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Without taking a snap, Arizona moved into the top 10 this week. The ninth-ranked Wildcats haven't been this high in a poll since the preseason ratings of 1999.
Now it's back to the Pac-10 and a Saturday encounter with Oregon State (2-2), the last of four consecutive home games for Arizona (4-0).
The Beavers, who always seem to start a season slow before coming on strong, beat Arizona State in Corvallis 38-21 last weekend. Arizona edged California 10-9 in Tucson two weeks ago.
''We can't forget how we got to where we're at and forget who we are,'' Arizona coach Mike Stoops said. ''We're not talented enough to not play well and win games.''
Some might say that's exactly what happened against Cal, when Arizona never led until Nic Foles' 3-yard touchdown pass to Juron Crider with 1:11 to play. That was set up by Foles' 51-yard pass to Crider, the Wildcats' only big play of the night.
Oregon State, meanwhile, had its best game of the season in dismantling the Sun Devils. The challenge is to take that effectiveness on the road in front of a loud, sellout crowd. It's an environment that should seem familiar.
The Beavers will play a top 10 team for the third time this season, all away from home. Oregon State opened with a 30-21 loss to TCU, then two weeks ago lost 37-24 at Boise State.
''It helps from a standpoint that we are not going to be scared of a moment, we are not going to shy away from a moment,'' Oregon State cornerback James Dockery said. ''It is just another opportunity to know what we need to do, to get the job done.''
The Beavers will have the services of both Rodgers brothers after the wide receiver James sat out the Arizona State game because of a concussion from the Boise State game.
James' younger brother Jaquizz managed just 46 yards against Boise State, the second-fewest in his three seasons with the Beavers. Last week, he was back to his old self, rushing for 145 yards and two touchdowns as Oregon State rolled for a season-high 416 yards against the Sun Devils.
''They played far and away their best and most complete game against a good football team,'' Stoops said. ''The quarterback looked like he is starting to get comfortable in what they're doing.''
Ryan Katz completed 19 of 29 for 260 yards and two touchdowns against the Sun Devils, with no interceptions.
''I believe we had a pretty efficient game from both sides,'' he said. ''From here on out, the team is looking to continue to build on these wins.''
Foles has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. The junior ranks third nationally with a 75.5 completion percentage (102 for 137) for 1,089 yards and six touchdowns with four interceptions. He has thrown for 3,575 yards in his 16 starts for the Wildcats.
''He's talented and a great thrower,'' Oregon State coach Mike Riley said, ''but I think probably one characteristic that stands out to me is his poise. ... He's just one of those guys that sees it all and makes the plays.''
The passing offense is complemented by a running game led by Nic Grigsby, the No. 6 rusher in Arizona football history. The big surprise is the Arizona defense, considered a potential trouble spot heading into the season. The Wildcats rank second nationally, behind Boise State, in total defense at 230.8 yards per game.
Oregon State, which incredibly does not have a turnover this season, has won nine of the last 11 meetings in the series, including four in a row in Tucson. Last year, in Foles' first career start, Arizona rallied from a 17-14 halftime deficit in Corvallis to win 37-32. In the second half, Foles completed 15 of 22 for 167 yards and two touchdowns.
''We definitely need to be disciplined with our eyes and our technique,'' Dockery said. ''We cannot afford to be caught out of position with this quarterback because he will make you pay.''
