Pac-12 Power Rankings: Utah remains clear No. 1 as Oregon, USC freefall

Oct 3, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Thomas Duarte (18) scores a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

UCLA had the benefit of having a bye week this week, which keeps them and number three. They’re safe for now, but their loss and Arizona State definitely show their weaknesses with Josh Rosen at quarterback.

It seems like they might have to protect Rosen a bit more in this offense to hide some of his deficiencies. We’ll also see how they respond to the Myles Jack news, not even having him on the sideline as a vocal leader for the Bruins.

As for this week, this Thursday game vs Stanford will have huge Pac-12 implications for both teams. This might be considered more must win for UCLA, considering their early Pac-12 loss to Arizona State. It could be a toss-up, but it also wouldn’t be surprising if UCLA comes out flat once again vs an overpowering Stanford, who is also coming off a bye.

UCLA doesn’t have much of a break aside from Colorado and Oregon State, throughout their schedule for the rest of the season, ending their season onto road trips with Utah and USC. By then the Pac-12 might already be decided, so it’s up to this big game vs Stanford to try to steal any win possible in the conference. Maybe it won’t even matter with the way Utah has played, but this is where UCLA can get back in play for the south, and it starts on Thursday

Next: Stanford