Michigan State football: Power ranking coaching candidates after Week 8

Michigan State football: Power ranking head coaching candidates after Week 8

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 21: Head Coach Mike Elko of the Duke Blue Devils reacts on the sidelines during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on October 21, 2023 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

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Sep 23, 2023; Pullman, Washington, USA; Oregon State Beavers head coach Jonathan Smith looks on against the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

One of the quickest risers in the past few weeks has been Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith who has completely transformed the Beavers into a top Pac-12 program.

When Smith took over at his alma mater, Oregon State was the laughingstock of the Pac-12. Now, the Beavers are one of the best teams in the conference and many believe they provide one of the best opportunities for the conference to be represented one final time in the College Football Playoff.

After losing at Washington State about a month ago, all Oregon State has done has been reel off three straight wins, and two of them have come against ranked teams — both wins were by at least 12 points.

Oregon State just beat No. 18 UCLA on Saturday and that boosts Smith’s resume.

Now, the Beavers are 6-1 on the season and ranked No. 11 in the country with a huge matchup with Arizona in Tucson looming this weekend. If Smith can lead Oregon State to a win there, he might just move up a spot or two on this list.

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