PAC-12 THIS WEEK
POWER RANKINGS
Arizona Republic
1. Oregon (7-1, 4-1)
Last: No. 1, def. Colorado 52-29
Next: at Washington
What to know: This is the 113th playing of the “Border War.” The Ducks are nearly a touchdown favorite, but anything can happen in a rivalry game. They need a win here to keep any chance of reaching the College Football Playoff.
2. Utah (5-3, 4-1)
Last: No. 3, def. UCLA 44-24
Next: at Stanford
What to know: Utah’s offense has no problem putting up points and the Utes are in good position to win the Pac-12 South.
3. Washington State (4-4, 4-2)
Last: No. 8, def. Arizona State 34-21 Next: OFF What to know: The Cougars enter their bye week on a high note after upsetting ASU. The key will be keeping the momentum when they return to action in a week.
4. Oregon State (5-3, 3-2)
Last: No. 2, lost to California 39-25 Next: at Colorado
What to know: The Beavers look to rebound after falling to Cal. In order to turn things around, they will need to make some changes on defense.
5. Arizona State (5-3, 3-2)
Last: No. 4, lost to Washington State 34-21
Next: vs. USC
What to know: Arizona State entered the season with the Rose Bowl in its sights, but now coach Herm Edwards is on the hot seat.
6. UCLA (5-4, 3-3)
Last: No. 5, lost to Utah 44-24
Next: OFF
What to know: UCLA had high expectations for coach Chip Kelly, and so far he is falling short of them. Will the Bruins make the changes they need in the off week or is it too late?
7. USC (4-4, 3-3)
Last: No. 7, beat Arizona 41-34
Next: at Arizona State
What to know: The game against Arizona was a lot closer than anyone associated with USC would have liked. Now the Trojans look to stay above .500.
8. Washington (4-4, 3-2)
Last: No. 9, beat Stanford 20-13
Next: vs. Oregon
What to know: Washington has won its last two games and appears to be salvaging a season that once seemed destined for the cellar.
9. California (3-5, 2-3)
Last: beat Oregon State 39-25
Next: at Arizona
What to know: Arizona looked better against USC than it has all reason. The Golden Bears might be in for a fight.
10. Stanford (3-5, 2-4)
Last: No. 6, lost to Washington 20-13 Next: vs. Utah
What to know: The Cardinal have lost three straight games. The last time they won a game in regulation was Sept. 18 against Vanderbilt. The only other win during that stretch required overtime.
11. Colorado (2-6, 1-4)
Last: No. 11, lost to Oregon 52-29 Next: vs. Oregon State
What to know: In a terrible season, TE Brady Russell is giving fans someone to cheer for. He was recently nominated for the Burlsworth Trophy, which is given to the top player who began his career as a walk-on.
12. Arizona (0-8, 0-5)
Last: No. 12, lost to USC 41-34
Next: vs. California
What to know: Another week, another loss. At this point, even a win wouldn’t move the Wildcats up the Power Rankings.