Pac-12 play is finally here for the rebuilt league, and the Week 5 power rankings still start with the same name at the top: No. 22 Boise State.
After four weeks of non-conference games, the Broncos remain the clear favorite to win the Pac-12 title, while Colorado State, Fresno State, Oregon State and Texas State all still have legitimate paths to the championship game. Here’s how the eight football-playing members stack up as conference action begins.
Boise State stays in command after a 32-7 road win over Western Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 26.
The Broncos are riding a three-game winning streak into league play, and Dylan Riley’s season has kept them humming. He ranks third nationally with 592 rushing yards.
Next up is Utah State on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.
Fresno State also holds steady after taking down Rice 38-24 at home on Saturday, Sept. 26.
The Bulldogs had to shake off a 17-14 halftime deficit, but they found another gear after the break. Quarterback Jayden Mandal helped drive the comeback and continued to add to a rushing attack that has been a real strength.
Fresno State heads to Washington State on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on USA Network.
Texas State is still in the mix after blasting Incarnate Word 63-10 at home on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Brad Jackson did most of the damage early, throwing five touchdowns, all in the first half, as the Bobcats handled their FCS opponent with ease. Texas State visits San Diego State on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. on The CW.
Colorado State’s record may still look respectable, but the warning signs are flashing. The Rams dropped a 59-45 road game to UTSA on Saturday, Sept. 26, and while the offense kept producing behind backup quarterback K’saan Farrar, the defense is a major issue as Pac-12 play begins. Colorado State hosts Oregon State on Saturday at 4 p.m. on USA Network.
Washington State is trying to regroup after a 34-24 home loss to Arizona on Saturday, Sept. 26.
The Cougars jumped out to a 14-0 lead, but they couldn’t finish the job, and Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita piled up 297 passing yards and four touchdowns. Washington State gets Fresno State next Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on USA Network.
Oregon State earned a 21-10 home win over Troy on Saturday, Sept. 26, with quarterback Grady Brosterhous delivering a strong all-around performance. He passed for 242 yards and two touchdowns while adding 89 rushing yards on 15 carries. The Beavers travel to Colorado State on Saturday at 4 p.m. on USA Network.
San Diego State is sliding fast after a 41-16 road loss to Toledo on Saturday, Sept. 26.
The Aztecs are now also dealing with a mumps outbreak as they head into conference play. Their next game is at home against Texas State on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. on The CW.