Pac-12 South Notebook: Could a Utah victory earn status as Pac-12 contender?

Updated Sep 22, 2015 at 12:54p ET

Utah has outplayed its opponents on all cylinders so far this season, but still seems to lack the national pedigree to earn “frontrunner” status in the Pac-12.

Utah has parlayed its 3-0 record into a No. 18 ranking in the AP Top 25 poll. This season, the Pac-12 South features more competitive parity than perhaps any other division in the Power 5 conferences. Can Utah keep up their hot streak and stay in the race to win the division?

Currently, unbeaten UCLA is the top-ranked team in the Pac-12 South, at No. 9. Arizona, also undefeated, ranks next at No. 16. Then at No. 18, spot ahead of USC, comes the Utes.

On Saturday, however, Utah matches up against No. 13 Oregon. When the teams played last season, Oregon defeated Utah 51-27. The game was actually significantly closer: Oregon outscored Utah 24-7 in the fourth quarter.

The key for Utah in this matchup is in the air. Last season, Utah quarterback Travis Wilson was 18-for-28 with 297 yards and 2 touchdowns, but threw two costly interceptions.

Utah will need to avoid similar turnovers against a weak Oregon secondary. Of 127 teams in FBS, Oregon is currently ranked No. 121 overall for passing yards allowed — allowing 316 yards per game. They’ve allowed 82 completions; just New Mexico State and Indiana have allowed more. Oregon has allowed 10 passing touchdowns, second-worst in FBS/

As Josh Furlong from KSL.com observed, Utah ranks No. 2 in the Pac-12 for completion percentage. But the Utes are No. 11 in total yards (501) and last in passing touchdowns (1).

Furlong also notes that Utah has completed just two passes for more than 25 yards. Utah also has only seven completions for more than 15 yards.

"The thing we've really got to do in the throwing game is come away with some good chunk yardage," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said to ESPN 700. "We're not getting enough explosive plays in the throwing game."

Wilson injured his shoulder vs. Utah State and did not play vs. Fresno State, though some speculate he could return vs. Oregon. If not, his backup Kendal Thompson will be tasked with the responsibility of an upset.

Nick Wilson, a sophomore, has looked lethal this season.

There are a lot of talented running backs in college football; Alabama’s Derrick Henry and Georgia’s Nick Chubb are both ridiculously talented. LSU’s Leonard Fournette showcased a true Heisman-like performance vs. Auburn over the weekend.

In the Pac-12, UCLA’s Paul Perkins led the Bruins to victory vs. BYU and Oregon’s Royce Freeman has kept the Ducks in the playoff picture.

Wilson is not to be overlooked, however, when discussing the most talented running backs in the country.

Through three games, Wilson has 434 yards (No. 6 overall in the nation) on 62 carries, good for 7.0 yards per carry. He has five rushing touchdowns, which is two behind the nation’s leaders (Alabama’s Henry and Boise State’s Jeremy McNichols both have seven)

Wilson was reportedly in much better shape than last season coming into this year.

As the Tuscon Star’s Zack Rosenblatt reports, Wilson is off to a record-setting pace for Arizona. In fact, he has more rushing yards and touchdowns through 15 games than any other player to play for the Wildcats.

Arizona plays UCLA on Saturday. If Wilson outshines Perkins on the ESPN College Game Day broadcast, perhaps more people across the nation will truly realize his potential.

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Bryan Kalbrosky is the Pac-12 South producer for FOX Sports. Follow him on Twitter by clicking below. Follow @BryanKalbrosky

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