The Trojans and Washington rebounded from lackluster outings in their openers for convincing wins that separates them from the rest of the conference. Here's a look at our latest Pac-12 power rankings.
Last week the Pac-12 went undefeated (11-0), but of course that wasn’t going to continue.
For starters, USC played host to Stanford in an early clash between respective South and North division contenders, which is likely to have implications on the conference championship game on Dec. 1.
The Trojans and Washington rebounded from lackluster outings in their openers for convincing wins that separates them from the rest of the conference.
Meanwhile, we’re starting to get a better idea of the league’s bottom feeders after Arizona, Arizona State and Oregon State fell flat in non-conference defeats.
So let’s get to it.
HEISMAN TROPHY FRONT-RUNNERS:
1. Louisville QB Lamar Jackson: During a 47-35 win over North Carolina, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner became just the second quarterback in FBS history — and first from a Power 5 team — to throw for 300 and run for 100 in back-to-back games. He finished with 393 yards and 132 rushing, including 6 TDs. Jackson is averaging more yards than nine Pac-12 teams.
2. Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield: We’ll see if planting an Oklahoma flag on the Ohio State midfield during a jubilant celebration will help or hurt Mayfield’s Heisman chances. But the postgame antics shouldn’t overshadow a brilliant performance (27 of 35 passes for 386 yards and 3 TDs) during a 31-16 upset at No. 2 Ohio State.
3. USC QB Sam Darnold: Dissected a usually stout Stanford defense and a secondary considered among the best in the nation with 21-of-26 passing with 316 yards.
In the hunt: UCLA QB Josh Rosen, Penn State RB Saquon Barkley, Oklahoma State QB Mason Rudolph and Oregon RB Royce Freeman. Diminishing stock: Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett and Washington State QB Luke Falk.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF PROJECTION
1. Alabama
2. Clemson
3. Oklahoma
4. USC
On the bubble: Washington, Penn State, Michigan and Wisconsin.