Pac-12 Football Power Rankings: #15 Utah upsets #9 USC in Salt Lake City

Here are the Pac-12 Football Power Rankings heading into week 8: 

Just to do what’s good for you and inspire you a little higher
I know you can make a man out of a soul that didn’t have a goal
‘Cause we, we got the proper foundation and with love and determination
You’re all; you’re all I want to strive for and do a little more
All, all the joys under the sun wrapped up into one
You’re all, you’re all I need
You’re all I need
You’re all I need
To get by

You’re all I need to get by By Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

It was a light day of Pac-12 Football this past weekend, and the teams that played did what they had to do to get by unless you are #9 USC. The Colorado Buffaloes did just enough to get a win against California. Stanford did enough to pull out a win in South Bend against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Then there were the Washington Huskies. Quarterback Michael Penix threw for a school-record 516 yards against the Arizona Wildcats. Oregon State’s defense allowed 23 rushing yards against Washington State in its 24-10 win.

So to Apple Cups, Civil Wars, and The Game, here are the Pac-12 football power rankings heading into week eight.

12. Stanford Cardinal (2-4, 0-4)

Stanford’s 16-14 win against Notre Dame says more about Notre Dame’s issues than it does about Stanford’s progress. That said, head coach David Shaw and the Cardinal picked up a much-needed win. The Cardinal still has issues, especially on defense. Maybe they will pick up another win this weekend against Arizona State.

11. Colorado Buffaloes (1-5, 1-2)

The Buffaloes notch their first victory of the season against the California Golden Bears. Interim head coach Mike Sanford has made it no secret that he’d like to be a candidate to be the permanent head coach of the Buffs and wins like these help. Sanford could make his case if Colorado can win another game or two.

10. Arizona State Sun Devils (2-4, 1-2)

The Sun Devils were off this week after its 45-38 upset of #21 Washington. Interim coach Shaun Aguano had to have been excited about the fight the Devils showed against the Huskies. Arizona State hasn’t played poorly in its last two games (USC and Washington). The Sun Devils have some winnable games left on its schedule. Does Aguano get a crack at being HC if the Devils find four more wins and get to a bowl game?

9. Arizona Wildcats (3-4, 1-3)

Anyone who bet the over win total for the Wildcats has already cashed, so their recent struggles should be easier to take. This stretch of losses was to be expected with the way their schedule shook out this season. Arizona’s losing ways will likely continue with upcoming games against Utah, UCLA, and USC on the schedule.