Utah coach Kyle Whittingham’s team is undefeated and ranked third in the country, it’s highest regular season ranking. (Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
When Utah left the Mountain West Conference four years ago to join the Pac-12, some might wondered if the Utes could be competitive in their storied new conference.
They’re doing pretty well. Utah is ranked third in the nation in this week’s AP poll, its highest-ever regular season ranking. Utah was ranked No. 2 in the poll released after the bowl games of the 2008 season.
The Utes have a big game this week at Southern Cal, which is still in turmoil since the firing of Steve Sarkisian.
Since Utah and Colorado joined the Pac-12 in 2011, CU has finished last in the Southern Division every year. CU’s conference record over that period is 4-35, including three losses this season. Utah’s conference record is 17-22.
Utah got a lot of attention this season after destroying what was thought at the time to be a good Oregon team, 62-20, but the Utes also beat Cal (5-1 this season) and Arizona State (4-3). Cal is ranked 19th this week, its highest ranking since 2009. Utah also beat Michigan 24-17.
Five Pac-12 teams have been ranked in the top 10 at some point this season. CU hasn’t been ranked since 2005.
