Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 9: Oregon still on top

Pac-12 play continued this week with every team throughout the conference in action. Utah was the team of the week, knocking off USC in a 24-21 thriller. Ute quarterback Travis Wilson combined for over 200 total yards, and his one yard touchdown pass to Kaelin Clay with eight seconds remaining sent the Rice-Eccles crowd into a frenzy.

Here are how things stack up throughout the rest of the conference:

1. Oregon (7-1, 4-1)

The Ducks remain on top thanks to their offensive frenzy against California on Friday night. Junior quarterback Marcus Mariota threw for five touchdowns in their 59-41 win.

2. Arizona State (6-1, 4-1)

The Sun Devils hold steady after their road win against Washington. The maroon and gold struggled early to take advantage of the opportunities given to them by the Huskies, but a late touchdown drive and pick-six let them escape with a 24-10 victory. Arizona State actually dropped in this week's AP Poll, but that matters little considering the College Football Playoff selection committee's inaugural top 25 will be released tomorrow.

3. Utah (6-1, 3-1)

As we mentioned above, Utah got the win of the week. Kyle Wittingham's team did not score an offensive touchdown until late in the third quarter, but some big defensive plays throughout the game kept his team in it. They ended up going ahead on a one yard touchdown toss with eight seconds remaining, and shortly thereafter the Ute fans stormed the field in celebration. Next up for Utah is a huge Pac-12 south tilt with Arizona State in Tempe.

4. Arizona (6-1, 3-1)

The Wildcats are still just lurking around with their 6-1 record and single quality win after putting up 59 points against Washington State on Saturday afternoon. There will be more chances to improve their résumé coming up, starting next week at UCLA. Even if Arizona keeps winning though, it's tough to see it being taken seriously for the College Football Playoff until later in November.

5. USC (5-3, 4-2)

All three of USC's losses this season have come by six points or less, with two of them coming away from home. With that being taken into consideration, this is still definitely an upper half team in the Pac-12.

6. UCLA (6-2, 3-2)

This UCLA team continues to define the word mediocre, traveling to Boulder and escaping with a 40-37 win in double overtime over Colorado. The ground game carried the Bruins as they amassed over 300 yards and four touchdowns.

7. Stanford (5-3, 3-2)

The Cardinal dominated Oregon State from start to finish on Saturday afternoon in Palo Alto, winning 38-14 to get within one game of bowl eligibility. Stanford's offense was a lesson in balance, having nine different players carry the ball for a total of over 150 yards and also getting a pair of quarterbacks to throw for 287 yards. It now needs a win at Oregon next week in order to have a shot at the Pac-12 championship game.

8. Washington (5-3, 1-3)

I have Washington staying put at No. 8 despite its loss to Arizona State. The Husky defense really impressed me, and as a whole I do not think one of the four teams left to rank are better than them. They will have a good chance at getting to a bowl game next Saturday when they take on Colorado.

9. California (4-4, 2-4)

The Golden Bears impressed me enough against Oregon to move up a spot this week. I am loving the current play of quarterback Jared Goff, who threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns in a losing effort. They now travel to Corvallis for the start of a huge two game road trip.

Things got ugly quickly for Washington State against Arizona, so quickly that some fans left in the second quarter when the Wildcats led the home team. Mike Leach might have a serious problem on his hands.