In a surprising turn of events, San Diego State retains the top position in the Pac-12 power rankings despite suffering a significant loss to Hawaii, finishing 38-6. As the regular season progresses, the conference’s path to the College Football Playoff (CFP) appears increasingly bleak, with San Diego State now holding two losses and other potential contenders facing even steeper challenges.
This new feature on the Hotline evaluates the eight teams within the restructured Pac-12, which will officially consolidate next summer. As of now, their performance this season is crucial for shaping the perception of the incoming conference. The CFP selection committee has made it evident that only the top-ranked team from outside the power conferences will have a shot at a playoff spot.
San Diego State’s recent defeat at the hands of Hawaii has raised concerns. While their victory against California gained importance due to the Bears’ upset over No. 14 Louisville, the Aztecs now face difficulties. Two lopsided defeats against teams outside the Power Four, namely Washington State and Hawaii, have complicated their CFP aspirations. The American Athletic Conference’s strength, with a one-loss team in North Texas and multiple two-loss teams, further narrows San Diego State’s chances.
Power Rankings Overview
1. **San Diego State (7-2)**
– Result: Lost at Hawaii 38-6
– Next Up: vs. Boise State (November 4, 2023, at 19:30 on CBS Sports Network)
– Comment: Retaining the top spot after a significant loss raises questions about the overall competitiveness of the conference.
2. **Fresno State (6-3)**
– Result: Did not play
– Next Up: vs. Wyoming (November 4, 2023, at 19:30 on FS1)
– Comment: While they have not played this week, their previous loss to San Diego State places them in a challenging position for elevation in the rankings.
3. **Boise State (6-3)**
– Result: Did not play
– Next Up: at San Diego State (November 4, 2023, at 19:30 on CBS Sports Network)
– Comment: The Broncos’ previous encounters suggest they are positioned correctly in the rankings, but uncertainty regarding quarterback Maddux Madsen complicates their prospects.
4. **Washington State (4-5)**
– Result: Did not play
– Next Up: vs. Louisiana Tech (November 4, 2023, at 19:00 on The CW)
– Comment: A loss here could lead to a must-win scenario for the Cougars in their upcoming match against James Madison.
5. **Utah State (5-4)**
– Result: Beat Nevada 51-14
– Next Up: at UNLV (November 4, 2023, at 16:00 on CBS Sports Network)
– Comment: With three games left, they need one more win for bowl eligibility, facing a challenging schedule ahead.
6. **Texas State (3-6)**
– Result: Lost at Louisiana 42-39
– Next Up: at Southern Mississippi (November 4, 2023, at 12:30 on ESPN+)
– Comment: The trajectory since their invitation to join the Pac-12 has not aligned with expectations.
7. **Oregon State (2-8)**
– Result: Lost to Sam Houston State 21-17
– Next Up: at Tulsa (November 4, 2023, at 10:00 on ESPN+)
– Comment: A defeat to a previously winless opponent marks a low point in an already disappointing season.
8. **Colorado State (2-7)**
– Result: Lost at New Mexico 42-10
– Next Up: at New Mexico (November 4, 2023, at 12:00 on Mountain West Network)
– Comment: The competition for the bottom rankings is more promising than that for the top, highlighting the challenges faced by Colorado State.
As the regular season nears its conclusion, the performance of these teams will determine their fates heading into the future of the Pac-12. With just three weeks remaining, the pressure is mounting, particularly for San Diego State, which stands as the only viable candidate for the CFP from the upcoming conference.
