seven of 11, should you’re scoring at dwelling — and have left zero doubt as to the identification of the most effective workforce in our hypothetical convention. However their path into the Faculty Soccer Playoff stays terribly slim. Tulane is the frontrunner, given final week’s choice committee rankings. The Inexperienced Wave received Saturday and faces Charlotte (1-10) subsequent weekend to advance to the American convention title sport. (Earlier: 1)
2. Boise State (7-4)
Consequence: beat Colorado State 49-21
Subsequent up: at Utah State (Friday at 1 p.m. on CBS)
Remark: We gave severe consideration to leaving the No. 2 place vacant, such is the hole between the Aztecs and everybody else. The one hesitation with inserting Boise State here’s a latest lopsided loss to Fresno State, however it’s not just like the Bulldogs have proven they deserve the spot with subsequent outcomes. (Earlier: 4)
3. Washington State (5-6)
Consequence: misplaced at James Madison 24-20
Subsequent up: vs. Oregon State (3:30 p.m. on The CW)
Remark: The Cougars traveled thus far solely to return so near securing a bowl berth. As an alternative, their pursuit of the sixth victory comes at dwelling, on the ultimate day of the season, in opposition to an opponent that has been like a sibling to WSU on all off-the-field issues for the reason that summer season of 2023. We aren’t suggesting Oregon State roll over, however each colleges would profit if considered one of them goes bowling. (Earlier: 3)
4. Utah State (6-5)
Consequence: received at Fresno State 28-17
Subsequent up: vs. Boise State (Friday 1 p.m. on CBS)
Remark: The Aggies carried out Saturday like their penultimate sport was the ultimate probability to grow to be bowl-eligible — and with the season finale in opposition to Boise State, it’s simple to see why. Their first highway win got here courtesy of a second half through which they outscored the Bulldogs 21-0. First-year coach Bronco Mendenhall has a serious constructing block in place. (Earlier: 5)
5. Fresno State (7-4)
Consequence: misplaced to Utah State 28-17
Subsequent up: at San Jose State (7:30 p.m. on FS1)
Remark: We’re out of the prediction sport in terms of the Bulldogs, maybe essentially the most erratic workforce listed right here. Within the again half of the season, they’ve misplaced badly to Colorado State, thumped Boise State and blown a 10-point halftime lead, at dwelling, to Utah State. (Earlier: 2)
6. Texas State (5-6)
Consequence: beat UL Monroe 31-14
Subsequent up: vs. South Alabama (12 p.m. on ESPN+)
Remark: A bowl berth — and the extra practices that include it — would assist the Bobcats put together for his or her subsequent chapter. We by no means anticipated them to want all 12 video games to win six, however right here they’re: dealing with a sub-.500 opponent for the fitting to a postseason bid. That mentioned, South Alabama has received three of its final 4 and simply upset Southern Mississippi. (Earlier: 6)
7. Oregon State (2-9)
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Consequence: didn’t play
Subsequent up: at Washington State (3:30 p.m. on The CW)
Remark: Search for the Beavers to have a head coach in place inside three or 4 days of their finale.) If the method requires extra time, one thing can have gone incorrect.) Our hunch: OSU picks former Wisconsin and Pittsburgh coach Paul Chryst, who served two stints on the Beavers’ employees a long time in the past and, notably, is a mentor to present Cal coach Justin Wilcox. (Earlier: 7)
8. Colorado State (2-9)
Consequence: misplaced at Boise State 49-21
Subsequent up: vs. Air Drive (Friday at 12 p.m. on FS1)
Remark: Maybe no consequence for the eight groups listed right here makes much less sense than CSU’s blowout victory over Fresno State in the course of the season, simply earlier than coach Jay Norvell was let go. It’s the Rams’ solely win over an FBS opponent. (Earlier: 8)
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