The Pac-12 power rankings have been released, and despite suffering a significant loss, San Diego State remains at the top. The Aztecs were defeated by Hawaii with a score of 38-6, yet they still hold the best record among the eight teams in the newly restructured conference.
This season has seen the conference struggle to maintain a competitive edge for the College Football Playoff (CFP), as it appears to be effectively eliminated from contention. Although the reformed Pac-12 will not officially begin until next year, the current grouping of teams had hoped to make a strong case for a playoff berth. However, the situation has changed dramatically after San Diego State”s recent loss.
Currently, the Aztecs have two losses, while every other team in the future Pac-12 has at least three. This disparity complicates their chances for the CFP, especially considering the strength of the American Athletic Conference, which features a one-loss team and several two-loss teams with impressive records. A recent result that stands out is South Florida”s victory over Boise State, which could influence the CFP selection committee”s evaluations.
Despite San Diego State”s victory over California gaining significance with California”s recent upset of No. 14 Louisville, the Aztecs now face the challenge of overcoming two lopsided defeats against teams outside the Power Four conferences.
As the regular season approaches its conclusion, the Aztecs remain the only team with a plausible route to the CFP, although their chances are slim.
Power Rankings Breakdown
1. San Diego State (7-2) – Result: lost at Hawaii 38-6. Next up: vs. Boise State (7:30 PM on CBS Sports Network). The fact that San Diego State retains the top spot after such a loss speaks volumes about the state of the other teams in this conference.
2. Fresno State (6-3) – Result: did not play. Next up: vs. Wyoming (7:30 PM on FS1). While the Bulldogs lost decisively to San Diego State a few weeks ago, they remain in the running for a top position.
3. Boise State (6-3) – Result: did not play. Next up: at San Diego State (7:30 PM on CBS Sports Network). The Broncos” recent performance indicates their current placement in the rankings, especially with the uncertainty regarding quarterback Maddux Madsen”s return.
4. Washington State (4-5) – Result: did not play. Next up: vs. Louisiana Tech (7 PM on The CW). A loss here would put the Cougars in a precarious position as they look to maintain their bowl eligibility.
5. Utah State (5-4) – Result: beat Nevada 51-14. Next up: at UNLV (4 PM on CBS Sports Network). With three games remaining and one win necessary for bowl eligibility, the Aggies face a tough schedule ahead.
6. Texas State (3-6) – Result: lost at Louisiana 42-39. Next up: at Southern Mississippi (12:30 PM on ESPN+). The trajectory of the Bobcats has not been as expected since their invitation to join the conference.
7. Oregon State (2-8) – Result: lost to Sam Houston State 21-17. Next up: at Tulsa (10 AM on ESPN+). This loss at home to a previously winless team marks a low point in an already disappointing season for OSU.
8. Colorado State (2-7) – Result: lost at New Mexico 42-10. Next up: at New Mexico (12 PM on Mountain West Network). The current state of the Rams reflects a broader issue at the bottom of the rankings.
As the season progresses, the dynamics within the conference remain fluid, with the potential for further changes in the power rankings as teams continue to fight for bowl eligibility and playoff contention.
