Arizona State asserts themselves as the top team in the conference.
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Article by WestCoastCFB
1. Arizona State
One week after #3 Oregon lost to Stanford, the Sun Devils made the Cardinal look extremely mediocre. With the win, ASU further proved they are the top team in the conference and now get another chance to further separate themselves in the South with a trip to Salt Lake City to face Utah.
2. Oregon
The Ducks have hardly been impressive this season and even in the win over Ohio State, the Ducks had 107 fewer yards than the Buckeyes. This team has feasted on turnover luck and is fortunate to enter the contest against Cal at 4-1. Still, the roster is extremely talented and if they can improve on defense, they should be the favorite to win the North.
3. Utah
Utah overcame tragedy to play their best game of the season against USC in LA. Next up, a contest against Arizona State between two teams that are undefeated in conference play.
4. UCLA
The Bruins took care of business against Arizona to improve to 4-2 and now will travel to Seattle to take on Washington. This weekend's game will be pivotal for UCLA to determine the program's trajectory. A win would position the Bruins for a possible 8-9 win season while a loss could mean another disappointing season is ahead.
5. Oregon State
The Beavers were riding high after huge wins over USC and Washington and then it all came crashing down against the Cougs. Chance Nolan has played poorly the past two weeks after a hot start to the season and getting him back on track will be important for the Beavers to contend for the North.
6. Stanford
Stanford has been a bit of a mystery this season. They can likely win any game on their schedule but have also lost three games by double digits. A win against WSU this weekend might be necessary to ensure they win six games and reach a bowl.
7. WSU
The Coug defense is suddenly playing at a high level and the Cougs could make a run at the North if Jayden de Laura can keep improving as the season progresses.
8. USC
USC has been horrible in their past three home games while losing 42-28, 45-27 and 42-26. This feels like a lost season for the Trojans and the result that will matter most is simply who they hire as their next head coach.
9. Washington
UW's loss to Oregon State looks worse now after the Cougs took care of business against the Beavers. The Huskies get a tough matchup when the Bruins come to town this weekend and their leaky run defense will get tested early and often against a Chip Kelly squad that loves to run.
10. California
The Golden Bears are 1-4 and now must face the Ducks. The positive news: Cal has played Oregon tough in recent years so they may be able to keep this closer than many expect.
11. Colorado
Colorado and Arizona will battle this weekend to determine who is the worst team in the Pac-12. This should be a mildly interesting game just for how bad these teams look.
12. Arizona
Another week, another loss. The Wildcats need to beat Colorado this weekend or they may go 0-12.
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