Pac-12 Power Rankings: Utah, Stanford in class by themselves

Oct 17, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Kalen Ballage (9) carries the ball as Utah Utes linebacker Gionni Paul (13) moves in for the tackle during the first half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

The Pac-12 is starting to shake itself out, and we’re seeing Utah and Stanford run away at the top

We learned quite a bit this weekend in the Pac-12, and it started on Thursday with UCLA heading over to Stanford. UCLA has been ridden with injuries on defense and it showed. Stanford has played like one of the most complete teams in the nation, and there’s no sign of slowing down.

Then we saw Oregon State pull an Oregon State, dropping another game to Pac-12 North rival Washington State. That win, puts Washington State at four wins on the seasons, which is something to watch out for with their schedule ahead.

Colorado gave Arizona a serious scare, and it showed the true colors of this Arizona team, despite the injuries on both sides of the ball. Colorado might not be trending up, but they’re a competitive bunch. And Arizona certainly has the opportunity to finish the season with five wins the way their schedule shakes up.

Oregon finally bounced back against a stout Washington team, who had a chance to win it at the end of the game. Both seem to be middle of the road teams in the Pac-12, and both will have to battle for bowl eligibility.

USC almost pulled it off vs Notre Dame, and that could have been huge for the program. It’s unclear which direction this team is heading now with such a close game, but they have a big one this weekend as they host the undefeated Utah Utes.

And then the best Pac-12 game of the week, Arizona State came close to downing the Utes at home, but the defense held off the Sun Devils and kept their perfect season alive. Utah has clear command of this conference, boasting a 2 game lead over every team in the Pac-12 South.

Meanwhile, California was chilling on a bye week, and they were able to jump up a few spots with a few key losses in the South.

Next: 12. Oregon State