If you don't like where you are in the power rankings, play better.
See last week's power rankings here.
1. Oregon: Dominant win at Arizona State. With Colorado coming to town, the Ducks are almost certain to take the top position to USC on Nov. 3.
2. Oregon State: It appears that starting QB Sean Mannion will be good to go for the visit to Washington, but winning two physical games with a backup quarterback is another reason to drink the Beaver juice.
3. USC: Look, I know it was Colorado, but you will rarely -- if ever -- see a quarterback as completely in control as Matt Barkley was on Saturday. Perhaps something clicked. We'll see. The Trojans might need a few points to prevail at Arizona on Saturday.
4. Stanford: Kevin and I exchanged texts on Saturday wondering which one of you spiked our punch, thereby poisoning our minds into thinking California would win the Big Game. Stanford was its old, physical self in a dominant win. Washington State visits on Saturday.
5. UCLA: The Bruins, coming off a bye week, will visit Arizona State on Saturday. The winner will substantially improve its South Division position, while the loser might be out of it.
6. Arizona State: It seems the news on DT Will Sutton is encouraging, if vague, but you'd have to rate him doubtful on Saturday against UCLA. The Sun Devils need to pick up the pieces quickly because the Bruins' visit is critical. And, if any players need further motivation, recall last year's game and what happened thereafter.
7. Arizona: There was plenty to suggest in the Wildcats' blowout win over Washington that USC should be highly concerned about its visit on Saturday. The Trojans sure didn't dominate Washington like that. This team still might have something to say in the South.
8. Washington: Judging by my mailbag overflow on Sunday, some Huskies fans are jumping off the bandwagon. The visit from Oregon State on Saturday provides a chance for the Huskies to get those worrywarts back on board.
9. California: It wasn't just about losing the Big Game, it was about getting physically dominated. Dark times in Berkeley for the Bears and coach Jeff Tedford. This team needs a major rally to avoid a losing record. And it's a must-win Saturday at Utah.
10. Utah: The Utes won the statistical battle at Oregon State, but you almost never win when you lose the turnover battle 4-0. The Utes' bowl hopes probably hinge on beating Cal on Saturday.
11. Colorado: There were some good things coming out of a 50-6 loss to USC, believe it or not -- hey, more first downs than the Trojans. But six turnovers makes things difficult. That and terrible defense.
12. Washington State: The Cougs were off, meaning coach Mike Leach has had extra time to ponder the visit to Stanford. An upset win would be a good way to escape the power rankings basement. And Stanford might be flat after two emotional games. So, yeah, I'm saying there's a chance.