The Pac-12 proved itself to be even deeper than anticipated in week 2, that trend continued in week 3’s slate of games. Through the first three weeks of the season the Pac-12 has the best record in the nation out of the five, P5 conferences.
Pac-12: 30-6
SEC: 32-11
Big 12: 29-13
ACC: 29-13
Big Ten: 29-13
So which team has been the best within the best conference through the first three weeks of the season? While there isn’t a consensus #1 team, there is great insight into the top of the Pac-12 this week. The Voice of the Utes, Bill Riley also provides his Week 3 Power Rankings he broke down those rankings on Tuesday’s edition of The Bill Riley Show.
Brice Larson’s Power Rankings
1.USC
For the third week in a row the Trojans are on top of the Pac-12 Power Rankings. They sleep walked through a 56-10 beat down of Stanford, the worst team in the conference & had the bye week this week. The Trojans look good, but there are still notable questions on the defensive side. They stay at 1 for now knowing how powerful that offense is.
2. WASHINGTON
The Huskies jump back up in the latest rankings after demolishing Michigan State. They also rolled past Tulsa 43-10 and continue to look like they are already in mid-season form. The national polls haven’t shown much respect to the Huskies, if they were in the SEC they would be in the top 5 in the AP poll along with the Trojans.
3. UTAH
The Utes got the job done against a struggling Baylor squad two weeks ago and rolled past Weber State on Saturday. The only reason they fell a spot was due to the domination of Washington. Cam Rising might make an appearance this week vs UCLA and if the Utes roll, there could be serious implications to the top of the conference.
4. OREGON
Oregon won big vs Hawaii but their first conference game comes against a Deion Sanders coached Colorado team this upcoming weekend. The Ducks are a three touchdown favorite over the 3-0 Buffs.
5. OREGON STATE
Oregon State could turn some heads with a few marquee wins in the conference slate this season, but that is easier said than done. Their first chance comes on Saturday on the road at No. 21 WAZZU.
6. COLORADO
Colorado escaped Colorado State in what was the highest anticipated rivalry game in state history. They have a much tougher test as three touchdown road underdogs at Oregon on Saturday.
7. WASHINGTON STATE
Washington State shocked the nation with its 31-22 win over No.19 Wisconsin on the Palouse last Saturday. They were rewarded with a No. 21 ranking and steam rolled Northern Colorado 64-21. The Beavers come to town for a top 25 matchup where the winner will have a serious shot at being the Pac-12 dark horse this season.
8. UCLA
UCLA has stayed stagnant due to their easy schedule early. Test number one happens on Saturday in SLC. Will they see Utah QB Cam Rising? If so, and they get past the Utes, the Bruins will skyrocket in the power rankings.
9. ARIZONA
After losing to Miss. State on the road, the Cats beat UTEP 31-10. They play Pac-12 bottom feeder Stanford on Saturday
10. CALIFORNIA
After losing to Auburn at home, Cal struggled vs Idaho and found themselves down 17-0 to start the game. The Bears bounced back and won 31-17 but there are still major questions with this program.
11. ARIZONA STATE
The Sun Devils jumped up a spot after showing they can be competitive at a P5 level with the way they played vs Oklahoma State a week ago. The Devils then dropped another game at home 29-0 vs Fresno State. They are down to their 4th string QB Jacob Conover heading into this matchup against USC on Saturday night and things are not looking good in Tempe. That being said, they are still somehow not the worst team in the conference.
12. STANFORD
Troy Taylor lost to his former team Sacramento State 30-23 at home on Saturday. The Cardinal have hit rock bottom.
Bill Riley’s Power Rankings
