Pac-12 power rankings: Huskies, Ducks battle for No. 1

For real, on the field, on Saturday.

It’s going to be a crowded press box at Husky Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

National media are descending on — or maybe just traveling to — Seattle for No. 7 Washington vs. No. 8 Oregon, a game that also will attract about three-dozen NFL scouts.

Were it not preoccupied by existential and operational matters, the Pac-12 office would have cause to stand back and appreciate what it helped arrange this weekend. Both Washington and Oregon faced, ahem, manageable schedules to this point, and each team had its bye last weekend to ensure the most ideal version of each roster is available come Saturday afternoon.

And when they’re done playing, you can watch USC vs. Notre Dame.

Let’s assess the conference ahead of a weekend that will help shape the Chase For The End Of The CFP Drought (trademarked).

(These rankings are intended as a snapshot of the conference at this specific point in time, and not a predicted order of finish. Previous week’s rank in parentheses.)