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

Will Cam Rising play against #22 UCLA?

9. California (2-1): Don’t look now, but the Bears look like they can score some points. The Auburn game aside, they put up 58 points in the season opener and 31 last week against Idaho. With Justin Wilcox, you know you will get a solid, sound defense. If California can score points, they can maybe get to a bowl.

This weekend, they’ll be tested in Seattle against the #8 Washington Huskies. The back end of their schedule is nothing nice, either. They play #11 Utah, #5 USC, and #10 Oregon in consecutive weeks.

8. #21 Washington State (3-0): Should we be worried that quarterback Cameron Ward leads the Cougars in rushing? Ward isn’t known for being a runner, so is that an indicator of an average offensive line or a team searching for a running back? The Cougars played well against Wisconsin and demolished directional Colorado.

They play three ranked teams in the next month, including physical #14 Oregon State this weekend. The Cougars might be in trouble if they can’t run the football any better than they have this year.

7. #22 UCLA (3-0): Speaking of teams with a tough stretch of games, the Bruins have three ranked teams: @ #11 Utah vs. #21 Washington State and @ #14 Oregon State. We’ll know soon if the Bruins are the genuine article. The offense is purring like a happy kitten. Their top four rushers are averaging over eight yards per carry.

The big test for the Bruins over the next few weeks is the defense. How good are they on that side of the ball? We’ll find out.