Pac-12 Power Rankings: #6 Oregon and #12 UCLA both fall

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Nov 12, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Jayden de Laura (7) scrambles away from UCLA Bruins linebacker Laiatu Latu (15) for a 1-yard gain in the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Arizona Wildcats (4-6, 2-5)

If anyone had any doubts about the direction of the Wildcats’ program, look no further than Saturday’s upset of the UCLA Bruins. Arizona has a rare combination of being talented and scrappy. Jayden de Laura has solidified the quarterback position, and UTEP transfer Jacob Cowing has been a solid receiver. Don’t look now; the fighting Jedd Fisches have a shot at a bowl with two games left this season.

7. Washington State Cougars (6-4, 3-4)

It is hard to get a gauge on Washington State’s season. On the one hand, the Cougars are going back to the postseason. On the other hand, they gift-wrapped games against Oregon and Utah. Cameron Ward has been good but did not become the superstar everyone thought he would be. Their next two games are going to be interesting. Arizona will be playing for the bowl lives, and the Huskies could be playing for a spot in the Pac-12 title game.

6. Oregon State Beavers (7-3, 4-3)

Johnathan Smith set out to prove that last season’s run to a bowl game was not a fluke, and they have proven that last season was the start of something sustainable. The Beavers have a road to 10 wins if they can win out. What has made this run such a good coaching job is they’ve done this with sketchy quarterback play. The question is, “Will Smith be in Corvallis next fall?”

5. #15 UCLA Bruins (8-2, 5-2)

The Bruins’ playoff aspirations are over, but they still have a shot at the Pac-12 title game with some help. At the least, the Bruins can play the spoiler role against USC in the Victory Bell game. The Bruins are another team with an opportunity to win ten games this season.

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