North
1. No. 2 Oregon (3-0)
The Ducks wrapped up non-conference play with another blowout, this time blasting Wyoming. Oregon has 50 games of 40 points or more since 2009.
Last week: first, W vs. Wyoming 48-14
This week: Saturday at Washington State (1-2)
2. No. 15 Stanford (2-1, 0-1 Pac-12)
The Cardinal celebrated Military and Public Service Appreciation Day by decimating Army. Up next is a key northern battle in Seattle, Wash., with Washington.
Last week: second, W vs. Army 35-0
This week: Bye
3. Washington (3-0)
The Huskies finally looked like a ranked team by crushing Illinois at home. Washington hosts Football Bowl Subdivision newbie Georgia State before facing Stanford.
Last week: fourth, W vs. Illinois 44-19
This week: Saturday vs. Georgia State (1-2)
4. Oregon State (2-0)
The Beavers took the week off after getting lei’d in Hawaii. This week, it’s another Mountain West Conference team before the serious business of the Pac-12 Conference begins.
Last week: third, bye
This week: Saturday vs. San Diego State (1-1)
5. California (2-0)
The Golden Bears head to Tucson, seeking former UA offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes’ first Pac-12 win. Can Dykes recapture his Old Pueblo magic with an extra week to prepare?
Last week: fifth, bye
This week: Saturday at Arizona (3-0)
6. Washington State (1-2)
The Cougars finally got into the win column against FCS team Portland State last week. Former Wildcat Patrick Onwuasor returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown for the Vikings.
Last week: Sixth, W vs. Portland State 59-21
This week: Saturday vs. Oregon
South
1. No. 12 UCLA (3-0)
Another week, another unimpressive win for the Bruins, this time at Texas. At least Heisman hopeful Brett Hundley’s injury doesn’t look serious, and he should be ready for ASU.
Last week: Second, W at Texas 20-17
This week: Bye
2. No. 17 USC (2-1, 1-0)
The Trojans’ playoff hopes were likely busted at Boston College, a team that lost its two best players after Arizona crushed them in AdvoCare V100 Bowl. USC has a week to regroup before hosting Oregon State.
Last week: First, L at Boston College 37-31
This week: Bye
3. Arizona (3-0)
Another year, another 3-0 start for Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez. The Wildcats’ freshman backfield will now have to run the Pac-12 gauntlet to get three more wins and another bowl bid.
Last week: Third, W vs. Nevada 35-28
This week: Saturday vs. California
4. No. 15 ASU (3-0, 1-0)
The Sun Devils remained undefeated at Colorado with a Pyrrhic victory. ASU quarterback Taylor Kelly was injured and is expected to miss their big game with UCLA.
Last week: Fourth, W at Colorado 38-24
This week: Bye
5. Utah (2-0)
The Utes can prove they are on the rise with a win at Michigan. The Wolverines have struggled under Rodriguez’s replacement, Brady Hoke, but a win at the Big House is always impressive.
Last week: Bye
This week: Saturday at Michigan (2-1)
6. Colorado (1-2, 0-1)
The Buffaloes’ comeback bid against the Sun Devils came up short despite Kelly’s injury, and CU dropped behind Washington State early on in the race for the Pac-12’s Sacko Bowl.
Last week: Sixth, L vs. ASU 38-24
This week: Saturday vs. Hawaii (1-2)
—Follow James Kelley @jameskelley520