Pac-12 football power rankings, Week 2: USC, Arizona shine in openers

8. Arizona State Sun Devils (1-0)

It seems that the Arizona State Sun Devils will either be really good or bad this year. After their 40-3 win against Northern Arizona, there is still a lot we don’t know about the Sun Devils. That said, there could very much be an “us against the world” mentality in Tempe.

NCAA sanctions are coming, and a mass exodus of transfers in the offseason. However, they can play the disrespect card all season and possibly pull an upset. They’ll have to pull an upset next weekend against No. 11 Oklahoma State this weekend.

7. Washington Huskies (1-0)

Indiana transfer Michael Penix Jr. looked good against a tricky Kent State team, throwing for 345 yards and four touchdowns in his Washington debut. Penix’s potential has never been in doubt; his health has always been an issue. Penix has had season-ending injuries three straight seasons.

Hopefully, that is not the case this fall. He and head coach Kalen DeBoer (Penix’s former offensive coordinator at Indiana) could do something special in Seattle if Penix stays healthy. The Huskies get Portland State before hosting No. 14 Michigan State on Sept. 17.

6. Arizona Wildcats (1-0)

Break out the Wildcats. Many fans and sportswriters said, “Who?” when Arizona hired Jed Fisch. All the former New England Patriots quarterbacks coach has done since arriving in Tuscon is sign two of the better transfer players available (quarterback Jayden de Lauria and wide receiver Jacob Cowing) and the best recruiting class in school history.

Fisch and his Wildcats also spoiled San Diego State’s first game in their new stadium. The Wildcats get a good test against Mississippi State.