The PAC-12 is improving. Only one team recorded a loss this weekend and that was USC, who began it’s conference play against Stanford. With a weekend full of wins, the PAC-12 showed their strength top to bottom as a conference.
Utah and Oregon played with back up quarterbacks and UCLA’s Josh Rosen actually looked like a true freshman rather than a seasoned vet.
On the other hand, Stanford showed up for the first time this season and looked like and actual title contender, further shaking up the rankings.
Here’s how the top 5 rank in the PAC-12 after week 3.
No. 5 Stanford
The Cardinal are back in the top 5, thanks to a win over USC at the LA Coliseum, and they looked like a National Champion contender while doing it.
To say they were a different team from week one would be an understatement.
Quarterback Kevin Hogan showed up and looked great completing 18-of-23 passes for 279 yards. Another key factor in their win: time of possession. The Cardinal kept the ball for 40 minutes to USC’s 20.
No. 4 Utah
The Utes didn’t have QB Travis Wilson, but they proved they could still survive by defeating Fresno State 45-24.
Star running back Devontae Booker ran for 156 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries.
No. 3: Arizona
The Wildcats are yet to play a top-ranked opponent, but their offense keeps putting up insane numbers. They broke several offensive school records while routing Northern Arizona University 77 -14.
No. 2 Oregon
QB Vernon Adams sat out to rest his broken finger, but longtime back up Jeff Lockie led the Ducks to a 61-28 victory over Georgia State. He finished 23-of-31 for 228 yards and 2 touchdowns in his first career start.
The Ducks solidified the argument that they have the deepest roster in the conference.
No. 1 UCLA
UCLA continues to remain undefeated after coming back in the 4th quarter to narrowly defeat BYU 24-23.
While QB Josh Rosen had 3 interceptions in the first half he was able to compose himself. He also had help from Paul Perkins who ran for 219 yards on 26 carries with one touchdown.
