Here are my Pac-12 power rankings after three weeks of play.
1. #10 Utah
The Utes cruised to a 31-0 victory over Idaho State. Utah’s defense through three games ranks No. 6 in the country in scoring defense – allowing just 9.7 points per game. Big game in the south division this week.
Next Opponent: at USC
2. #16 Oregon (2-1)
The Ducks beat Montana, 35-3 over the weekend. Quarterback Justin Herbert passed for five touchdowns in the win. Oregon begins conference play this Saturday.
Next Opponent: at Stanford
3. #22 Washington (2-1)
The Huskies jumped out to a 38-0 second quarter lead over Hawaii, cruising to a 52-20 victory. First road test awaits Washington.
Next Opponent: at BYU
4. #19 Washington State (3-0)
The Cougars traveled to Texas and beat Houston last Saturday. It was the first test for a WSU team that had yet to play much competition. Anthony Gordon passed for 440 yards and three touchdowns in the win.
Next Opponent: vs. UCLA
5. #23 California (3-0)
The Golden Bears are 3-0 after a tough 23-17 win over North Texas. California was out-gained, 329-278, yards in the win. A big road test awaits Cal this week.
Next Opponent: at Ole Miss
6. #24 Arizona State (3-0)
Arizona State was nearly out-gained by 200 yards against Michigan State. But the Sun Devils found a way to win 10-7 on the road. Herm Edwards continues to get every ounce of talent out of program.
Next Opponent: vs Colorado
7. USC (2-1)
The Trojans missed a golden opportunity in Provo to prove their 2-0 start wasn’t a fluke. Instead, USC lost in overtime due to a 3-0 takeaway advantage for BYU. The biggest game of the year for the Trojans awaits this Friday night.
Next Opponent: vs Utah
8. Colorado (2-1)
After a thrilling overtime win against Nebraska, the Buffaloes followed the win with a home loss to Air Force. Don’t be fooled, Air Force is going to be good this year but still a disappointing result for Colorado.
Next Opponent: at Arizona State
9. Arizona (2-1)
The Wildcats beat Texas Tech last Saturday allowing just 14 points. Arizona allowed 45 points in their season opening loss to Hawaii and 41 points to Northern Arizona. If Arizona starts to figure out their defense, they can beat some teams their maybe not supposed to beat.
Next Opponent: Idle
10. Stanford (1-2)
The Cardinal got blown out at No. 17 UCF, 45-27. Stanford is banged up and things are just not going well. David Shaw will have to work his magic to save their season.
Next Opponent: vs Oregon
11. Oregon State (1-2)
The Beavers beat Cal Poly, 45-7. Oregon State has shown they can score but have a ton of work left to fix the other side of the ball.
12. UCLA (0-3)
Nothing has gone right for Chip Kelly and the Bruins this year. UCLA is coming off a 48-14 loss to Oklahoma. It what was supposed to be an improved team, the Bruins look to be at the bottom of the conference.
Next Opponent: at Washington State
