Pac-12 football power rankings: USC survives scare, remains on top

4. No. 12 Utah Utes (3-1, 1-0)

It would be a shame if Utah’s opening season loss to Florida comes back to haunt them later in the season. The Utes are playing excellent football with two winnable games against UCLA and Oregon State before they clash with #6 USC on Oct 15. The Utes will have to deal with the loss of tight end Brant Kuithe for the rest of the season due to injury.

3. No. 13 Oregon Ducks (3-1, 1-0)

Give the Ducks credit for their 44-41 win against the Washington State Cougars. The offense sputtered much of the game and scored 22 points in the fourth quarter. The defense also scored a touchdown on a pick-six. The Ducks and head coach Dan Lanning have to be excited that they’ve gotten good Bo Nix so far this season because bad Bo Nix is bad.

2. No. 15 Washington Huskies (4-0, 1-0)

The resurrection of Michael Penix Jr. is the best story on this side of Lawrence, Kansas. Reconnecting with head coach Kalen DeBoer, offensive coordinator at Indiana with Penix has been a godsend for him. Hopefully, Penix can stay healthy, and the Huskies can continue to score points.

1. No. 6 USC Trojans (4-0, 2-0)

The Trojans survived a scare against the Oregon State Beavers 17-14 on a masterful drive by quarterback Caleb Williams late in the fourth quarter. The USC defense kept them in the game while the offense sputtered. The Trojans forced four turnovers while having none of their own. That turnover luck won’t last, but the Trojans must be considered a playoff contender if the defense continues to play well.