ASU springs to the top of the Pac-12 Power Rankings after a decisive win over UCLA.
Photo: Keith Birmingham - OC Register/ AP
Article by WestCoastCFB
1. Arizona State
Arizona State landed an emphatic win over UCLA to secure sole possession of 1st place in the Pac-12 South. The Sun Devils are the most well rounded team in the conference thus far, featuring the top defense in the Pac-12 along with a lethal run game. ESPN's FPI computer model now projects ASU as the favorite to win the conference.
2. Oregon State
Jonathan Smith inherited a Beaver program that was coming of a 1-11 season and had gone winless in conference play. Now, Oregon State finds themselves at 4-1 and at the top of the Pac-12 North after an exciting 27-24 win over Washington. ESPN's FPI projects the Beavers to be the favorites in 6 of their 7 remaining games.
3. Oregon
The Ducks were due for a loss. If you had watched Oregon play, you would see a team that currently has the worst statistical defense in the conference and had gotten some turnover luck. Oregon can still win the conference but a change at quarterback may be coming.
4. UCLA
The Bruins looked like a possible College Football Playoff contender after their statement win over LSU. Fast forward a few weeks and UCLA has now lost to Fresno State and ASU. UCLA fans have begun to put Chip Kelly back on the hot seat and anything less than 8 wins now will be seen as a disappointment.
5. Stanford
Stanford scored a massive upset of #3 Oregon in overtime for their 7th win against the Ducks since 2009. The Cardinal have been inconsistent this season from week to week but at their peak, they can beat anyone in the league.
6. USC
Every week, the Trojans either win by double digits or lose by double digits. This team has a ton of talent and Drake London is the best offensive player in the Pac-12 but can they perform consistently and string some wins together?
7. Utah
The Utes got the week off and now will play in a key conference game against USC in Los Angeles. Utah enters as a 3 point underdog and hasn't beat the Trojans in LA since 1916. Can Whittingham's squad score a big win and make a run at the division title?
8. Washington
The Huskies looked like the better team against the Beavers on Saturday and likely would have won the game if not for a poor play call on 4th and 1 in the final minutes. UW gets a bye week before they host UCLA in Seattle on October 16th.
9. WSU
The Cougar defense played an outstanding game against Cal in a 21-6 win. If this defense continues to show up, WSU may make a run at a Bowl game.
10. California
The Golden Bears lose again and find themselves at 1-4 after a 1-3 season in 2020. Justin Wilcox needs a turnaround fast or this could be his last season in Berkeley.
11. Colorado
The Buffs might deserve to be 12th on this list. They have no offensive firepower and the defense has regressed since their performance against Texas AM. They will play Arizona on October 16th and if they can't win that one they may not win another game this season.
12. Arizona
The Wildcats got a bye week before their game against UCLA this weekend and the rest will hopefully help them continue to their growth under Jedd Fisch.