Pac-12 Power Rankings After Week 12
By Brian Spaen
Nov 17, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Kevin Hogan (8) celebrates a win with fans against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE
1. Stanford (9-2, 7-1) – 43 points (three first-place votes) (LW: 2)
Brian (1st): We all knew they were a tough matchup for the Ducks, and they were excellent on defense all night. Really, all season long. If they could have defeated Notre Dame earlier, they would have been the ultimate dream killers this year – and possibly in a national title hunt themselves.
2. Oregon (10-1, 7-1) – 41 points (one first-place vote) (LW: 1)
Mike (2nd): Last time Oregon lost to Stanford was when the Cardinal had a redshirt freshman at quarterback named Andrew Luck, history repeated itself at Autzen Stadium. Second straight year the Ducks kicker doinked a kick off the uprights. All isn’t lost but a lot went out of the window with the defeat.
3. Oregon State (8-2, 6-2) – 35 points (LW: 3)
Brian (4th): It’s back to Sean Mannion for the Beavers in the Civil War. He looked impressive against Cal, but a lot of quarterbacks have passed well against California. If Oregon’s defensive line played like it did against Stanford, this should be a much different story.
4. UCLA (9-2, 5-2) – 33 points (LW: 4)
Mike (4th): Jim Mora has led the Bruins back to the Pac-12 title game with a convincing win against cross town rival USC at the Rose Bowl. They could be looking at a rematch with Stanford depending its outcome this weekend.
5. Washington (7-4, 5-3) – 27 points (LW: 6)
Brian (5th): The Huskies are on a roll with four straight wins. It’s doing what it can to bounce back after that extremely tough start to the season. An eight-win season is nothing to scoff at.
6. USC (7-4, 5-4) – 25 points (LW: 4)
Mike (6th): It’s been a disappointing season for the Men of Troy but they can get some redemption defeating Notre Dame at the Coliseum in primetime.
November 17, 2012; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Austin Hill (29) and wide receiver David Richards (80) celebrate Hill
7. Arizona (7-4, 4-4) – 20 points (LW: 7)
Brian (7th): You know, there may not be much difference between this team and Baylor. But they really got the job done outscoring Utah 17-0 in the final quarter.
8. Arizona State (6-5, 4-4) – 16 points (LW: 8)
Mike (8th): For the Sun Devils beating in-state foe Arizona would be a nice way to prep for their bowl game in a season thats been on and off at times in year one of the Todd Graham era.
9. Utah (4-7, 2-6) – 12 points (LW: 9)
Brian (9th): That’s a crushing loss to end bowl hopes at home. Some would consider this a disappointment, but with quarterback Jordan Wynn being lost so early in the season, it would have been a tough road for this team to reach a bowl. They still had a chance with two games left in the season.
10. California (3-9, 2-7) – 8 points (LW: 10)
Mike (10th): Sadly good job good effort credit seems to be coming for Jeff Tedford with this seasons results.
11. Washington State (2-9, 0-8) – 3 points (LW: 11)
Brian (11th): Even in the most horrible season ever in WSU history, Paul Wulff was able to get his first win against an FBS opponent against Washington in his debut season. Unfortunately for Mike Leach, the Huskies are 100 times better than that one was.
12. Colorado (1-10, 1-7) – 1 point (LW: 12)
Mike (12th): Should Washington State be here? Probably but the Buffs seemed to of checked out in 2012.
The Autzen Zoo Pac-12 power rankings are a collection of votes from our staff. Commentary is provided by lead editor Brian Spaen and staff writer Mike Vamosi.