1. Utah: Utah’s offense looks almost modern, play action after play action, 7 different receivers. The Utes defense looked shaky early but responded well in the second half. Zack Moss with another good game with over 80 yards rushing. The Pac 12’s playoff hopes now rest with Utah and Utah alone.
2. Washington State: Anthony Gordon lit up some unknowing sub FBS school for 464 yards and four touchdowns. This Washington State offense looks better than last year. Can they keep it up against real competition though? That becomes the real question. Washington State gets it’s first test next week against Houston.
3. Oregon: A beautiful bounce back from a rough loss to Auburn. Justin Herbert looked like the QB we expected him to be. Slinging the ball for 310 yards and 5 touchdowns. The defense looked much better as well shutting down a hapless Nevada offense.
4. Colorado: I got sucked in last year early by these Buffs and was bit big time by it. That’s why I have them at four, they could be higher, I don’t view them as a legit threat in the Pac 12 and won’t until I see them win in conference play. That said they had a really entertaining comeback win against Nebraska at Folsom field in Boulder. Steven Montez looked good 375 yards and 2 Touchdowns. Leviska Shenault was again held under wraps though.
5. Washington: Ruh roh. This was an ugly loss for Washington. An ugly loss for Jake Eason. An ugly loss for the Pac 12. If Washington loses one more Pac 12 game, and they still have to play USC, Oregon, Utah, and Washington State, they may just have lost the Pac 12 North in week 2.
6. USC: Kyle Slovis looked good in the Fresno win. He looked even better against Stanford. Clay Helton bought himself another week with an impressive win over the Cardinal. The fact KJ Costello did not play, most certainly helped.
7. Arizona State: They fall big time. You should be able to beat Sacramento state by more than 12.
8. Cal: Best defense in the Pac 12, check. Offense, still needs help.
9. Stanford: I give them a slight pass. No KJ Costello held the offense back, though they didn’t look bad. That defense though, rough. A tough watch.
10. Arizona: Would be higher but you can’t allow Northern Arizona to drop a 40 burger on you AT HOME, even if you do win.
11. Oregon State: Offense looked good again. I like Jermar Jefferson at running back. Like Jake Luton at QB. Don’t like the defense and the fact they can’t stop anyone.
12. UCLA: Embarrassing. To be beaten by a team that only put up 6 points against WEBER STATE. Come on Chip do much much much better.