A wild week in the Pac-12 and the rest of country left two Pac-12 teams in the top-10. Here are my power rankings through nine weeks of play.
1. #9 Utah (7-1)
The Utes continue to roll. Utah hammered California, 35-0 Saturday night. California managed just 83 total yards of offense against the Utes’ stout defense. Utah looks to be the best team in the conference and is a sleeper to make the CFB Playoff.
Next Opponent: at Washington
2. #7 Oregon (7-1)
The Ducks beat Washington State on a last second field goal in Eugene. Oregon keeps winning but things have not been easy. But as long as Oregon keeps winning the chance for a trip to the CFB Playoff remains possible. Will the Ducks have enough in the tank for another tough road game this week?
Next Opponent: at USC
3. Washington (5-3)
The Huskies were idle last week. Big test for a Washington team this week that has underachieved so far.
Next Opponent: vs Utah
4. USC (5-3)
The Trojans avoided the dreaded Friday night letdown at Colorado – surviving, 35-31. USC still controls their destiny in the South Division. This week looms large.
Next Opponent: vs Oregon.
5. Arizona State (5-3)
The Sun Devils are trending down after a 42-32 defeat at UCLA. It’s ASU’s second consecutive defeat after a 5-1 start to the season. It’s gut check time for the Sun Devils.
Next Opponent: Idle
6. Washington State (4-4)
The Cougars took a 34-32 lead with one minute remaining at Oregon last Saturday night. But the Cougars’ defense could not hold as they surrendered a game winning field goal to the Ducks. If you believe in moral victories this was one for the Cougars.
Next Opponent: Idle
7. Stanford (4-4)
Quaterback K.J. Costello returned for the Cardinal in their 41-31 win over Arizona. Costello passed for 312 yards and three touchdowns. Stanford usually gets better as the season goes on – so it will be interesting to see how they fare in their final four regular season contests.
Next Opponent: Idle
8. UCLA (3-5)
The Bruins finally might be turning the corner. UCLA beat No. 24 Arizona State, 42-32, at the Rose Bowl. At one point in the third quarter, the Bruins led 35-7. As crazy as it sounds, UCLA controls their destiny in the Pac-12’s South Division.
Next Opponent: vs Colorado
9. Oregon State (3-4)
The Beavers were idle last week.
Next Opponent: at Arizona
10. California (4-4)
What a difference a month makes. The Golden Bears started the season with four straight wins and looked like contenders in the Pac-12. But quarterback Chase Garbers got hurt and everything changed. California has lost four straight games. Their latest loss, a 35-0 loss at Utah. Cal had just 83 total yards of offense in the loss.
Next Opponentent: Idle
11. Arizona (4-4)
After a 4-0 start, the Wildcats have now dropped four straight games. Arizona lost, 41-31, at Stanford over the weekend. With a tough ending schedule this week feels like a must win if the Wildcats want to go to a bowl game.
Next Opponent: vs Oregon State
12. Colorado (3-5)
The Buffaloes almost upset the banged up USC Trojans but ultimately lost, 35-31. Colorado has lost four straight games after a strong start.
Next Opponent: at UCLA
