Pac-12 Power Rankings: Week 5

The Pac-12 is a deep conference in 2012. Five league games went down Saturday and the top-to-bottom talent is clearly evident.

The race for bowl eligibility and the division titles are going to be intense. Oregon and USC were the easy pre-season picks to make the Pac-12 Championship Game. At this point, it looks like several programs are going to give both teams all they can handle.

Click on the jump to see how the Pac-12 stacks up after four weeks.

1) Oregon (4-0, 1-0) - The Ducks won 49-0 yet still showed how vulnerable they could be this season. Arizona did nothing to win the game Saturday night and still found themselves down by only 13 points at halftime. Even so, Oregon is clearly the class of the conference at the quarter-pole, and until they lose should have a strangle-hold on the top spot in the power rankings.

Next: @ Washington State

2) Stanford (3-0, 1-0) -The Cardinal had week four off and look to continue their positive momentum from the USC win last week against the Huskies Thursday night. Both teams come off a bye and Washington hosts the Thursday night special. Measuring stick game for both programs.

Next: @ Washington

3) USC (3-1, 1-1) -The Trojans displayed a workman-like effort Saturday against Cal, putting them away 27-9. USC never stepped on the gas and ran away, however. This Trojans team has yet to show that next level of elite play and run away from a team they are clearly more talented then. Their lack of dominant play is going to create a wild South Division.

Next: BYE

4) Oregon State (2-0, 1-0) -Team Small Sample Size came off a less-than-needed bye week and upset the Bruins in LA. Head Coach Mike Riley's Beavers are generally known for their slow starts, and strong play to finish the season. Maybe the cancelled game and early bye week are exactly what OSU needs to break through with a full season effort?

Next: @ Arizona

5) ASU (3-1, 1-0) - The Devils smoked Utah. 372 yards passing and zero turnovers. 31 points in the first half against a supposed stout Ute defense. They started hot last season as well, but this year just feels different without Dennis Erickson under the headset. I don't know that I can fathom a year when ASU doesn't lead the conference in personal fouls.

Next: @ Cal

6) UCLA (3-1, 0-1) - So, UCLA isn't bullet-proof after all. They still look to be a major factor in the South race.

Next: @ Colorado

7) Arizona (3-1, 0-1) - The red zone woes are a major concern going forward. Rich Rod and staff have their work cut out for them this week with the better-than-expected Beavers coming to town.

Next: vs. Oregon State

8) Washington (2-1, 0-0) - The Huskies took the week off and are likely done burning tape of the LSU game. Stanford comes to town for a prime-time Thursday night match up. It is a big opportunity for Washington to jump up the pecking order in the North Division.

Next: vs. Stanford

9) Cal (1-3, 0-1) - The Golden Bears had a chance in the second half against USC but failed to take advantage. Tedford's khakis have to feel like they're made of lava.

Next: vs. ASU

10) Utah (2-2, 0-1) - Not much is going right for Utah at the start of the year. A much-needed bye week is here.

Next: BYE

11) Colorado (1-3, 1-0) - The Buffs arrive in the win column with an upset over WSU in Pullman. Didn't see that coming.

Next: vs. UCLA

12) Washington State (2-2, 0-1) - The new Barons of the Basement, the Washington State Cougars! Mike Leach has a lot more work to do than anyone expected pre-season. Bowl eligibility is now a major uphill climb after the Colorado loss. Still, don't count out the Pirate.

Next: vs. Oregon