Pac-12 Power Rankings: Week 9
By Brian Spaen
October 27, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks fans cheer at halftime against the Colorado Buffaloes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE
1. Oregon (8-0, 5-0) – 44 points (all first-place votes) (LW: 1)
Mike (1st): I predicted a 70-7 win for the Ducks on Saturday, Colorado scored 14 so take that for what its worth. This week the season truly begins for Oregon with a big game in Los Angeles at the Coliseum.
2. Stanford (6-2, 4-1) – 38 points (LW: 4)
Brian (2nd): They still struggle to score, but that defensive line is an absolute monster. I strongly believe the Cardinal is the toughest team left on the schedule with the Trojans regressing on defense.
3. Oregon State (6-1, 4-1) – 37 points (LW: 3)
Brian (3rd): In the Beavers’ defense, Washington has played great at home and awful on the road. Cody Vaz should be the starting quarterback on this team.
4. UCLA (6-2, 3-2) – 31 points (LW: 5)
Mike (3rd): The Bruins were resilient in Tempe and got a win that now means they control their destiny in the Pac South race down the stretch. We’ll wait and see in the coming weeks if Jim Mora can get UCLA back to the conference title game.
5. USC (6-2, 4-2) – 30 points (LW: 2)
Mike (6th): Lane Kiffin and company don’t have much time to lick their wounds after losing at Arizona with Oregon coming to town. The Trojans let a 13-point lead evaporate in Tucson and will see a better offense on Saturday.
6. Arizona (5-3, 2-3) – 23 points (LW: 7)
Brian (6th): One thing driving me nuts is the constant talk on this being the best two then three-loss team in the nation. Their defense can’t stop anyone.
7. Arizona State (5-3, 3-2) – 19 points (LW: 5)
Brian (8th): Taylor Kelly was fantastic with 315 passing yards and four touchdowns, not to mention a quick 14-0 start, but they couldn’t hold on to it for the win. They’re a win away from being bowl eligible for what it’s worth.
Oct 27, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies kicker Travis Coons celebrates a field goal against the Oregon State Beavers during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE
8. Washington (4-4, 2-3) – 18 points (LW: 9)
Mike (8th): Alright, sure they knocked off Oregon State but hear me out – they’ve beat two top 10 teams at home and lost a close game to USC in Seattle. In addition they’ve been blown out by 30 at LSU, Oregon and Arizona but props to Sark and the Huskies for largely surviving this tough stretch.
9. Utah (3-5, 1-4) – 11 points (LW: 10)
Mike (9th): Utah is here because they beat the team ranked behind them by a good margin, Kyle Wittingham’s team continues to mystify me and that isn’t a good thing.
10. California (3-6, 2-4) – 9 points (LW: 8)
Brian (10th): The Golden Bears gave up four consecutive touchdowns and was out of it when the third quarter started. You shouldn’t get blown out while gaining nearly 450 yards of offense.
11. Washington State (2-6, 0-5) – 3 points (LW: 11)
Brian (11th): They’re still in contention for a bowl game? That’s really all I have as a far as positives from this team.
12. Colorado (1-7, 1-4) – 1 point (LW: 12)
Mike (12th): At least Chip Kelly decided not to drop the “Hundy Bomb” on them so they’ve got that going for them. Colorado now officially eliminated from bowl considerations.
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.