Pac-12 Power Rankings
| Oregon: Last Saturday’s game left no doubt that Oregon belongs at the top of these rankings. The Ducks’ offense powered past Stanford with little problem. James ran for 146 yards and three touchdowns to contribute to Oregon’s impressive 53 points. Oregon was able to capitalize on Stanford’s mistakes (five turnovers) during the game and ultimately take the top spot in the Pac-12. Up next Oregon will host a dangerous USC team. The Trojans have nothing to lose, and they have the chance to shake the Pac-12 up even more on Saturday. |
Stanford: The Cardinal fell to the Ducks over the weekend. The offense made plenty of mistakes that Oregon took full advantage of, and in the end things fell apart for Andrew Luck and the Cardinal. This loss to Oregon doesn’t change the fact that Stanford is a dominate team in the Pac-12. The Cardinal should be able to win out and end the season with just one loss. Stanford will host Cal on Saturday.
USC: The Trojans easily took care of the Huskies over the weekend 40 – 17, and now they pose a serious threat to Oregon’s Pac-12 sweep. USC earned 426 yards of total offense to Washington’s 244. The Trojans seem to be getting significantly better as the season progresses. To the Trojan’s disadvantage, top receiver Robert Woods may be out for this weekend’s game due to an ankle injury. USC will battle the Ducks this Saturday at Autzen Stadium.
Washington: The Huskies were defeated by the Trojans over the weekend 40 – 17. Chris Polk couldn’t find his stride; rushing for a season-low 36 yards. QB Keith Price passed for 125 yards and left with an injured knee during the second half. I’m keeping Washington at fourth place because their four losses have come from top-20 teams. At this point Price’s status is unknown for Saturday’s game. This weekend Washington will travel to Corvallis to take on the Beavers.
Utah: Just when it seemed as though the Bruins had a chance to make an appearance in the Pac-12 Championship game, the Utes came along and shook things up a little more. Utah defeated UCLA 31 – 6 and in the process became bowl eligible. Utah’s defense lived up to their third-place ranking as they held the Bruins to just two field goals. This Saturday Utah will battle Washington State.
Arizona State: The Sun Devils haven’t looked impressive over the last couple of weeks. Last Saturday ASU lost to Washington State 37 – 27. The Sun Devils’ last two losses have helped throw the Pac-12 South into chaos. Based on their performance over the entire season I believe ASU will win their remaining two home games and take back control of the South. Up next ASU will host Arizona.
Cal: The Bears have won their last two games; most recently a 23 – 6 point victory over the Beavers. Their win over the weekend puts them at 6 – 4 going into this weekend’s game against #9 Stanford. Cal’s ground-game was the focus with a total of 296 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. The Golden Bears will travel to Stanford Stadium to take on the Cardinal this Saturday.
UCLA: The Bruins fell to Utah over the weekend 31 – 6. There had been talk of the Bruins taking control of the Pac-12 South after knocking off both Cal and Arizona State, but Saturday’s loss dampened those prospects. Next up they will host Colorado.
Washington State: The Cougars had an impressive win over Arizona State on Saturday. WSU took the Sun Devils down 37 – 27 and contributed to the mess in the Pac-12 South. Freshman QB Connor Halliday threw for 494 yards and four touchdowns. Halliday’s performance earned him the WSU freshman passing record. This win keeps the Cougars in contention for post-season play. WSU will host Utah on Saturday.
Colorado: The Buffaloes finally have a Pac-12 victory and they looked good doing it. Colorado defeated Arizona 48 – 29 over the weekend. The Buffs put together 500 yards of total offense distributed almost evenly between passing yards (227) and rushing yards (273). Colorado will take on UCLA this weekend.
Oregon State: The Beavers lost 23 – 6 to Cal over the weekend and things do not look good for the remainder of OSU’s schedule. With Washington and Oregon remaining it looks as though the Beavs will finish the season with only two wins. OSU was only able to earn 27 yards on the ground while they gave up 296 to Cal. Oregon State will host Washington this weekend.
Arizona: The Wildcats season has been a dismal one. The Wildcats were dominated by Colorado over the weekend. They have given both the Buffs and the Beavs their only conference victories this season landing Arizona at the bottom of these rankings. The Wildcats will travel to Sun Devil Stadium for one last shot at a second Pac-12 victory.