Pac-12 Football is in full swing and Go Joe Bruin gives you everything you need to know about the Conference of Champions with our latest Power Rankings.
Last week the PAC-12 really showed how much parody exists in their conference. The only game decided by more than seven points last week a was dominating win by Arizona over Oregon State.
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This week will be another test for the top PAC-12 teams as both Stanford and Washington venture out of conference for matchups against Top 25 schools. But before PAC-12 play begins on Friday with the winless UCLA Bruins visiting the undefeated Buffaloes of Colorado, Go Joe Bruin looks at the conference Power Rankings.
Last Week’s Results
(AP rank at game time)
- (7) Stanford won at 20) Oregon 38-31 in OT
- (10) Washington beat Arizona State 27-20
- (20) Oregon lost vs Stanford 38-31 in OT
- Colorado (BYE)
- Cal (BYE)
- Arizona State lost at 10) Washington 27-20
- USC beat Washington State 39-36
- Washington State lost at USC 39-36
- Utah (BYE)
- Arizona won at Oregon State 35-14
- Oregon State lost vs Arizona 35-14
- UCLA (BYE)
Pac-12 Week Power Rankings Week 5
1. Stanford Cardinal
Last Week Ranking: 1 / Next Opponent: at Notre Dame
Losing your first conference game may not cost your team the season but winning in the fashion that Stanford did at Oregon can easily set the tone your whole year. After being down 24-7 in the second quarter, the Cardinal ran, passed, and returned fumbled their way to an overtime victory. Stanford had very little time to celebrate that victory as they prepare to go to South Bend to play 8th ranked Notre Dame. A win there should move Stanford into the AP Top 5
2. Washington Huskies
Last Week Ranking: 2 / Next Opponent: vs BYU
After opening the season with a loss to Auburn, the Huskies have come back with three straight wins including last week at Utah. This week Washington brings in a surprising BYU team that has, despite going 4-9 last year, defeated Arizona, Cal, and Wisconsin on their way to their first 3-0 start since 2014. The Cougars owe much of their success to their defense who has held three quality opponents to under 22 points per game. Washington will have to rely on their two offensive stars, Jake Browning and Myles Gaskin, to get the Huskies into the end zone against a tough BYU defense.
3. Colorado Buffaloes
Last Week Ranking: 4 / Next Opponent: vs UCLA (Friday)
Colorado had an extra week to prepare for the 0-3 Bruins after defeating FCS New Hampshire. They should continue to lean on the arm of quarterback Steven Montez (73.4% completion rate) and the legs of Travon McMillian (8.8 yards per carry) as they begin conference play. Coach Mike MacIntyre would love to start PAC-12 play 2-0 (UCLA and Arizona State) before they travel to USC and Washington.
4. Oregon Ducks
Last Week Ranking: 3 / Next Opponent: at Cal
I didn’t move Oregon down one spot solely due to their devastating loss. Losing in overtime to Stanford, even on your own field and after blowing a 24-7 lead, isn’t the worst thing that can happen to a team. The Ducks moved down to number four because after beating up on three inferior opponents to start the season, Mario Cristobal’s team finally played a quality team and lost. It’s too bad Oregon didn’t hold on to beat Stanford because this game (or perhaps at Cal next week) looks to be the toughest game on their schedule. They would have had a good chance to run the table to the PAC-12 Championship game.
5. California Golden Bears
Last Week Ranking: 5 / Next Opponent: vs Oregon
This week Cal entered the AP Top 25 for the first time since November of 2015. The Bears’ defense has been a big part of their success holding opponents to 19.3 points a game. This week will be Cal’s biggest test of the young season with Oregon coming to town. Getting by the Ducks would be a huge confidence boost for freshman quarterback Chase Garbers and the rest of the Bears team.
6. USC Trojans
Last Week Ranking: 7 / Next Opponent: at Arizona
A fourth-quarter touchdown run was enough to complete a Trojan comeback against Washington State last week. More good news for USC is the 39 points they put up against a Mike Leach team that was only allowing 20.5 points a game so far. The Trojans schedule eases up a bit as they won’t play a currently ranked team until Cal in mid-November. If JT Daniels can continue to improve (3 TDs and no picks against WSU) USC could be 9-2 when Notre Dame comes to town to end their regular season.
7. Arizona State Sun Devils
Last Week Ranking: 6 / Next Opponent: vs Oregon State
Another disappointing loss last week, this time to Washington, has put a damper on Arizona State’s 2-0 start. Their 268 total yards was a season low but nothing cures a case of the “low offense output flu” than playing Oregon State in Tempe. This year when the Sun Devils have averaged 464 total yards when playing at home. Look for quarterback Manny Wilkins and the rest of Arizona State to get back on track and stay within striking distance of the Pac-12 South title.
8. Utah Utes
Last Week Ranking: 9 / Next Opponent: at Washington State
Except for the 41 points they put up on Weber State, the Utes have had trouble putting points on the boards. In their two games against FBS opponents, Utah has scored just 24 points. This week against Washington State, the Utes will need to score early and often to keep up with the 41.8 points the Cougars are putting up per game. Next week Utah travels to Stanford so they really need a win here or they face the possibility of starting conference play 0-3.
9. Washington State Cougars
Last Week Ranking: 8 / Next Opponent: vs Utah
Despite 344 passing yards from Gardner Minshew, the Cougars could not hold off USC at The Coliseum last Friday. But Washington State continues to do what they do best: throw the ball. They’ve put up big numbers on offense so far but have played just one quality opponent. In three weeks, the Cougars begin a three-game stretch against Oregon, Stanford, and Cal. Those three games will determine Washington State’s season.
10. Arizona Wildcats
Last Week Ranking: 10 / Next Opponent: vs USC
The Wildcats have now beaten Southern Utah and, most recently, Oregon State. But their terrible performances against BYU and (especially) Houston have kept Arizona down here in the power rankings. Against Oregon State, Arizona was able to run the ball for 442 yards including 284 yards by redshirt sophomore running back J.J. Taylor. USC visits Tucson Saturday night giving the Wildcats a chance to pick up a game on the PAC-12 South favorites.
11. Oregon State Beavers
Last Week Ranking: 11 / Next Opponent: at Arizona State
“I thought we had them at 7-7” is what you might have overheard at Reser Stadium in Corvallis on Saturday. After tying the game with 56 seconds left in the first quarter, the Beavers were outscored 28-7 en route to their 10th consecutive PAC-12 loss. This week the Beavs travel to Tempe to face a Sun Devils team coming off two disappointing losses to San Diego State and Washington. Arizona State should come out fast against an Oregon State team allowing 43.5 points a game.
12. UCLA Bruins
Last Week Ranking: 12 / Next Opponent: Colorado
With a week off, the Bruins had some well needed extra time to prepare for Colorado. I would love to see UCLA wipe away their nonconference schedule and use it just as a learning experience. On the bright side, even though the Bruins are 111th in points scored and yards per game, they are currently tied for third in the PAC-12 South. So…they have that going for them.