As expected, Stanford does not occupy one of the top four spots in the debut of the College Football Playoff rankings.

The surprise, though, is the Cardinal is not in the top 10 either, and that doesn't bode well for the Pac-12's chances at being represented in Year 2 of the playoff era. Stanford comes in at No. 11, followed by Utah at No. 12 and UCLA at No. 23. That's it for the Pac-12.

Stanford and Utah are still within striking range -- last year's national champion, Ohio State, debuted at No. 16 in 2014 -- but probably will need to win out and get some help elsewhere to reach the playoff. Here's this week's Pac-12 bowl projections.

Rose Bowl presented by Northwestern Mutual: Stanford Cardinal

Valero Alamo Bowl: Utah Utes

National University Holiday Bowl: UCLA Bruins

Foster Farms Bowl: USC Trojans

Hyundai Sun Bowl: Washington State Cougars

Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl: Oregon Ducks

Cactus Bowl: California Golden Bears

At-large: Arizona State Sun Devils

At-large: Washington Huskies