Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 13: Rise of the Bruins

Pac-12 play continued this week with every team in action, including four that played each other in rivalry games. UCLA was the team of the week, using four Brett Hundley touchdowns to blow out USC, 38-20. The Bruins now have a shot at sneaking into the College Football Playoff if they beat Stanford and Oregon to close out the season.

Here's a look at the rest of the conference:

1. Oregon (10-1, 7-1)

The Ducks remain on top after cruising to a 44-10 win over Colorado. Quarterback Marcus Mariota threw for three touchdowns and ran for one more against an overmatched Buffalo defense. Now Oregon turns its focus to the Civil War, a game that's tough no matter what Oregon State's record is. The Beavers will be playing for bowl eligibility, as well as the opportunity to shatter dreams of a playoff spot for their rivals.

2. UCLA (9-2, 6-2)

Visiting USC took an early 7-0 lead on Saturday night at the Rose Bowl with a Anthony Sarao pick-six, but it would be UCLA that would score 38 of the game's next 45 points. The dominating performance affirms the Bruins as the team that runs Los Angeles and also earns them the No. 2 spot in this week's rankings. A win over Stanford on Friday afternoon gives them a date with Oregon for the Pac-12 title.

3. Arizona (9-2, 6-2)

The Wildcats got a statement win this week in Salt Lake City, running away from Utah for a 42-10 win. It wasn't all good news, however, as starting signal caller Anu Solomon left after the first half with a foot injury. He is questionable for Friday's game against Arizona State.

4. Arizona State (9-2, 6-2)

After sleepwalking through the first quarter and a half, Arizona State woke up and got its act together against Washington State on senior day in Tempe. 31 unanswered points for the Sun Devils put any thoughts of an upset to bed. The maroon and gold can still make the Pac-12 championship game, but need a win at Arizona in addition to a UCLA loss against Stanford.

5. USC (7-4, 6-3)

The Trojans are now done with conference play and will be looking to gain some momentum heading into bowl season when they face rival Notre Dame next week. Their 6-3 Pac-12 record will likely keep them in-state for the holidays, as the Holiday or Foster Farms bowls are both possible landing spots. The key for USC against the Fighting Irish will be a better effort on defense. It has given up an average of 34 points per game over the past two weeks.

6. Utah (7-4, 4-4)

The Utes still had an outside shot at winning the south division when their game kicked off on Saturday, but they sure did not play like it. Kyle Wittingham's team was ran out of their own stadium by Arizona to the tune of a 42-10 loss, by far their worst defeat of the season.

7. Stanford (6-5, 4-4)

At risk of losing the locker room, David Shaw got a season-saving performance out of his Stanford team as they traveled to Berkeley and beat rival California, 38-17. The Cardinal are now eligible for postseason play and will face UCLA next week to close out the regular season. They will need another outstanding performance from running back Remound Wright, who ran for four touchdowns in the Big Game.

8. Washington (7-5, 3-5)

The Huskies obtained bowl eligibility with a late night blowout of Oregon State at Husky Stadium. Washington jumped out to a 17-0 lead and stepped on OSU's throats early in the fourth quarter when it looked like the Beavers were mounting a comeback attempt. Next up is a trip to Pullman in its regualr season finale. The game is huge as the Dawgs will try and keep the Apple Cup and improve their bowl positioning.

9. California (5-6, 3-6)

For California, it's simple, but it isn't easy. Beat BYU on Saturday and it should go to its first bowl game since 2011. Lose and the season is over.

10. Oregon State (5-6, 2-6)

The Beavers took a step back after their upset of Arizona State, being blown out at Washington. Now Oregon State needs a win over rival Oregon on Saturday to get bowl eligible. The Beavers nearly upset the Ducks last year in Eugene, and now will attempt to do it at home.

11. Washington State (3-8, 2-6)

The Cougars competed hard for three quarters on Saturday, only trailing Arizona State 28-24 heading into the final 15 minutes. The Sun Devils would have too much talent though, overpowering the visitors for a 52-31 victory. Washington State quarterback Luke Falk had a career day, throwing for over 600 yards and three touchdowns. He does need to cut down on the interceptions, but some of those are bound to happen when you throw the ball 74 times.

A solid performance from Colorado's defense kept the Buffaloes in their game at Oregon for the first 20 minutes or so, but the Duck offense was just too explosive to be held down for long. Next up is a home game against Utah, their last chance for a Pac-12 win in 2014.