5 most pressing questions in college football after Week 3

Is the Pac-12 back in College Football Playoff contention?

When Oregon and Utah lost their season openers, it was easy to write the Pac-12 off in terms of playoff contention.

Now, three weeks in, it’s maybe time to reassess that overreaction. Utah has recovered with two easy wins and will look to march their way back into it the conversation with opportunities for big wins down the line. Oregon got beat up by Georgia, but Georgia is Georgia and the Ducks proved they aren’t dead after beating BYU.

Two others have also emerged as playoff threats. USC’s offense transformed overnight into one of the most formidable in college football. The national media has already taken notice and the moment the Trojans get their defense right, things could get even scarier.

Washington has also started their season off hot, besting No. 11 Michigan State in a 39-28 victory that was not as close as that scoreline. Kalen DeBoer did great things at Fresno State and he may already have the Huskies ready to challenge for the Pac-12 title with Michael Pennix Jr. at quarterback.

The problem for the Pac-12, of course, is not cannibalizing themselves. USC and Oregon could fall victim to that this weekend against undefeated Oregon State and Washington State respectively.