1. USC: 3-1 (1-1)

The Trojans stumbled over a minor speed bump in a loss to Oregon State that not only hurt their chances for a National Championship, but also Mark Sanchez’s chance at being the next in a long line of Heisman QBs coming out of Southern California.

This weekend they posted an impressive win over Oregon, who most thought would be the only team giving them a run for the conference title.

We know USC is good, and better than their loss to Oregon State looked, but we also know they have weaknesses.  I’d put my money on the Trojans losing at least one more game before this season is over.

Next Game: vs. Arizona State



2. Cal: 4-1 (2-0)

It is still unknown how good Cal really is.  They have one loss against a surprising Maryland team who has beaten two ranked teams but has also lost to Middle Tennessee State.  Not only that, the Terps were shut out this weekend by Virginia.

The quarterback controversy has done nothing to help this squad, who luckily has a bye before having to travel to Tucson to take on the Cats.  That will be the game that separates the conference.

Next Game: Oct. 18 @ Arizona



3. Arizona: 4-1 (2-0)

Arizona is tied with Cal for the conference lead thus far, and the next two games will speak volumes.  There is plenty of information on the site and a Stanford preview coming up.  More then. http://www.thebeardown.com

Next Game: @ Stanford



4. Oregon: 4-2 (2-1)

Oregon is not doing anything to help the frustration that is the Pac-10.  No team is giving us clear-cut signs of where they stand or what their real strengths are.

So far the Ducks won convincingly against Washington (really in just one half of play), beat up on a bad Utah State team, took home the W in OT against a good Purdue squad, lost to a young but talented Boise State, beat WSU by 49, and then took a 34-point loss to USC—all of this while rotating QBs from injured to back on the field and back again.

Their next stretch against UCLA, at Arizona State, and at California should speak volumes.  Well, at least I hope it does.  In reality they will probably beat UCLA in a close game, win convincingly against Arizona State, and go into overtime against Cal, leaving us just as confused as when we started.

Next Game: vs. UCLA



5. Oregon State: 2-3 (1-1)

The Beavers may be better than everyone thinks.  They may be 2-3, but they have had a pretty tough schedule so far.  They have played three Top 15 teams in Penn State, now No. 6, Utah, now No. 14 (three-point loss), and No. 8 USC (six-point win).

If Oregon State can learn from these games and continue to fine-tune against their next two opponents, which luckily for them are Washington and Washington State, they could be headed to a bowl game this year.

Next Game: vs. Washington



6. Arizona State: 2-3 (1-1)

The Sun Devils have only looked good in one game this season, when they beat Stanford 41-17.  Since that victory they have lost three straight to UNLV, Georgia, and Cal.  Rudy Carpenter may be one of the best QBs in the conference, but his supporting cast is not getting it done.

I think it is safe to say that they have three more losses on their schedule.

Next Game: @ USC



7. UCLA: 2-3 (1-1)

I really don’t know what to say about the Bruins.  I was never on this bandwagon, even after a win over the highly overrated Volunteers.  I think they are a year or two away from having a good team, and it is tough to say how many losses they will end up with this year.

Next Game: @ Oregon



8. Stanford: 3-3 (2-1)

Stanford's only notable win this year was against Oregon State, which the Beavers should have won if weren’t for a fumble at the last second.  They lost to Notre Dame, who still has not earned my respect.  The Cardinal is in the same boat as UCLA.



10. Washington State: 1-5 (0-3); Washington: 0-5 (0-3)

The State of Washington is ranked 10th.  The Huskies lost Jake Locker, and it appears that they will also be losing Ty Willingham.  I think this is only going to set them back even more than they are now, but I do understand that changes need to be made.

As for WSU, their only win came over Portland State.  I think a lot of teams, especially in the Pac, are looking forward to playing teams from the Evergreen State.