Pac-12 (2.0) power rankings: San Diego State rises as new era creates opportunity, pressure — and coaching changes

The most significant off-the-field news for a conference that doesn’t yet exist has unfolded in the courtroom, where the Pac-12 has successfully pulled the Mountain West into a lengthy, costly lawsuit over $55 million in poaching penalties.

A second development, not quite as costly, is worth monitoring: turnover at the head coaching level.

Colorado State became the second member of the rebuilt Pac-12 to initiate an in-season change. The Rams dismissed Jay Norvell last weekend, a mere seven days after Oregon State axed Trent Bray.

At least two of the schools competing next fall will have first-year coaches, and three more will have second-year leaders: Fresno State’s Matt Entz, Utah State’s Bronco Mendenhall and Washington State’s Jimmy Rogers.

That’s five of eight.

The other three coa