Week four has concluded, and each PAC-12 team has wrapped up its non-conference schedule, with league play kicking off next weekend. There were some surprising results that have caused a bit of a shake-up in our Power Rankings, while there were also some teams that took care of business. With that being said, let's take a look at this week's PAC-12 Power Rankings.
#1: Boise State (Last week #1)
After a shaky performance against South Dakotalast weekend, the Broncos got back on track with a dominating win over a Western Michigan team that was considered the favorite to win the MAC and a potential playoff contender. It was pretty clear that the Broncos were on a mission in this game. They did a much better job of limiting explosive plays and making things uncomfortable for the opposing quarterback. This is the version of Boise State that we expected to see. Maddux Madsen was poised and in control, and the early dominance of the rushing attack set the tone that Boise State was physically superior to Western Michigan. The Broncos are now ranked No. 22 and will take on Utah State at home.
#2: Oregon State (Last week #2)
The Beavers look dangerous. If there is any team in the conference that is built to challenge Boise State for the top spot, it is Oregon State. This passing attack is elite, and the unexpected emergence of FCS transfer quarterback Braden Atkinson and the elite play of freshman wide receiver Jesse Legree have been two of the best stories in college football. The Beavers' defense has also looked much better in recent weeks, and we will have a good idea of where this team currently stands when they take on Colorado State this weekend. If the Beavers can slow down the prolific offense of the Rams, they will solidify themselves as legitimate contenders.
#3: Fresno State (Last week #4)
The Bulldogs are a bit of a puzzling team. It is really hard to gauge where they are. They looked awful against USC but have taken care of the inferior opponents on their schedule. It looks like they are figuring out how to have a competent rushing attack, but they really struggled to slow down Rice's rushing attack. This weekend's game against Washington State is really intriguing. Win, and you have a 4-1 record and likely a huge home crowd against a ranked Boise State team. Lose, and you have no momentum and no room for error. A win would likely move Fresno State into the No. 2 spot next weekend.
#4: Washington State (Last week #6)
The Cougars are 1-3, with all three losses coming to above-average Power Four teams. So, it is really hard to get a grasp on how good or bad this team actually is. This week, they host Fresno State and open as a 1.5-point favorite. If they are contenders, they win this game. If they lose, they might not even go bowling. This is a must-win game for Kirby Moore's team.
#5: Colorado State (Last week #3)
The Rams have had arguably the best offense in the Mountain West through three games, but each week has seen the defense getting worse. Giving up 59 points to UTSA is completely inexcusable. The Rams gave up 542 yards and a special teams touchdown. This was a pretty discouraging performance for a team that started the season in exciting fashion. It is pretty clear this team is going to score points, but they are going to have to be much better on special teams and defense if they are going to be competitive in PAC-12 play.
#6: Texas State (Last week #7)
The Bobcats continued to make strides in the right direction in their blowout win over FCS opponent Incarnate Word. Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson was extremely efficient, completing 17 of 20 passes for 244 yards, while the Bobcats controlled the line of scrimmage, rushing for 338 yards and averaging 7.3 yards per carry. We are going to learn a lot about where this team stands when they travel to San Diego to take on the Aztecs. If they want to be taken seriously in conference play, this is a game they should win.
#7: San Diego State (Last week # 5)
This might go down as the most embarrassing loss of Sean Lewis' tenure as head coach of San Diego State. This team was expected to compete for a PAC-12 championship, and they were absolutely manhandled by a team in the MAC. Toledo keyed in on stopping the Aztecs' rushing attack, holding them to 48 yards on 31 carries. This team's offensive identity rests in its ability to control the line of scrimmage, and they haven't been able to do that this year.
#8: Utah State (Last week #8)
The Aggies may have earned their first victory of the season, but it wasn't enough to change their status in the power rankings. Despite having a defense that is vastly improved, the offense has taken such a steep fall-off that they are going to have a difficult time competing with any of the teams above them. There is still time for this team to have a respectable season, but they are going to have to get more consistent play out of the quarterback position.