They've already started to beat each other up out West. Thanks to the conference's elite teams suffering some earlier-than-expected losses, the Pac-12 is anybody's conference at the moment. Arizona controls its own destiny when it comes to the Pac-12 South and suddenly finds itself in the national picture thanks to an upset of Oregon. We'll see some more surprising results in the coming weeks as the dust settles in a stacked league.
1. Arizona (5-0, 2-0 Pac-12)
Up next: vs. USC
The skinny: The development of Anu Solomon at quarterback has been a pleasant surprise, but it is Jeff Casteel's defense that has really stepped up to vault the Wildcats to the top of the rankings.
2. Oregon (4-1, 1-1)
Up next: at UCLA
The skinny: The Ducks got tripped up at home but still have the Pac-12 -- and maybe the country's -- best player. Still, there are concerning issues along the offensive line and on defense.
3. UCLA (4-1, 1-1)
Up next: vs. Oregon
The skinny: A week after their most complete win of the season, the Bruins got pushed around at home in a loss to Utah. Brett Hundley continues to run for his life behind a bad offensive line.
4. Arizona State (4-1, 2-1)
Up next: vs. Stanford
The skinny: The offense didn't miss with Mike Bercovici behind center, but it's the defense that has to improve if they're to make a run at the Pac-12 South. A rematch of last year's title game awaits with Stanford.
5. Utah (4-1, 1-1)
Up next: at Oregon State
The skinny: If only the Utes had held on at home against Wazzu, they might be ranked in the top 10 in the country. The defense is feisty, but there are still questions on offense, including at quarterback.
6. USC (3-2, 2-1)
Up next: at Arizona
The skinny: The Trojans might still have the most talented team in the league but have struggled to finish in the second half and could drop to .500 after a trip to Tucson.
7. Stanford (3-2, 1-1)
Up next: vs. Washington State
The skinny: The defense might just be the best unit in the country. Unfortunately for the Cardinal, the offense is one of the worst when it comes to scoring points.
8. California (4-1, 2-1)
Up next: vs. Washington
The skinny: Sonny Dykes has led a remarkable turnaround in Berkeley and has the Bears atop the North Division and in position to make a bowl game.
9. Washington (4-1, 0-1)
Up next: at California
The skinny: Every week it seems like a new issue pops up for the Huskies, who have played unevenly despite coming close to a perfect record.
10. Oregon State (4-1, 1-1)
Up next: vs. Utah
The skinny: The Beavers' record was inflated thanks to some mediocre competition early in the year. We're about to find out just how good the team is as Pac-12 play picks up significantly.
11. Washington State (2-4, 1-2)
Up next: at Stanford
The skinny: Connor Halliday is on pace to hold nearly every league (and FBS) passing record this year, but the team has found ways to blow a fourth-quarter lead in all four losses.
12. Colorado (2-4, 0-3)
Up next: at USC
The skinny: Colorado is better than its record indicates but still is not ready to turn the corner in a deep Pac-12 conference.
*Follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter **@BryanDFischer.*
