The Pac-12 is off to a pretty rough start this year: Going 0-12 against Power Four opponents sends the wrong message for a league looking to make its mark.
It may take longer than expected to reach the desired power-conference status.
Nonetheless, conference play is here, and it will be interesting to see if another team can challenge Boise State for league lead.
The most notable game on the conference slate this week is Fresno State at Washington State in a contest giving both teams a chance to find out who they are.
In the middle of the pack, Oregon State travels to Fort Collins, and Texas State visits San Diego.
Rounding out the slate is Utah State trying to pull something wild in Boise.
The drive for the College Football Playoff continues.
Oregon State at Colorado State
Saturday, October 3rd
3:00 PM PT, USA Network
This is a matchup between two conference treasures this year.
If Oregon State wants to contend as a top-of-the-league team, this is a must-win affair. The Beavers looked the part in the non-conference, ending with a throttling of UTEP.
Colorado State got off to a hot start, but floundered the last two weeks of its non-conference schedule.
The Rams usually play well at home except for the BYU game, but OSU’s hoping to make a fight for the No. 2 spot in the conference.
If CSU’s going to hang around in this matchup, they’ll need their secondary to limit big plays. They rank 91st nationally in passing yards allowed per game.
This is vital against the Braden Atkinson and Jesse Legree combination. Legree is second in the country with 585 receiving yards; he’s also tied for second with six touchdown receptions.
Atkinson also ranks second nationally in throwing yards per game, averaging 355 yards per contest.
Colorado State needs to find stability at quarterback with Hauss Hejny injured. K’saan Farrar played phenomenally against UTSA, but Oregon State’s defense should be an AP test.
Jim Mora’s close, but the Beavs have a bit more talent.
Utah State at No. 22 Boise State
Saturday, October 3rd
4:30 PM PT, CBS Sports Network
If anyone were to steal this matchup, it would be Bronco Mendenhall.
Utah State could have played better in their opening three contests, but they were able to get a win against a solid Troy squad last week.
Except for an ugly win against South Dakota, Boise State played well in the non-conference.
The key to this matchup should prove to be how well the Aggies play on offense. Their two starting quarterbacks have thrown for 10 combined interceptions and five touchdowns in 2026.
If Grady Brosterhous protects the ball, it will allow Javen Jacobs and him to try to control the tempo of the contest. If they can’t do that, the Broncos’ powerful rushing duo will lean on their defense, even if Sire Gaines is out.
They’ll also need their offensive line to play solid. BSU only has four sacks on the year, and they’re gonna try and change that this week.
USU’s defense is sturdy, but Boise State’s been on the hill already. Expect them to use the same formula they did last week against Western Michigan. Run the ball, smart throws, and vicious defense.
Maddux Madsen’s experience is proving clutch in the early season, and the Broncos are ready to defend the blue in their Pac-12 opener.
Fresno State at Washington State
Saturday, October 3rd
6:30 PM PT, USA Network
This could be the game of the week in the Pac-12.
Fresno State enters Pullman on a three game winning streak after their opening loss to USC.
Washington State is looking to defend their home, after losing two close contests against power four opponents in their non-conference slate.
The key to this matchup is whether the Cougars can get some skill players moving on offense. WSU’s looked herky-jerky since Tony Freeman’s injury.
Maxwell Woods played well against Duquesne, but Power Four competition has locked him down.
They must find someone because the Bulldogs will wear out the Cougs defense if they’re always on the field.
Fresno State outscored Rice 24-7 in the second half, after trailing at halftime. Rayshon Luke finished with 167 yards, one rushing touchdown, and averaged 15.2 yards per carry.
They did the same the week prior against San Jose State, outscoring them 20-7 in the final 30 minutes.
WSU led Arizona 14-0, but its lack of offensive efficiency killed momentum. Stats tell a smart part of the story in this matchup.
Washington State’s played a harder schedule, but Fresno State’s likely a bit more talented.
Texas State at San Diego State
Saturday, October 3rd
7:30 PM PT, The CW
San Diego State is in a pretty bad spot right now. They’ve played a decent non-conference schedule, but they expect to be a winning program this year.
The game this week is probably the most important of Sean Lewis’ tenure. If the Aztecs lose, the boosters might force him out.
The key for SDSU is finding Jayden Denegal some confidence; if he doesn’t play better or the Aztecs should consider making a change.
Denegal has thrown for 597 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions, which isn’t quite where he needs to be.
For Texas State, the key is to keep their offense going. After a slow start to their non-conference slate, the Bobcats have won two in a row. They scored a combined 112 points in their last two outings.
The halfback duo of Torrance Burgess Jr. and Davian Jackson is off to a blistering start. Burgess Jr. leads the team with 537 rushing yards, while Jackson leads the squad with five rushing touchdowns.
Chris Dawn Jr. is also proving clutch at wideout, and leads the Bobcats with 19 receptions, 247 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.
San Diego State’s offense needs to keep improving, or Texas State will enjoy their time in America’s Finest City.
