Pac-12 Power Rankings

1. USC (8-3):

   The Trojans remain the team to beat in the Pac-12 following a thumping of their crosstown rivals, UCLA. It seems like ages ago that USC was sitting at 1-3 and some were clamoring for the firing of Clay Helton. Now 8-3, they are rolling, and still have an outside shot at earning a playoff spot. The switch to quarterback Sam Darnold has done wonders for this team. He’s been one of the most efficient QBs in the country this season. The Trojans still have a shot to play in Pasadena on January 2^nd.

2. Washington (10-1):

   Back on track following a win over Arizona State, the Huskies turn their attention to perhaps the most anticipated Apple Cup ever. The loss to USC wounded the Dawgs, but they’re still in prime position to sneak into the playoff. First things first, they have to escape Pullman with a win. It won’t be easy, but if QB Jake Browning can lead Washington to victory, the Pac-12 Championship Game could be a play-in game for the playoff.

3. Colorado (9-2):

   It’s still odd to see the Buffs thriving in a season that was touted as being another lost cause for them. Sitting at 9-2 and fresh off of a big win over Washington State, they’re in a comfortable spot. If they knock off Utah this Saturday, they’ll be playing for the Pac-12 Championship. Like USC, they still cling to fringe playoff hopes.

4. Washington State (8-3):

   Although they couldn’t cash in on the opportunity to knock off Colorado, the Cougars are still a force. During their eight-game winning streak, few teams in the nation played better football. This Friday, they’ll have another shot to make waves on a national scale, playing host to Washington with the Pac-12 North title on the line. A win would give the Cougars a chance to win the Pac-12 for the first time in over a decade.

5. Stanford (8-3):

   After plummeting from their spot in the top-10 early in the season, Stanford has come on strong in recent weeks. They’ve done it by going back to their roots, dominating up front and letting stud RB Christian McCaffrey run wild. In their win over Cal this past weekend, McCaffrey rushed for 284 yards and 3 TDs. Stanford had their sights set high to begin the season. They won’t be playing into 2017, but a 9-3 finish after their 4-3 start would be a success.

6. Utah (8-3):

   Rice-Eccles Stadium is known to be one of the toughest places to play in the country. That fact makes it tougher to explain Utah’s loss to Oregon this past weekend. The Utes never took control of the game, costing them a victory in the final moments. A solid team, Utah will have a last chance at a quality win this Saturday against Colorado.

7. Oregon (4-7):

   There hasn’t been many opportunities to give props to the Ducks this season, but they’ve earned it this week. QB Justin Herbert led the team on a game-winning drive, giving Oregon just their fourth win of the season. Already eliminated from bowl game contention, the Ducks will play their de facto bowl game this weekend in the Civil War. The future may be bright for the Ducks, but they aren’t used to losing seasons like this one.

8. Cal (4-7):

   Like many new-age programs, Cal has fallen victim to an all-offense, little-defense approach. QB Davis Webb has all the tools to run an offense not only at the college level, but in the NFL. The Golden Bears defense has held just one Pac-12 foe under 40 points this season. The brand of football that they play is fun to watch, but hasn’t equaled success this season.

9. Arizona State (5-6):

   The Sun Devils are one win away from becoming bowl-eligible, and they should be happy about that. They hung in early against Washington in their last contest, but were overmatched as the game wore on. A young team with holes all over their defense, ASU is a team in transition.

10. UCLA (4-7):

    The Bruins have a talented roster, but their plans were derailed when star QB Josh Rosen went down. Losing a player as dynamic as Rosen midseason has taken a real toll on the Bruins. They couldn’t keep close to USC down the stretch this past weekend, eliminating themselves from bowl game contention.

11. Oregon State (3-8):

    For many, the Beavers had become a permanent holder of the 12th spot in these rankings. That was before that took it to Arizona this last weekend. Oregon State took it to the Wildcats all game long, win handily on the road. The Beavers are still a shell of their former selves, and at least a couple years away.

12. Arizona (2-9):

    You can almost feel bad for a team like the Wildcats. The Wildcats have has an injury riddled season, and their roster isn’t deep enough to overcome them. Not one expert pegged the Wildcats as a team that could go winless in the conference.

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