PAC-12 THIS WEEK
POWER RANKINGS
Arizona Republic
1. Utah (8-3, 7-1)
Next: vs. Colorado
What to know: The Utes spoiled any chance the Pac-12 had of getting a team into the College Football Playoff. But, they did position themselves to play for a Pac-12 title. They just need to handle the Buffaloes.
2. Oregon (9-2, 6-2)
Next: vs. Oregon State
What to know: The Ducks won’t be playing for a national championship, but they can still grab a title, as a win Saturday would put them in the Pac-12 title game.
3. Oregon State (7-4, 5-3)
Next: at Oregon
What to know: Oregon State is a program on the rise. The Beavers surprised the Sun Devils last week, much as they have surprised the Pac-12 this season. Already qualified for a bowl game, they have a chance to smell the roses.
4. Washington State (6-5, 5-3)
Next: vs. Washington
What to know: The Cougars have a shot at the Pac-12 North title. In order to get there, they need to not only beat Washington, but have Oregon State beat Oregon as well. All this for a team that only became bowl eligible by beating Arizona on Saturday.
5. UCLA (7-4, 5-3)
Next: vs. California What to know: The Bruins put up a season-high 62 points against USC. Already assured a winning record for the first time since 2015, they could win nine games for the first time since 2014.
6. Arizona State (7-4, 5-3)
Next: vs. Arizona
What to know: The combination of Herm Edwards and Jayden Daniels was supposed to mean a Pac-12 title, at the very least. However, time could be winding down with Edwards on the hot seat and Daniels looking toward either the NFL or a grad transfer.
7. USC (4-6, 3-5)
Next: vs. BYU
What to know: USC will likely take a loss to BYU and assure itself a losing record after entering the season with high expectations. However, the season won’t be over for the Trojans as the Cal game, which had been postponed due to COVID-19, will be played during championship week.
Utah RB
Tavion Thomas
8. California (4-6, 3-4)
Next: at UCLA
What to know: Cal’s offense carried the day against Stanford. If it can repeat that performance, fans could be in for a shootout.
9. Colorado (4-7, 3-5)
Next: at Utah
What to know: In another season, Utah might not be a bad opponent for the final game of a challenging season. But in other seasons, the Utes didn’t win the Pac-12 South. Hang in there, Buffs, there’s always next year.
10. Washington (4-7, 3-5)
Next: vs. Washington State
What to know: The Huskies might have hit the low point of their season — or at least the low point since losing to Montana in Week 1. A rivalry game provides a shot at redemption.
11. Stanford (3-8, 2-7)
Next: vs. Notre Dame
What to know: Conference play concluded for the Cardinal, who now get the treat of facing the No. 5 team in the USA TODAY Sports AFCA
Coaches Poll, in what is a meaningless game for Stanford. The best it can hope for is to spoil Notre Dame’s chance at a College Football Playoff appearance.
12. Arizona (1-10, 1-7)
Next: at Arizona State
What to know: What can make fans forget how bad this season has been? Beating Arizona State, of course. Last year, the Wildcats were on the receiving end of a 70-7 thrashing, but this year the Sun Devils look more vulnerable.