The Arizona Republic

POWER RANKINGS

- Michelle Gardner USA TODAY NETWORK

1. USC (2-0, 1-0 Pac-12)

Last week:1

This week: vs. Fresno State What to know: The Trojans looked every part a Pac-12 frontrunne­r with a win over Stanford against whom they have struggled in recent years. Lincoln Riley’s team is rolling.

2. UCLA (2-0, 0-0)

Last week: 2

This week: vs. South Alabama What to know: Hard to figure just how good Bruins are with a couple of cupcakes already played and another this week. Jury is still out here.

3. Utah (1-1, 0-0)

Last week: 3

This week: vs. San Diego State What to know: The Utes rebounded nicely from loss to Florida and now face an Aztec team that had a getwill win last week as well.

4. Oregon State (2-0, 0-0)

Last week: 4

This week: vs. Montana State What to know: The Beavers are on a great trajectory under coach Jonathan Smith who directed the team to a last second win last week. This one should be easier.

5. Oregon (1-1, 0-0)

Last week: 5

This week: vs. Brigham Young What to know: The Ducks went from one extreme to another, going from getting crushed to providing the punishment. This will be another tough one against a stellar progam.

6. Washington (2-0, 0-0)

Last week: 6

This week: vs. Michigan State What to know: Huskies haven’t really been challenged yet. That will change this week although they get the luxury of playing a quality team at home.

7. Washington St. (2-0, 0-0)

Last week: 11

This week: vs. Colorado State What to know: The Cougars posted an impressive win last week but now get a team coming off a 3-9 campaign so the challenge will be avoiding the letdown.

8. Arizona (1-1, 0-0)

Last week: 8

This week: vs. North Dakota St. What to know: Wildcats had a nice Week 1 win but suffered a setback last week. Now they get a the reigning FCS champion so this one should be interestin­g.

9. Cal (2-0, 0-0)

Last week: 10

This week: at Notre Dame What to know: The Bears will face their toughest test of the early season after a win over team last week that was coming off a 20-10 season. The team is well-coached but their performanc­e in this one will say a lot.

10. Stanford (1-1, 0-1)

Last week: 7

This week: Bye

What to know: The Cardinal need a week to regroup after being handled by the Trojans.

11. Arizona State (1-1, 0-0)

Last week: 9

This week: vs. Eastern Michigan What to know: Sun Devils were in game last week for three quarters and now get a bit of a reprieve. Team with 43 newcomers is still a work in progress.

12. Colorado (0-2, 0-0)

Last week: 12

This week: at Minnesota

What to know: Karl Dorrell’s seat is getting a lot hotter as the Buffs were manhandled for a second straight week.

 ?? ??
 ?? JEFF HANISCH/USA TODAY SPORTS ?? Nakia Watson helped Washington State upset Wisconsin. Now the Cougars must avoid a letdown against Colorado State.
JEFF HANISCH/USA TODAY SPORTS Nakia Watson helped Washington State upset Wisconsin. Now the Cougars must avoid a letdown against Colorado State.
 ?? ??
 ?? ANDY NELSON/AP ?? Oregon running back Noah Whittingto­n.
ANDY NELSON/AP Oregon running back Noah Whittingto­n.
 ?? DAVID ZALUBOWSKI/AP ?? Colorado head coach Karl Dorrell.
DAVID ZALUBOWSKI/AP Colorado head coach Karl Dorrell.

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