Pac-12 Playoff contenders and longshots: Stanford and Utah still alive

Contenders

Stanford 6-1 (AP #8, Coaches #8)

Stanford is officially now the Pac-12's only true contender for the Playoff and they look the part. They have the best offense in the Pac-12 and a defense that isn't what it used to be, but still near the top of the conference. They should not drop a Pac-12 game this season unless they have an off game.

This week: at Washington State - Stanford faces a very unique test against a surprising Pac-12 contender. The Cardinal have not faced an air raid offense like Washington State's and how they fare against the Cougar attack will say a lot for how they will against Cal and Oregon down the road. Also, a Halloween night

Toughest remaining game: 11/28 Notre Dame

Longshots

Utah 6-1 (AP #13, Coaches #14)

The Utes pretty much shot their Playoff chances by not only losing to USC Saturday, but also by losing convincingly. They have an outside shot if they can run the table and get a lot of help. They will really want UCLA and Stanford to win all of their games against other teams.

This week: Oregon State - The Utes get an ideal game to recoup from their loss at USC as they host the Pac-12's worst team.

Toughest remaining game: 11/21 UCLA