By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
Last weekend’s results were both surprising and clarifying.
California’s loss to Syracuse frames its season in a completely different light. Expectations for Cal were elevated this year and the Bears fell short.
BYU lost its first game of the year and, suddenly, its Playoff hopes are in jeopardy. And Arizona State beat another traditional Big 12 team on the road in a hostile environment.
At the same time, Colorado crushed Utah and Oregon got the job done against Wisconsin.
With all the results in mind, here’s how I view the Top 10 Teams in the West heading into Week 13.
1. Oregon (8-0, 11-0) ◄►
Last Week: Defeated Wisconsin 16-13
This Week: BYE
The Ducks passed another test.
Facing Wisconsin on the road in that environment and coming away with a win speaks volumes for where Oregon is as a program. The team has been built to compete in the Big Ten for years.
Now with the opportunity to run college football, UO keeps delivering.
2. Colorado (6-1, 8-2) ▲1
Last Week: Defeated Utah 49-24
This Week: at Kansas
Hate all you want. Colorado is elite. You don’t have to like Deion Sanders to acknowledge what he has done at CU.
The program was in complete shambles when he arrived and he has transformed it into a monster.
The offensive line issues from last year’s team were fixed and now the Buffs are on the brink of the Playoff.
3. BYU (6-1, 9-1) ▼1
Last Week: Lost to Kansas 17-13
This Week: at Arizona State
It’s sad that it had to end. But BYU had that defeat coming.
The Cougars had escaped with multiple victories in games they easily could have lost. In some ways, the defeat could be a blessing in disguise.
How the team plays on the road this week at Arizona State will define the year.
4. Boise State (6-0, 9-1) ◄►
Last Week: Defeated San Jose State 42-21
This Week: at Wyoming
That’s how you get yourself some respect.
Boise State went on the road against a good San Jose State team and won by three touchdowns. The Playoff Committee will be pleased with the result and it should show in this week’s rankings.
But more than that, the convincing win shows that the close game against Nevada two weeks ago was a fluke.
5. Arizona State (5-2, 8-2) ◄►
Last Week: Defeated Kansas State 24-14
This Week: vs BYU
Kenny Dillingham embarrassed the entire Kansas State fanbase on Saturday.
The Sun Devils crushed the Wildcats in the first half and held on for the win.
Arizona State is on the cusp of a special season. The Playoff is within reach. Every contest from here on out is an elimination game.
6. UNLV (4-1, 8-2) ▲1
Last Week: Defeated San Diego State 41-20
This Week: at San Jose State
UNLV took care of business against San Diego State in Vegas.
The 21-point win sets the table for a pivotal matchup with San Jose State this weekend. The Rebels must win out to get a shot at the Mountain West Championship Game and the Playoff.
The season is on the line this week in Silicon Valley.
7. Washington State (8-2) ▼1
Last Week: Lost to New Mexico 38-35
This Week: at Oregon State
The loss to New Mexico in Albuquerque eliminates Washington State from the Playoff.
It was a historic and embarrassing defeat.
But the Cougs should still find themselves in a respectable bowl game at the end of the year.
The victories over Washington and Texas Tech hold weight and Wazzu should close the year strong.
8. Washington (4-4, 6-5) ▲NR
Last Week: Defeated UCLA 31-19
This Week: BYE
Jedd Fisch’s first year at Washington has gone well. His rebuild is on schedule and Fisch already has several signature wins.
Beating UCLA and USC shows where UW stands in the Big Ten’s pecking order.
A bowl game is now guaranteed and there’s nothing to lose going into the Oregon game to finish the season.
9. Colorado State (5-0, 7-3) ◄►
Last Week: Defeated Wyoming 24-10
This Week: at Fresno State
It’s nothing flashy or convincing. But Colorado State keeps winning.
The Rams remain undefeated in Mountain West play and control their own destiny. A shot at the Playoff remains a possibility.
But this week’s game on the road against Fresno State will be one of the toughest Conference games of their season.
10. USC (3-5, 5-5) ▲NR
Last Week: Defeated Nebraska 28-20
This Week: at UCLA
The Trojans might not be meeting expectations based on their historical standards. But beating Nebraska put USC in position to reach a bowl game.
It’s not easy to win in the Big Ten and all five of SC’s losses have been by a single possession.
In reality, Lincoln Riley’s team is not that far off.
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
