North
1. No. 2 Oregon (2-0)
The Ducks assuaged fears that they’re soft by beating the hard-nosed No. 7 Spartans. Plus, they looked fabulous in their bright yellow ensemble.
Last week: first, W vs. No. 7 Michigan State 46-27
This week: Saturday vs. Wyoming (2-0)
2. No. 15 Stanford (1-1)
The Cardinal lost to USC by a field goal, but once again, Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan didn’t impress against Stanford’s SoCal rivals. Maybe the Trojans are Hogan’s Achilles’ Heel.
Last week: second, L vs. No. 14 USC 13-10
This week: Saturday vs. Army USC (1-0)
3. Oregon State (2-0)
While Hawaii made it a game late, the Beavers dominated the Rainbow Warriors most of the time last week. Washington barely squeaked by Hawaii, so Oregon State jumps UW in the rankings.
Last week: fourth, W at Hawaii 38-30
This week: Bye
4. Washington (2-0)
The Huskies won again, and while Eastern Washington is No. 2 in the Football Conference Subdivision, they are still an FCS team. Washington, which was No. 25 in the preseason AP poll, should have breezed past Hawaii and EWU.
Last week: third, W vs. Eastern Washington 59-52
This week: Saturday vs. Illinois (2-0)
5. California (2-0)
The Golden Bears have already surpassed their 2013 win total through two games. You don’t have to be a UC Berkeley student to realize they’re off to a good start. Up next for Cal is a trip to Arizona.
Last week: fifth, W vs. Sacramento State 55-14
This week: Bye
6. Washington State (0-2)
Wazzu’s free fall continues. Cougar fans were expecting a 3-0 start before they host Oregon; instead, they’re hoping for 1-2.
Last week: sixth, L at Nevada 24-13
This week: Saturday vs. Portland State (1-1)
South
1 No. 9 USC (2-0)
The Men of Troy propelled themselves into the top-10 and playoff discussion with a win at Stanford. They also wouldn’t play Oregon until the Pac-12 Conference championship; could it be a playoff play-in game?
Last week: second, W at No. 13 Stanford 13-10
This week: Saturday at Boston College (1-1)
2. No. 12 UCLA (2-0)
The Bruins are undefeated, but should have better results than a couple close wins over average teams. UCLA has a chance to work out some kinks this week at struggling Texas before it travels to ASU.
Last week: first, W vs. Memphis 42-35
This week: Saturday at Texas (in Arlington, Texas) (1-1)
3. Arizona (2-0)
The Wildcats held on to beat a veteran UTSA side on the road. This week, we get to see if Nevada is better than expected or Washington State is that bad.
Last week: third, W at UTSA 26-23
This week: Saturday vs. Nevada (2-0)
4. No. 16 ASU (2-0)
Another week, another Sun Devil win over a cupcake. This week, ASU’s schedule gets a little tougher, but they should still cruise and set up a big match-up with UCLA.
Last week: fourth, W at New Mexico 58-23
This week: Saturday at Colorado (1-1)
5. Utah (2-0)
The Utes became the second Pac-12 team in a row to spank Fresno State. Up next is a trip to the Big House to face a Michigan side that’s struggling to cope with the loss of Rich Rodriguez’s players.
Last week: fifth, W vs. Fresno State 59-27
This week: Bye
6. Colorado (1-1)
The Buffaloes survived a scare at UMass last week. This week, they host ASU and get a chance to show they’re no long a Pac-12 cellar dweller.
Last week: sixth, W at Massachusetts 41-38
This week: Saturday vs. ASU (2-0)
—Follow James Kelley @jameskelley520
