Pac-12 Football Power Rankings, Week 15: Utah still in playoff hunt

What we learned: Graham Harrell, Kedon Slovis are good combo

USC had the third-best offense in the Pac-12, and that’s thanks to their young quarterback and offensive coordinator combination, which made the Trojans dangerous, albeit a tier below the top teams of the conference.

I’ve written extensively about how great Slovis has been, but reports are saying that Harrell is angling for the Texas coordinator job, and the Trojans should do everything in their power to keep him around. He’s clearly got what it takes to be a great play-caller in college football, and letting him go is a mistake.

What we learned: This team can beat anyone, including itself

Oregon’s two losses this season came in games they had no business losing, it’s as simple as that. The Ducks couldn’t put Auburn away when it had the chance, and it cost them a loss to open the season. Then turnovers cost them against Arizona State, as they dug a whole they couldn’t get out of.

Mario Cristobal is clearly a great recruiter, as this Oregon roster is stacked at every position, and looks like an SEC team in the Pacific Northwest. Now he just has to make sure the team is prepared every week, as those are the kind of games great coaches, don’t lose.

What we learned: This team can win a national title

Coming into the year, the hype on Utah from media and around the league was high. But the fans didn’t see it as such. It seemed inexplicable that the University of Utah could compete for a Rose Bowl or even Pac-12 championship.

But I’ll do you one better: Utah can win a national championship. This year. This team is one of the most efficient in the country, and are blessed with a fantastic defensive line, great running back and leader at quarterback. I’m not saying they will beat LSU or Ohio State, but this team is just as capable as anyone in the country to win the title.

They can prove it this Friday, as long as they show up and play their game.