By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
The race to the Playoff continues out West.
In light of North Dakota State’s transition to the Mountain West—and multiple fan requests—we have incorporated them into our coverage.
The Bison enter the picture as the MWC’s primary challenger to the Pac-12’s Boise State.
The addition of a new team comes amidst a shaky week for the region’s programs.
USC didn’t look great, and neither did BYU. At the same time, Arizona State was stomped by Baylor and Washington slipped into irrelevancy.
Here’s how I have the teams stacking up heading into Week 6.
1. Utah (1-0, 4-0) ◄►
Morgan Scalley and the Utah coaching staff must have gained confidence during the bye week.
Most of the teams in action out West did not look that impressive.
The Utes can beat anybody in the region.
The matchup with Kansas in Salt Lake City this week provides an opportunity to run up the score.
2. UCLA (2-0, 4-0) ◄►
Only three teams from the Big Ten are still undefeated. And UCLA is one of them.
The program has exceeded expectations this season. But a trip to Eugene is looming.
The bye week probably helped Oregon more than the Bruins.
This weekend’s matchup against the Ducks is UCLA’s biggest game since realignment in 2024.
3. BYU (2-0, 4-0) ◄►
A seven-point win over TCU doesn’t move the needle. The Cougars should have won by more.
But you take road wins however they come.
BYU is undefeated and in the Playoff discussion at the start of October. The program is in control of its own destiny.
Still, the only resume win is a home victory over Arizona.
4. Oregon (1-0, 3-1) ◄►
Oregon’s bye week could not have come at a better time.
The extra week off provided valuable practice reps for Dylan Raiola.
It’s never easy for a backup quarterback to step in, and Raiola shined in the moment.
The Ducks’ offense may take a step forward under the transfer QB. The injury to Dante Moore might be the spark that ignites a run.
5. Boise State (1-0, 4-1) ◄►
All Boise State can do is keep winning. The path to the Playoff is laid before them.
The margin of victory over Utah State was appropriate for a Playoff-caliber team.
Maintaining results like that will be pivotal.
In the meantime, the Broncos are in the driver’s seat, and the schedule is favorable.
6. Arizona (1-1, 4-1) ▲1
That’s how you handle business against an undefeated team. The margin of victory over Cincinnati turned heads.
Arizona’s schedule has given it an advantage. The defeat in Provo and the hard-fought win in Pullman brought the team together.
The players and staff know what it takes to win. And it’s Noah Fifita’s final year.
The Cats might be destined for 10 wins.
7. USC (2-1, 5-1) ▼1
The Trojans couldn’t cover the spread against Washington.
It took a come-from-behind performance to beat the Huskies.
Ever since the Rutgers game, USC has taken steps back. The perception of the team has been damaged.
Nobody fears SC like they used to, and the respect is waning. The program is not where it should be.
8. North Dakota State (2-0, 5-0) ▲NR
The Bison are the only undefeated team in the Mountain West.
The NCAA changed its rules over the offseason to allow North Dakota State to be eligible for the Playoff this year.
If NDSU wins out, the Playoff committee would likely put them in over a one-loss Boise State team.
It only took a quarter of a season for North Dakota State to become a legitimate contender in the West.
9. New Mexico (1-0, 4-1) ◄►
Margins of victory are critical, and New Mexico has been delivering. The 61-7 win over UTEP was impressive.
Every one of UNM’s victories has been a blowout.
Still, too much of the resume is dependent on the margin of loss to Oklahoma.
Take care of Hawaii next, and then the matchup with North Dakota State will be massive.
10. Oregon State (1-0, 3-2) ▲NR
It’s been a long transition from the old Pac-12 into the new Pac-12.
Yet, Oregon State has found itself near the top.
The program looks to be the only serious threat to Boise State. After several impressive margins of victory, the results can’t be ignored.
Optimism is at a several-year high in Corvallis.
Dropped Out: Arizona State, Washington
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
