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Pac-12 football power rankings: Championship Week preview edition

By Dante Pryor

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans hugs Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans after defeating the UCLA Bruins in the game at Rose Bowl on November 19, 2022 in Pasadena, California. The USC Trojans defeated the UCLA Bruins with a score of 48 to 45. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans hugs Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans after defeating the UCLA Bruins in the game at Rose Bowl on November 19, 2022 in Pasadena, California. The USC Trojans defeated the UCLA Bruins with a score of 48 to 45. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Nov 5, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham watches his team warm up before a game against the Arizona Wildcats at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham watches his team warm up before a game against the Arizona Wildcats at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports /

4. No. 15 Oregon State (9-3, 6-3)

The Oregon State Beavers had their finest season since 2014 this year and they beat interstate rival Oregon for the second time in three years. Head coach Jonathan Smith has not only proven that last season was no fluke, but he is also proving that he’s building something sustainable in Corvallis. With a bowl win, the Beavers can reach ten wins for the first time since 2000.

3. No. 12 Washington (10-2, 7-2)

Speaking of teams with revival-like seasons, the Huskies had their best season since 2018 when they went to the Rose Bowl. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had a revival himself. He stayed healthy all season and had the finest season of his career. A hiccup loss against Arizona State is the only reason Washington isn’t playing for the Pac-12 title.

2. No. 11 Utah Utes (9-3, 7-2)

The Utes sneak into the back door of the Pac-12 title game because Oregon lost and Washington won. The Utes are a good team, but they have some holes. The secondary is not as good as in years past, and Cam Rising is dealing with nagging injuries. USC is playing good football, and it’s hard to beat a team twice.

1. No. 4 USC Trojans (11-1, 8-1)

The Trojans are playing their best football of the season at the right time. Caleb Williams looks like the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy, and the defense has shown improvement. The Trojans have just one job; win Friday night and advance.

Next. Ranking the top 25 head coaches in college football. dark

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