Pac-12 Power Rankings: Week 5
By Brian Spaen
1. Oregon (2-0, 5-0 overall) – 44 points (four first-place votes)
Mike: I agree with Mark Jones and Brock Huard in suggestion they let Wazzu feel apart of the game then decided to put the game out of reach in the third quarter.
September 29, 2012; Tucson, AZ, USA; Oregon State Beavers safety Ryan Murphy (25) salutes the fans after defeating the Arizona Wildcats 38-35 at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE
2. Oregon State (2-0, 3-0 overall) – 38 points
Brian (3rd): The defense is completely legit, and now they’ve proved they’re clutch after rebounding from a bad third quarter. OSU took the lead early and then it went back and forth until Sean Mannion threw his third touchdown pass of the night.
3. USC (1-1, 3-1 overall) – 34 points
Mike (6th): USC didn’t play this week and even with Utah being wounded I want to see them handle the Utes Thursday night in Salt Lake City.
4. Arizona State (2-0, 4-1 overall) – 30 points
Brian (5th): I’ve been much higher on ASU than most, and it’s starting to pay off. They have an improved defense, making it that much tougher for teams like USC or Arizona that want to win the south division.
5. Washington (1-0, 3-1 overall) – 29 points
Mike (4th): Rewarding them for beating a top 10 opponent even if it was at home because next week I’ll likely drop them since they travel to Eugene. Yep, I’m fickle like that but still curious to how Sark gets Keith Price and the Dawgs ready for the huge night game at Autzen.
6. UCLA (1-1, 4-1 overall) – 25 points
Brian (6th): Like every other team will, the Bruins did anything they wanted to against the Colorado defense.
7. Stanford (1-1, 3-1 overall) – 24 points
Mike (7th): Stanford played its first road game of 2012 and led going into the fourth quarter before allowing the game winning TD midway through. I’m more confused with David Shaw calling a fly route on 4th down and short which ended the game, Stanford back at home this week.
T-8. Utah (0-1, 2-2 overall) – 14 points
Brian (9th): They must beat USC at home, otherwise I don’t see them being a conference contender this season. The Utes are starting to become the most disappointing team in the conference.
T-8. Arizona (0-2, 3-2 overall) – 14 points
Mike (8th): Before you say they are 0-2, this team bounced back before a late loss against Oregon State. RichRod has done a good job but the schedule doesn’t ease up with the Cardinal this week.
Sept. 29, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach looks on against the Oregon Ducks during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-US PRESSWIRE
10. Washington State (0-2, 2-3 overall) – 6 points
Brian (11th): They’re completely one-dimensional. Being able to pass will keep them in games against bad defenses, but this team has a long way to go if they want to even reach a bowl this season.
11. California (0-2, 1-4 overall) – 4 points
Mike (10th): I’m still the guy in this group overranking the Golden Bears but even with three losses they’ve been competitive against the likes of Nevada, Ohio State, Southern Cal and ASU who are a combined 16-3.
12. Colorado (1-1, 1-4 overall) 2 points
Brian (12th): Washington State matched up well because neither team has any sort of defense. No one else matches up well.
The Autzen Zoo power rankings are a collection of votes from our staff. Commentary is provided by lead editor Brian Spaen along with staff writer Mike Vamosi.