2013 Pac 12 Poll Predictions Week 1: Oregon Ducks Hold, Oregon State is Out, Washington In?

Note: This post is modeled after the rankings in the Associated Press Poll – both polls will be released on Tuesday this week

There was one key upset in the Pac 12 in Week 1 and in Corvallis it will be talked about all year. FBS Team Eastern Washington came into Corvallis and pulled out a win over the 25th ranked Oregon State Beavers 49-46. The Cal Bears also lost somewhat of a barnburner with Freshman Quarterback Jared Goff throwing three interceptions in a 14 point loss to the Northwestern Wilcats from the Big 10.  Those were the only two Pac 12 losses that will likely effect teams for the coming weeks’ rankings. Here’s what I see. Watch #4 Stanford, since they did not play – they could drop a spot or two.

Aug 31, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Nicholls State Colonels at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

#3 Oregon Ducks Will Hold 

After a solid victory over Nicholls State on Saturday and Quarterback Marcus Mariota and De’Anthony Thomas showing few signs of rust to kick off 2013(both had two touchdowns). It was a 500 yard rushing day for Oregon and a day history was made. Three Oregon players(Quarterback Marcus Mariota, Running Back De’Anthony Thomas, and Running Back Byron Marshall all rushed for over 100 yards each. With Ohio State and Alabama both with solid victories in Week 1 – Oregon should stand pat at #3.

Next Up: Travelling to Charlottsville to Take on the Virginia Cavaliers(12:30pm PT ABC/ESPN2)

#4 Stanford (who did not play a game in Week 1)may Drop

Thanks to a Clemson Upset over Georgia several teams may be eyeing that #4 spot including Clemson(lost likely to move up after the win) and Texas A&M, whose now Sophomore Quarterback Johnny Halftime – uh…I mean Johnny Manziel cam back after a first half suspension to lead the team to a victory over Rice(52-31) and threw three touchdowns.

Next Up: The First Game of 2013 vs San Jose State, September 7th,  (8pm PT, Pac 12 Network)

(San Jose State beat Sacramento State 24-0 on Saturday)

#21 UCLA Will Enter the Top 20 After Beating NevadaWith a Week 1 Victory over Nevada and the Pac 12 South Crown being the prize, UCLA got off to a solid start in 2013 by knocking off Nevada 58-20. This should easily put them in the Top 20 in this weeks polls. There is still plenty of work to do to moving forward – up next another ‘movement’ opportunity as they travel to Nebraska to take on the Cornhuskers, who are ranked #18 currently and narrowly beat Wyoming 37-34 over the weekend.

Next Up: A Trip East to Nebraska,  Saturday, September 14th, (9am PT ABC)

#24 USC Will Move Up

After finally making a decision on a Starting Quarterback and without Running Back Silas Redd, who made a trip East to see Dr James Andrews concerning his knee. Quarterback Cody Kessler led the Trojans to a 30-13 win, which may look good on paper but according to Fansided’s Matthew Moreno was pretty ugly.

Next Up: A Trip to Washington State to Take on the Cougars,  Saturday September 7th(7:30 PT, Fox Sports 1)

Aug 31, 2013; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers tight end Connor Hamlett (89) falls head first after being tripped up by Eastern Washington Eagles in the second half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

#25 Oregon State Will Drop from the Rankings

Finally we’re to the biggest upset to happen so far this season. The Oregon State Beavers almost had a comeback victory over Eastern Washington, but the Eagles were just as effective on Offense as the Beavers on Saturday winning 49-46. It was Oregon State’s Defense that wasn’t playing well – at all, some on Twitter calling for Coach Riley’s job, although I personally think that’s a little premature. According to an article from ESPN, Eastern Washington pulled in a nice paycheck for the win with a $450,000 payday. We’ve already discussed that another FBS School Nicholls State who faced Oregon on Saturday has pulled in close to $1 million in an eight month period for facing both the Beavers and the Ducks.

Next Up: Oregon State welcomes in Hawaii(who lost to USC 30-13 in Week 1) (5pm PT, Pac 12 Network)

Up and Coming Pac 12 Team(likely to enter the rankings)

Washington – After handily beating #19 Boise State 38-6, Washington Quarterback Keith Price showed that he is 1. Healthy and 2. Confident – in throwing for 324 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground Junior Running Back Bishop Sankey had a big day going 161 yards on 25 carries and two scores. The Huskies look strong to start the season and by handing Boise State’s Chris Peterson his worst loss could find themselves among the ranked in Week 2.

Next Up: A trip back East to face Big 10 team Illinois (3pm PT, Big 10 Network)

Oregon Ducks This Week: