Pac-12 Power Rankings: Who wins the ranked v. ranked matchups?

Can Stanford end their losing streak on the farm?

12. Stanford (1-2, 0-1): These power rankings are a lot about irony. Cardinal head coach Troy Taylor’s losing to Sacramento State, his former team, is steeped in irony. Their loss to the Hornets demonstrates where football sits on Stanford’s priority list.

That loss came from #5 USC dismantling them two weeks ago. Taylor brings an exciting offense to The Farm, but that isn’t going to matter very much if he can’t get and keep the players needed to run an effective, competitive offense.

11. Arizona State (1-2): The Kenny Dillingham era is officially underway in Tempe. The results have not been pretty so far after a 29-0 loss to Fresno State. Dillingham did not expect to deal with a rash of injuries this early in the season, either. More specifically, he’s dealing with a rash of injuries at quarterback.

Trenton Bourguet started the game against Fresno and was lost to a foot injury. Notre Dame transfer Drew Pyne stepped in for Bourguet and suffered a leg injury. That left sophomore quarterback Jacob Conover to finish the game. Star quarterback Jaden Rashada was already out with an injury.

10. Arizona (2-1): If Arizona played cleaner football against Mississippi State, they’d be 3-0. However, in some games, you get good Jayden de Laura; in others, you get bad Jayden de Laura. No matter which one you get, Arizona is an entertaining team. Unfortunately, the Wildcats play all the best teams in the conference.

After their game against Stanford, they go on a six-week run that includes #5 USC, #8 Washington, and #14 Oregon State.