Pac-12 football standings: Dominance in the North, misery in the South

As the Pac-12 exits non-conference play, it’s harder to imagine a bigger disparity between the two divisions. It’s quite possible that the four best teams in the conference stand atop the Pac-12 North.

Let’s do a quick walkthrough:

The North

Stanford: 3-0. This is a fierce Stanford team, but aside from running Bryce Love and throwing to Arrcega-Whiteside, the Cardinal are very defense-heavy. Big challenge awaits in Oregon.

Washington: 2-1. Still the favorites to win this conference by quite a bit. Stanford, Oregon. By far the most complete team, even if their offense sputters.

Washington State: 3-0. The Cougars have had a very solid start to the season. Knocking off USC in Los Angeles would be a big boost.

Oregon: 3-0. The Ducks have trudged through non-conference play with some hitches. Now it’s time for a marquee win against Stanford.

Cal: 3-0. The Bears are 3-0 yet again after non-conference play. They catch a break with a bye week before a huge game against Oregon.

Oregon State: 1-2. Pretty devastating loss for the Beavers in Nevada could hold them back from bowl eligibility. They badly need a win against Arizona.

South

Colorado: 3-0. Could the Buffs win the South for the second time in three years? This division is in disarray.

Arizona State: 2-1. Herm Edwards hype took a hit last week.

Utah: 2-1. The Utes defense is legit. The Utes offense is once again all over the place.

Arizona: 1-2. The South is so bad that a win from the defensively-challenged Wildcats props them above the two worst teams in the division up to this point.

USC: 1-2. The Trojans remain offensively lifeless. This is where JT Daniels turns it on, right?

UCLA: 0-3. The Bruins have been disappointing in the past. But they never started a season 0-3 in recent memory.