The action in the Pac-12 conference’s slate of games this week is nothing to drool over, but it doesn’t mean that the Pac-12 South couldn’t gain some clarity, as three of the top-four teams battling for the division title are playing.

Here are the top players in the Pac-12 to watch this week:

1) Shaq Thompson, linebacker, Washington: After being the Huskies’ feature back the past three weeks and averaging 142.67 total yards from scrimmage in those games, Thompson returns to his linebacker spot this week when he faces off with Arizona. The Wildcats have three players who have rushed for over 300 yards this season, including quarterback Anu Solomon. It will be up to Thompson to control Arizona’s run game and make the Wildcats a one-dimensional team throwing the ball.

2) Taylor Kelly, quarterback, Arizona State: Kelly started off the year like he was shot out of a cannon, just tearing up opposing defenses. Then he got injured and missed three games, but has since returned from injury and won his past three contests. He seems fully healed from his injury and that’s only trouble for the rest of the Pac-12 as Kelly and the Sun Devils are making a serious push for one of the four playoff spots. Arizona State faces a beleaguered Oregon State squad and there’s no telling what he and the offense could do after scoring 55 points last week.

3) Kaelin Clay, wide receiver, Utah: Clay is arguably the most dynamic special teams player in the nation with three total return touchdowns; but as of now, he is remembered for his huge mistake against Oregon. Clay and the Utes will face Stanford this week so look for the big-play threat to put last week behind him and become a true difference maker and complement running back Devontae Booker. It should also be noted that he caught five passes for 152 yards against the Ducks.

4) Anu Solomon, quarterback, Arizona: The Wildcats are still in the hunt for the Pac-12 South crown. The reason for Arizona’s early success was the play of redshirt freshman quarterback Solomon so it would stand to reason that the Wildcats’ two losses came when he didn’t play very well. Last week, Solomon threw four touchdowns and ran for 105 yards but he’s going up against one of the best front sevens in all of college football when he takes on Thompson and the Huskies. If Solomon can keep Washington honest by running the ball, it will open up the read-option pass and, in turn, lead the Wildcats to victory.

Follow Ryan Kostecka on Twitter @Ryan_Kostecka