Welcome to a new feature on the Hotline — an assessment of the eight teams in the rebuilt Pac-12 as if they were competing in the conference this season. We’ll even recognize one lucky team as the regular-season champion. The power rankings will be published each Sunday throughout the regular season.

(All times Pacific)

1. Texas State (1-0)

Result: beat Eastern Michigan 52-27 Next up: at UTSA (12:30 p.m. on ESPN+) Comment: The ground game was insane with 392 yards on just 39 carries. If the Bobcats manage even half that production on a regular basis, freshman quarterback Brad Jackson’s job becomes immensely easier … and the fictional Pac-12 title comes within easy reach. (And speaking of half that production: Texas State rushed for 195 yards last year in the blowout victory over UTSA.)

See Full Page