Pac-12 football: Conference sets record in AP Poll

The Pac-12 is making one last hurrah in the conference’s final season, as we know it at least. On Sunday when the Week 3 AP Poll was released, the conference broke a record. Eight Pac-12 teams were featured, the most ever in the conference history. The previous high was six.

Eight Pac-12 teams rank in the AP Poll

Let’s look at where the top teams in the conference rank in the AP Poll.

• 5 – USC
• 8 – Washington
• 12 – Utah
• 13 – Oregon
• 16 – Oregon State
• 18 – Colorado
• 23 – Washington State
• 24 – UCLA

Washington State and UCLA are making their first appearances in the poll this season. Washington State is 2-0, coming off a  home victory against No. 19 Wisconsin. The Cougars won 31-22 behind a nice performance from quarterback Cam Ward.

UCLA is 2-0 as well and looked impressive in a road victory over San Diego State, 35-10. Despite the Aztecs not being ranked, the voters were impressed with the Bruins dominating in a sell-out, hostile environment.

The Pac-12 is shining, but unfortunately, it’s too little too late, as 10 of the teams will be departing for greener grass at the conclusion of this season.

What does that mean for Arizona State football?

Currently, Arizona State is one of four teams in the conference that are unranked. They sit with California, Stanford, and Arizona. ASU has 10 remaining games this season. Seven of them are against ranked opponents. The only Pac-12 team that appears in the rankings that they avoid, is Oregon State.

This will only make things more difficult for Kenny Dillingham in his first season, as you could make an argument that this is the best season in Pac-12 history.

Dillingham and his nearly whole new roster will need to navigate an absolute gauntlet once conference play arrives. The Sun Devils have their work cut out for them this season.

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