Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 4: Utah continues to rise

The Pac-12 went 4-0 in nonconference games in week four, with Arizona and Oregon winning the only league games of the weekend.

Utah was the team of the week, traveling to the Big House and turning it into Rice Eccles East. The Utes shutout Michigan in the second half and forced four turnovers en route to a 26-10 win on a stormy day in Ann Arbor.

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

1. Oregon (4-0, 1-0)

The Duck offensive line failed miserably on Saturday in Pullman, but Oregon was still able to escape with a 38-31 win against Washington State. The Ducks still own the best win of anyone in the Pac-12, so they'll be on top until they drop a game.

2. UCLA (3-0, 0-0)

The Bruins had a much needed bye and will come out of it still ranked second in our power rankings. The extra five days to prepare for Arizona State couldn't have come at a better time as it looks like quarterback Brett Hundley will be able to play this week after injuring his elbow against Texas.

3. Arizona State (3-0, 1-0)

Also on a bye to prepare for its Thursday game, Arizona State holds steady at three. We have learned throughout the past few days that quarterback Taylor Kelly will indeed miss the game with a foot injury, so it is on backup Mike Bercovici to carry the Sun Devils to an upset.

4. USC (2-1, 1-0)

The Trojans got a week off to regroup after their surprising loss at Boston College, but thanks to a bad performance by Arizona and another offensive outburst by the Eagles, USC moves up a spot. It will need to win, and do so in convincing fashion, over a tough three game stretch coming up in order to stay alive for the inaugural College Football Playoff.

5. Stanford (2-1, 0-1)

Just like the three teams before them, Stanford was on a bye in week four as it prepares for a trip to Seattle to face undefeated Washington. The Cardinal are just one of many mysterious teams in this conference. They lost their only tough game so far this season, but the talent is definitely there. We will know more after back-to-back games against the Huskies and Notre Dame.

6. Utah (3-0, 0-0)

Like we noted above, Utah had its way for the majority of its game at Michigan. The Utes are definitely legit and playing like an upper half team right now.

7. Oregon State (3-0, 0-0)

The Beavers scored 28 straight points on Saturday to cruise to a three-touchdown win against San Diego State. They get their first major test of the season this week at USC.

8. Arizona (4-0, 1-0)

The Wildcat defense looked awful against California last week, allowing 573 yards and 45 points to the Golden Bears. Arizona still escaped thanks to a 47-yard Hail Mary touchdown as time expired, but this was not a performance to be proud of.

9. California (2-1, 0-1)

You have to feel for California, which really should be sitting at 3-0 with wins away from home against Northwestern and Arizona. It does still have a great chance at starting 5-1, however, with games against Colorado, Washington State, and Washington up next.

10. Washington (4-0, 0-0)

Washington's never-ending nonconference schedule might finally be done. Last week it played, and won, its fourth non-league game, topping Georgia State 45-14. The Huskies actually trailed 14-0 at halftime, a score that would still have most people scratching their heads even if it was flipped. If their goal is to confuse the hell out of me, it is working.

11. Washington State (1-3, 0-1)

Colorado is still on the board, but I'm going with Washington State despite having one less win. The Cougars impressed me with their effort against No. 2 ranked Oregon and I'm really looking forward to see how they perform at Utah this week.

12. Colorado (2-2, 0-1)

The Buffaloes improved to .500 on the season with an ugly win over Hawaii in Boulder. They can escape the basement with a win at California on Saturday.