Sun Devils move up two spots in the conference power ratings after strong win at UCLA, while surprising Oregon State stays third after holding off U-Dub:
1. Oregon (4-1/1-1)
Last week: 1
Result: Lost at Stanford 31-24 (OT)
Next up: Idle
Comment: Playcaller Joe Moorhead made a great case for himself as the conference’s top coordinator by missing the Stanford game (for a non-COVID illness): Anthony Brown specifically, and the offense generally, looked completely out of sync. Also, we wish him the best in his recovery.
2. Arizona State (4-1/2-0)
Last week: 4
Result: Won at UCLA 42-23
Next up: vs. Stanford (Friday, 7:30 p.m., ESPN)
Line: Arizona State -10.5
Comment: If the Sun Devils approach their potential, they should win by double digits. If they give Stanford a sliver of a chance, it goes to the wire.
3. Oregon State (4-1/2-0)
Last week: 3
Result: Beat Washington 27-24
Next up: at Washington State (1 p.m., Pac-12 Networks)
Line: Oregon State -3
Comment: We were impressed with OSU’s resilience on two fronts: Level-setting emotionally after the USC game, and responding to UW’s back-to-back touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The mark of a contender.
4. UCLA (3-2/1-1)
Last week: 2
Result: Lost to Arizona State 42-23
Next up: at Arizona (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
Line: UCLA -16
Comment: The Bruins now need help — in the form of an Arizona State loss — in order to win the division. Otherwise, very little has changed. The question is: How much will they change?
UCLA tight end Michael Churich, left, attempt to catch a tipped pass as ASU defensive back DeAndre Pierce also reaches for it Saturday. After an impressive win in their second game against LSU, the Bruins have stalled.
5. Stanford (3-2/2-1)
Last week: 5
Result: Beat Oregon 31-24 (OT)
Next up: at Arizona State (Friday, 7:30 p.m., ESPN)
Line: Stanford +10.5
Comment: David Shaw on the alleged ASU recruiting violations, back in June: “It’s a disrespectful thing to do. That doesn’t sound overly harsh. But for me being a lifer in this profession and a coach’s kid, I believe in respecting our profession and respecting the other people in the profession. Doing things that you’re not supposed to do just to gain an advantage, I take offense to that.” And here we are.
6. USC (3-2/2-2)
Last week: 8
Result: Won at Colorado 37-14
Next up: vs. Utah (5 p.m., Ch. 11)
Line: USC -4
Comment: Calling our shot now: The Trojans absolutely will not give up 40 points at home for the third game in a row. Maybe the Utes get 39. But not 40. No way.
7. Utah (2-2/1-0)
Last week: 6
Result: DNP
Next up: at USC (5 p.m., Ch. 11)
Line: Utah +4
Comment: No idea what to expect from the Utes, but it’s reasonable to conclude they were better off with the extra week to grieve Aaron Lowe’s passing. And that the emotional ebbs and flows Saturday night won’t be as dramatic because of it.
8. Washington (2-3/1-1)
Last week: 7
Result: Lost at Oregon State 27-24
Next up: Idle
Comment: Arkansas State gave up 59 points on Saturday … to Georgia State.
9. Washington State (2-3/1-2)
Last week: 10
Result: Won at Cal 21-6
Next up: vs. Oregon State (1 p.m., Pac-12 Networks)
Line: Washington State +3
Comment: Jake Dickert’s defense should give WSU a chance to win most games. Whether Nick Rolovich’s offense is up to the task remains to be seen.
10. Cal (1-4/0-2)
Last week: 9
Result: Lost to Washington State 21-6
Next up: Idle
Comment: Given their current play and the upcoming opponents, the Bears will be fortunate to win four games, much less the six required for a bowl berth. And that’s with Arizona and Colorado on the schedule.
11. Colorado (1-4/0-2)
Last week: 11
Result: Lost to USC 37-14
Next up: Idle
Comment: When UConn looks like an offensive juggernaut by comparison, things are bad. Unfathomably bad.
12. Arizona (0-4/0-1)
Last week: 12
Result: DNP
Next up: vs. UCLA (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
Line: Arizona +16
Comment: Based on what we’ve seen lately in Berkeley and Boulder, the Wildcats just might win two conference games.
