Coach on the Decline: Kyle Whittingham, Utah. After winning 33 games from 2008-10, the transition to the Pac-12 has been tough. Utes are 13-12 last two years, just 7-11 in league play.

Biggest League Game: Oregon at Stanford, Nov. 7. Thursday night showcase features two teams that have inflicted the only loss on the other the past two seasons. Pac-12 North title figures to be on the line.

Biggest Non-League Game: Notre Dame at Stanford, Nov. 30. There could be a lot on the line for one or both of these teams when they meet in a rematch of last year’s rain-soaked and controversial overtime game in South Bend.

Breakthrough Team: Arizona State. Sun Devils return a 3,000-yard passer, leading rusher, leading receiver and six starters from the defensive front seven. But the schedule is brutal.

Best Rivalry: Arizona-Arizona State. Last three years, the winner was the underdog. Last four years, the game was decided by a touchdown or less. Total points in that span: Sun Devils 115, Wildcats 114.