Ten teams left the Pac-12, forcing Oregon State and Washington State to dance alone, for now, as the conference is set to expand in the very near future.
That brings the 2024 Pac-12 Power Rankings to one question: Which team is better?
2024 Pac-12 Power Rankings
2) Oregon State Beavers
National Rank: 58
Following three straight losing seasons to begin his tenure, Jonathan Smith turned Oregon State into a Pac-12 competitor, owning a 25-13 record and three bowl appearances over the last three years. Yet, he saw the writing on the wall for the conference and jumped ship for the leading role at Michigan State, taking several coaches and players with him.
The Beavers’ have gone 3-1 to start the year, with their only loss coming at the hands of in-state rival Oregon. However, they don’t have a signature win, with Idaho State, San Diego State, and Purdue comprising their victories.
The schedule doesn’t include any obvious losses moving forward, but contests against UNLV, San Jose State, Washington State, and Boise State in four of Oregon State’s final six games will test its resilience.
1) Washington State Cougars
National Rank: 39
The Cougars saw a mass exodus of talent via the portal, losing 27 players and adding just 12. Among the losses was uber-talented starting QB Cam Ward, who is now a Miami Hurricane. Head coach Jake Dickert faced an uphill battle in Year 3, but redshirt sophomore QB John Mateer led the program to a 4-0 start in 2024.
He dazzled through the air in Week 1 against Portland State (352 yards and five TDs) and on the ground against Texas Tech (21-197-1) before totaling another three TDs against Washington.
MORE: 2024 Strength of Schedule For All 134 FBS Teams
The defense was blinded by the Friday night lights, allowing 52 points to San Jose State in double overtime. But Mateer and the offense did just enough to make up for it, generating 627 total yards and 54 points.
Play-calling and discipline have been issues for the Cougars, and they reared their ugly heads again in Week 5 against Boise State. Wazzu struggled to maintain momentum, ultimately falling 45-24, with costly turnovers and missed opportunities derailing their chance to stay undefeated.
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