Pac-12 power rankings: A new No. 1, and a battle for the bottom

A look at the league as conference play begins.

Three weeks in, and still only four Pac-12 teams know the disappointment of defeat. 

The other eight are 3-0, each still ranked among the nation’s top 25, though at least three of them will have to lose this week as Pac-12 play begins. Of the unbeaten eight, only one — Colorado — won by fewer than three scores on a Saturday marked by light competition. Then again, it’s all light competition these days for the Pac-12, which has compiled a 29-5 record in nonconference play.

Even as the top teams keep winning, there is movement in our weekly rankings. Here’s how I see the league heading into the first week of conference games. 

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(These rankings are intended as a snapshot of the conference at this specific point in time, and not a predicted order of finish. Previous week’s rank in parentheses.)

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1. Washington (2)

Record: 3-0

Last week: Beat Michigan State, 41-7

This week: vs. California