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Pac-12 power rankings, Week 5: Stanford gets back on track

By Brad Weiss

August 27th 2017, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia; College Football Sydney Cup; Rice University v Stanford University; Standford Cardinals running backs Cameron Scarlett and Bryce Love celebrate a touchdown; (Photo by Nigel Owen/Action Plus via Getty Images)
August 27th 2017, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia; College Football Sydney Cup; Rice University v Stanford University; Standford Cardinals running backs Cameron Scarlett and Bryce Love celebrate a touchdown; (Photo by Nigel Owen/Action Plus via Getty Images) /
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TUCSON, AZ – SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Troy Williams #3 of the Utah Utes throws a pass during the first half of the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on September 22, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ – SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Troy Williams #3 of the Utah Utes throws a pass during the first half of the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on September 22, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
4

Utah Utes (4-0)

Last week: W 30-24 at Arizona
Last rank: 4

In a game that could have really shattered the Utah Utes season, they were able to hang on for a slim victory against the Arizona Wildcats. Starting quarterback Tyler Huntley went down in the second quarter with a shoulder injury, and luckily for Utah, they have quite the backup on their roster. Troy Williams is a captain, and a former starter, so he came in and did the job for the team against the Wildcats.

Williams did a nice job protecting the ball, and even ran one in for a score against Arizona. Without Huntley getting him the ball, Darren Carrington II had his worst game of the season, though he still nearly racked up 80 receiving yards in the game. The defense really stepped up for Utah, as it continues to stake its claim as the best unit in the Pac-12.

Javelin Guidry returned an interception for a touchdown for Utah, who is tied with USC as the only 4-0 teams in the Pac-12 South Division. The good news for Utah regarding Huntley’s injury is the fact that the team has a bye this weekend. The South is going to come down to Utah and USC, in a game that should have some fireworks later in the season.

3

Washington State Cougars (4-0)

Last week: W 45-7 vs. Nevada
Last rank: 6

And just like that, the Washington State Cougars are establishing themselves as one of the best teams in the conference. The big-play ability of Luke Falk has him in the Heisman talk, and he had another monster game against Nevada on Saturday. Falk threw for five touchdowns against zero interceptions, while racking up nearly 500 yards passing in the game.

Washington State absolutely thrashed Nevada, and their defense looked just as a good as their offense did. The team racked up five sacks as a unit, including 2.5 from Hercules Mata’afa, and two from Nnamdi Oguayo. Defensive back Jalen Thompson had two interceptions in the game as well, as the Cougars really made a statement in this one.

This weekend will be the biggest game of the Cougars season, as they travel to take on the USC Trojans. This game could go a long way in deciding who wins the Pac-12, as it could be a preview of the Pac-12 Championship Game. We will find out if Washington State is for real, and nobody will be watching this game closer than the Washington Huskies will be.

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