A look at the Pac 12 teams in the Top 25

As college football fans get ready for week four, the Pac-12 now boasts four teams in the Top 25. Here is a breakdown of where these four teams stand and their matchups this week.

No. 7 USC Trojans

The Trojans have been steadily rising through the rankings, up seven spots from week one. This week they face an important challenge as they travel to Corvallis to take on Oregon State, a place USC has historically struggled. USC needs to win this matchup in order to have a successful season. Losing this game would mean the Trojans would have to run the table in the Pac-12.

USC has a very versatile back in Travis Dye and they will use him to their advantage. The Trojans are not completely healthy at left tackle so they will likely look to get quarterback Caleb Williams on the move early.

Oregon State will be able to put up points and has the power to pressure Williams, but the depth and versatility that USC has will likely overpower the Beavers.

Jacquizz and James Rodgers lead Oregon State to an upset win vs. No. 1 USC in Corvallis (2008)

It was the Trojans only loss of the season.

@Qui22Rodgers | @BeaverFootball pic.twitter.com/9ElrLIjIOK

— CFB History (@CFB_History) September 21, 2022

No. 13 Utah Utes

After losing their opening game to Florida, the Utes have gone 2-0. They look to start conference play 1-0 as they travel to Arizona to take on the Sun Devils. Arizona State is coming into the game with an interim head coach after they fired their head coach following their loss to Eastern Michigan.

The Utes are led by junior quarterback Cameron Rising who has already thrown for 694 yards, 8 touchdowns and only one interception. He’ll go against an Arizona State defense that gave up 458 total yards against Eastern Michigan in last weekend’s 30-21 loss.

The Sun Devils will put up a fight at home but the experience on this Utah team will be too much for this struggling Arizona State team.

No. 15 Oregon Ducks

Oregon is coming into this game fresh off a victory over No. 12 BYU. They look to continue this momentum as they travel to face Washington State. Washington State looks to knock off a ranked team for the second time this season, which would likely catapult them into the Top 25 for the first time since 2019.

Washington State is a solid team with a great defense. However, Oregon has the edge overall due to the experience of quarterback Bo Nix. Oregon also has an edge in the running back room. None of their backs have as high numbers as Washington State’s Nakai Watson, though, because they use a committee to keep everyone fresh.

This game will be very competitive but in the end, Oregon will prevail due to the depth they have on their roster.

https://twitter.com/kendell_m/status/1571287889056497665?s=20&t=sgjAnXcPGiMz7kwYBLy1AA

No. 18 Washington Huskies

Washington enters week four 3-0 and will host 1-1 Stanford to open their conference play.

Stanford’s offensive line looks better than it has in years and as a result, they were able to run effectively against USC. Stanford’s pass rush has also been solid. Their quarterback Tanner McKee is an accurate enough passer to take advantage of the Washington defense as they will most likely concentrate on running back EJ Smith and the run game.

However, Stanford has fumbled the ball away six times in their first two games and given up nine turnover total. If the Washington defense can force a few turnovers, the game will likely go in their favor.