Pac-12 North

1. Oregon­ — Although the Ducks took care of business and lit up the scoreboard, giving up 42 points to Eastern Washington is a cause for concern. There isn’t too much concern, though, because outside of Stanford, the rest of the Pac-12 North would likely finish last in the Pac-12 South.

2. Stanford — After finishing last season 5th in defensive yards per game, the de facto challenger to Oregon for the north was run over to the tune of 225 rushing yards by a Northwestern team just hoping to receive a bowl bid. If the Cardinal does not get back on their game, Oregon could wrap the division up by Halloween.

3. California — Jared Goff and company lit up a vastly inferior opponent. But in a week when other Pac-12 Conference teams failed to do the same, the Golden Bears did.

4. Oregon State — While the Beavers likely would have preferred a wider margin, they took care of business unlike the two Washington schools. Now they get to try to hand Jim Harbaugh and Michigan another loss at the hands of a Pac-12 team.

5. Washington — Chris Petersen’s return to the Smurf Turf did not go according to plan. Quarterback Jake Browning threw for only 150 yards while the running game accounted for just 29 yards. So the Huskies need get it together quick in what is a harsh conference for sputtering offenses.

6. Washington State — At least the Huskies’ loss to Boise State was fathomable considering the Broncos were ranked 23rd and hadn’t lost in Boise, Idaho, since 2012. Wazzu gave up 233 rushing yards to an FCS team and it is hard to say when things will improve for the Cougars.

Pac-12 South

1. USC — With Oregon’s defense giving up six touchdowns to an FCS team, USC might be the team to beat in the Pac-12 as they dismantled Arkansas State 55-6. No Pac-12 team was in the top 60 in defense last season besides Stanford, so USC could have a magical season.

2. UCLA — Going into the season, the Bruins were pretty much set at every position but quarterback, and freshman Josh Rosen responded by winning Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week with 351 yards and three touchdowns.

3. UA — The Wildcats won a game overshadowed by injuries, but needed two missed field goals, a missed extra point and a pick-six to beat UTSA. With Scooby Wright III hopefully back for the UCLA game, the defense needs to tighten up against Nevada and NAU.

4. ASU — The Mike Bercovici era started off with a whimper as he was sacked nine times and only threw for 199 yards and a touchdown. All-purpose star D.J. Foster only accounted for 61 yards as the then 15th ranked Sun Devils fell 38-17 to an unranked Texas A&M.

5. Utah — With Jim Harbaugh and Michigan receiving all the pregame attention, the Utes reminded the nation that they too are a presence in the Pac-12 as they beat the Wolverines 24-17.

6. Colorado — The red headed stepchild of the Pac-12 South looks well on its way to another last place finish after falling to Hawaii. Things wont get easier as they have to play every ranked Pac-12 team.