PAC-12 Power Rankings: Week 2

Sep 6, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Oregon Ducks wide receiver Devon Allen (5) runs the ball for a touchdown in the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

1. Oregon

Oregon, having moved into the number two spot of the AP Poll, has seemingly put themselves leaps and bounds above everyone else in the PAC-12, and I would argue they have set themselves apart from the rest of the nation in the same way. Yes, even above Florida State. Midway through the third quarter, the Ducks found themselves trailing the Big-10’s best defense by 9, and the game had been fairly close until this point. Something must have clicked for this team, as they shifted gears and posted 28 unanswered points before the fourth quarter came to a close. Garnering 318 yards through the air, along with three passing touchdowns, and 42 yards on the ground, Marcus Mariota seemingly put himself in the front of the Heisman race. Running-back Royce Freeman also changed the dynamic of the game, rushing for 89 yards on only 13 carries — a whopping 6.8 yards per touch.