By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
Can you hear it?
That’s the sound of a fundamental shift in the power dynamic among teams from the West in the Big 12.
BYU has officially eclipsed Utah, the effects of which will play out over the next few years or longer.
From recruiting to perceptions on the national landscape, the game has changed.
The BYU era is officially here.
But the Cougars weren’t the only team that secured a critical victory last week. Arizona State upset Texas Tech, further jumbling up the narratives in the region.
Here’s how I view the Top 10 Teams in the West heading into Week Nine.
1. Oregon (3-1, 6-1) ◄►
It shouldn’t have taken a loss at home to Indiana for Oregon to wake up.
Other than the road win at Penn State, the team had been sleepwalking ever since the blowout over Oklahoma State. Crushing Rutgers was a respectable response.
But the Ducks should never have been in this position. In a perfect scenario, the loss to the Hoosiers sparks a run to the National Championship Game.
The 56 to 10 result might be the first step in a proverbial new season.
2. BYU (4-0, 7-0) ▲1
It only took three seasons for BYU to become a powerhouse in the Big 12.
The trajectory of the program has been skyrocketing, which directly contrasts with rival Utah.
The foundation of the program is rooted in culture, and the fanbase is elite. BYU is here to stay. Maintaining the success is the next challenge.
But with all the pieces in place, it’s hard to see the Cougars falling off any time soon.
3. Utah (2-2, 5-2) ▼1
Kyle Whittingham should seriously consider retiring at the end of this season.
The Utes now have three straight losses to BYU, the worst stretch in the rivalry since 1989 to 1992.
Multiple players are playing both sides of the ball, indicating the lack of depth at the skill positions.
It wasn’t that long ago that the program was lauded for its strength in the trenches. Now?
eThe team’s identity up front has fractured after allowing 12 tackles for loss and four sacks in its two defeats.
4. Arizona State (3-1, 5-2) ▲2
The Sun Devils are having a roller coaster of a season. The upset win over Texas Tech once again changes the dynamic of the year.
But the inconsistency needs to be corrected.
Which team are we going to get moving forward? The one that lost to Mississippi State and was blown out by Utah, or the one that beat Texas Tech, TCU, and Baylor?
When Arizona State is at its best, they are capable of winning the Big 12 title. And with just a single loss in conference play, the path to Arlington is there.
5. USC (3-1, 5-2) ▼1
It isn’t easy to get a read on USC this season.
The Trojans have taken care of the teams they were supposed to beat, other than Illinois, and beat up on a ranked Michigan team in Los Angeles.
But with a losing record against Top 25 opponents, the program is floating just above mediocrity. It’s clearly not the USC that it used to be. But it’s also not a has-been.
The team just is what it is: A fringe Top 25 program, neither knocking on the door nor falling apart.
6. Washington (2-2, 5-2) ▼1
Well, so much for the noise coming out of Seattle.
If the Huskies were legitimate this season, they would have beaten Michigan on the road. But the margin of defeat paints an entirely different picture.
The team is not a serious contender in the Big Ten. Still, the Dawgs enter a four-game stretch of entirely winnable games.
The perception of the program would deteriorate substantially, however, if Washington loses to Illinois at Husky Stadium this weekend.
7. Boise State (3-0, 5-2) ▲2
It was only a matter of time until Boise State regained its status.
Beating UNLV with that margin of victory provided abundant evidence that the Broncos are once again the real deal.
The program’s two defeats this year have come against opponents currently ranked in the Top 25. There are not many teams that can say that.
It’s still one week at a time, but a 10-win regular season looks to be within reach. If achieved, it would be the Broncos’ third 10-win or better season in the last four years and their 10th since joining the Mountain West in 2011.
8. San Diego State (2-0, 5-1) ◄►
The Aztecs were on a bye last week and have a crucial test on the road to Fresno State this Saturday.
San Diego State is riding a four-game win streak, sparked by a 34-0 blowout over California a month ago.
The margins of victory during the streak have been impressive and garnered respect. The result against the Bulldogs this week will be telling.
Can SDSU sustain its momentum? We are about to find out.
9. UNLV (2-1, 6-1) ▼2
After winning four of their first six games by single possessions, the Rebels suffered their first loss of the season.
The margin of defeat was slightly surprising but not shocking.
Now, the team must put the result behind them and focus on New Mexico.
The remaining schedule is favorable and sets up a path for a rematch with Boise State in the MWC Championship Game. Just keep taking care of business, and the opportunity will come.
10. California (2-1, 5-2) ▲NR
The Bears are 5-2 with, frankly, one of the lesser talented rosters that Justin Wilcox has had during his tenure at Cal.
The record is a testament to his coaching staff and true freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele.
The defense made a critical play at the end of the game against North Carolina, and now the program is one win away from bowl eligibility.
But the schedule from here on out is tough. It might be a rough five-game stretch in Berkeley.
Dropped Out: Arizona
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.