Pac-12 story: Washington on the upswing, Oregon in decline

The game illustrated the rise of the Huskies, off to their best start (6-0, 3-0) since 1992, and the quick fall of the Ducks, who played for the national championship two seasons ago but have dropped four straight to sit at the bottom of the Pac-12 North (2-4, 0-3).

With a nine-game winning streak dating back to last season, the Huskies host Oregon State on Saturday.

Washington head coach Chris Petersen said the task at hand is keeping the players focused on the next game — and off the hype that comes with the undefeated start and the national ranking.

The Utes and Buffaloes sit atop the division standings with 3-1 records, ahead of USC with two losses.

Though No. 19 Utah has enjoyed a steady rise with its hard-nosed defensive play in recent years, the Utes have not made it to the Pac-12 championship game.

Colorado is the more dramatic upstart in the South at 5-2 overall and vying to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2007.

The Wildcats started 17-year-old freshman Khalil Tate at QB in a 48-14 loss to USC on Saturday and when he struggled, they turned to third-string tight end Matt Morin.