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- Stanford- They are still the best all around team and I will not be penalizing them for not playing last week. They are the best team in the conference going into week three.
- Washington- While Washington and Oregon are close the Huskies have not struggled with either of the weak opponents they have had early. Defense has looked very solid. Jake Browning has already thrown for eight touchdowns, keep an eye on him.
- Oregon- They lose points because of the defensive having let up more than 20 points to consecutive lesser opponents. However, Dakota Prukop has looked good early and it looks like Oregon might go two for two on FCS transfers.
- Arizona State- While the defense continually gave Texas Tech opportunities to get back in last weeks game, ASU was able to hang on in another impressive offensive show. This team could be a problem down the stretch for teams like Oregon, who will be willing to get into shootouts late in games. This team may have a few upsets in them.
- USC- After a stomping from Bama, USC looked far better in week two. The game did not look as fast for Browne (I’m sure the lack of Alabama defensive linemen in his face helped) which led to JuJu Smith getting involved in the game. Justin Davis also had a good game rushing the ball, which gives the Trojans two different lead backs over the last two weeks and plenty of playmakers.
- Colorado- Even though have yet to face real competition, Colorado has only let up 14 points in two weeks of action. That coupled with 44 and 56 point performances deserves recognition.
- Utah- Clearly the loss of running back Devontae Booker has hurt the running game since both games they have played saw their starting back, Troy McCormick, rush for under 70. The defense remains stout, which will keep them in games.
- UCLA- I’m not sure this team is quite ready to take the south just yet but they will definitely play spoiler for someone. Despite a close loss to Texas A&M in week one, Josh Rosen still looked better than last year with his decision making and Soso Jamabo has filled in well as the new every down back.
- Cal- After an explosive offensive performance over Hawaii, Cal took a strange loss to San Diego State, a very beatable opponent. This team needs to find consistency already, which is not a great week three problem to have.
- Arizona- BYU sent 209 yards through the air in a week one win over Arizona. Then, the Wildcats were abused by Grambling State, yes you read that right, through the air for 409 yards in the Wildcats first win. If they do not get better on the back end defensively or bring more pressure form the front seven, they will get scorched in conference play.
- Oregon State- The Beavers were beat late by the Minnesota Gophers. Not exactly the class of the Big 10.
- Washington State- Placed here because they were beat twice but really in the same boat as the Beavers. Both have just enough offense to make games slightly interesting, but not enough to give them a shot.