Pac-12 (2.0) power rankings: Breaking down the CFP path for Boise State, San Diego State and Fresno State

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.

(Here are last week’s rankings.)

Nothing would add rocket fuel to the future Pac-12 like sending a team to this season’s playoff. But is there a realistic path for any of the eight teams set to compete in the conference next fall?

With seven weeks remaining, a plethora of scenarios could materialize.

None can be considered likely, or remotely close to likely.

In fact, the top teams in the rebuilt Pac-12 are poorly positioned relative to the best in the American Conference.

Before our dee