Utah climbs the Power Rankings with a stunning win over the Sun Devils
Photo: Utah Athletics
Article by WestCoastCFB
1. Utah
Many left the Utes for dead after early losses to BYU and San Diego State but now Whittingham suddenly has this program surging. Utah is now the only undefeated team in conference after a dominant performance against #18 Arizona State last weekend and ESPN's FPI computer model projects the Utes as the team with the best odds of winning the Pac-12 Title.
2. Oregon
Week after week, the Ducks fail to impress but generally still pull off a win. It's hard to know what to make of Oregon but 5-1 is 5-1. This week, the Ducks hit the road to take on 5-2 UCLA with College GameDay in LA for the contest.
3. Arizona State
ASU was the toast of the town after stellar wins against UCLA and Stanford. They looked like they would roll again with a 21-7 lead on Utah but the Utes adjusted and manhandled the Sun Devils the rest of the game. ESPN's FPI model projects ASU as a favorite in their 5 remaining games so don't write off the team from Tempe just yet.
4. UCLA
UCLA won a slug fest against Washington in Seattle to get their season back on track. Chip Kelly is now in good graces with the fanbase for the time being and if he can secure a win against Oregon this weekend, then a special season could be in the works.
5. WSU
WSU has won 3 straight games and suddenly look like one of the best teams in the conference. But can it continue? The Cougs just announced the firing of Nick Rolovich for not getting vaccinated and they will host BYU this Saturday without their leader.
6. Oregon State
The Beavers get their toughest test of the season with a matchup against the Pac-12 South leader, Utah. Expect Reser Stadium to get rowdy for this one and that crowd noise could help give the Beavers the edge they will need to pull off the upset.
7. Stanford
With the loss to WSU on Saturday, Stanford has now lost 5 straight against the Cougs and David Shaw is just 11-14 since 2019. The Cardinal are definitely not what they used to be. Reaching a bowl won't be an easy feat this season with remaining games against Notre Dame, Utah, Washington, Oregon State and Cal.
8. USC
The Trojans have their biggest rivalry game this weekend against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Drake London will be tough for the Irish to contain and this will be an opportunity for him to get the national spotlight.
9. Washington
Frustration continues to grow on Montlake as Jimmy Lake refuses to make major changes to both personnel and scheme while losses mount. UW should get an easy victory against an awful Arizona Wildcats team this weekend but the Huskies have often struggled in Tucson and stranger things have happened.
10. California
Cal just can't catch a break. The Golden Bears lost a heartbreaker once again and Wilcox finds himself with a 2-8 record since the start of 2020. Up next is a home contest against Colorado.
11. Colorado
The Buffs made easy work of Arizona with a 34-0 shutout. The win proves Colorado is far from the worst team in the conference.
12. Arizona
The losses continue to pile up. 18 straight. It's hard to envision the Wildcats avoiding 0-12 unless they can pull off a big upset.