Washington State (link to game notes, depth chart on page 28)
What stands out: The Cougars offense has gotten off to a slow start this season, but you can’t really pin that too much on left tackle Jarrett Kingston.
Why that could be important: Technically, Kingston didn’t start last week’s contest at Wisconsin, but there’s a lot of proof to suggest he’s been Wazzu’s top offensive lineman in the first two games of the season. Not only was he named the Pac-12’s lineman of the week for his efforts against the Badgers last Saturday, he currently sports the fourth-best overall PFF grade, 75.8, of any offensive tackle in his conference. Against a Colorado State defense which has struggled to generate a consistent pass rush, that could be a problem.
Iowa (link to depth chart)
What stands out: The Hawkeyes offense has been the subject of much discussion after its first two games, but one subject that is being overlooked is sophomore center Logan Jones.
Why that could be important: As it turns out, replacing a first-round NFL Draft pick isn’t always easy. Jones, who missed nearly all of 2021 with injury and then converted to offense from defense in the spring, has so far put up the second-worst PFF overall grade, 48.1, of any Big Ten player at his position after Tyler Linderbaum led the entire country last year. If Nevada is going to spring an upset, it might start with how Jones manages (or doesn’t) Wolf Pack star Dom Peterson.
Utah (link to depth chart)
What stands out: On a Utes defense rich with playmakers, one noteworthy change to the two-deep from the first two weeks is true freshman Lander Barton getting the nod at strong-side linebacker, alongside Mohamoud Diabate and Karene Reid.
Why that could be important: Ironically, Barton saw a healthy amount of playing time against both Florida and Southern Utah, but he didn’t actually start either game. He did notch his first career sack against the Thunderbirds on Saturday, however, and could be a key piece against a San Diego State offense that isn’t likely to utilize much more than muscle between the tackles to beat the Utes for a second straight year.
USC (link to depth chart)
What stands out: The Trojans are obviously littered with stars and impact transfer portal arrivals on both sides of the ball, which makes redshirt freshman Ceyair Wright stand out, as he’s listed opposite Mekhi Blackmon at cornerback.
Why that could be important: Fresno State is going to need to throw to survive the inevitable offensive onslaught, so while Blackmon has been as good as advertised after coming to Los Angeles from Colorado, Wright has mostly held his own, too, against Rice and Stanford. Regardless of whether he’s assigned to cover Jalen Moreno-Cropper, Josh Kelly, or Nikko Remigio, the hometown prospect could play a big role in helping avoid an upset bid.
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