Conference Breakdown: Pac-12
5 things to know about the Pac-12
Biggest game: Stanford at Washington, Sept. 30
Players to always watch: You already know Stanford's guy. Don't forget about Oregon RB Royce Freeman.
Team nobody wants to play: Washington State
Coach who really needs wins: Mike MacIntyre, Colorado
Don't be surprised if ... We would say, "Washington makes the Rose Bowl," but at this point, you're tired of hearing that.
Bill Connelly's Power Rankings
Tier 1
Stanford
This road schedule is brutal, but at least Christian McCaffrey will get plenty of Heisman eyes.
Oregon
The Ducks might somehow be the country's most overlooked team right now.
Washington
In our profile below, learn why there's so much Huskies hype all of a sudden.
USC
Ddn't make a flashy hire, for a change. But anybody can win with this talent, right?
UCLA
UCLA has the pieces for a Pac-12 title run. Can Josh Rosen make that happen?
Tier 2
Utah
We only ranked Utah here because Utes fans like being underestimated. ;)
Washington State
Mike Leach ended Washington State's decade lost at sea. Now what's next?
Arizona State
Still in good shape, but expect another crazy-turbulent season.
California
It's a transition year, but don't sleep. The Golden Bears still have plenty of firepower.
Tier 3
Oregon State
Gary Andersen will need at least another year to turn around OSU.
