The PAC-12 always gives us some wild after dark moments. This week was no exception with the Washington and Cal game being delayed for 3 hours and playing in a stadium that seemed empty compared to normal Saturdays in Husky Stadium. To go along with that, USC’s backup QB Kedon Solvis lead the Trojans to a win over 25th ranked Stanford. With that being said here are the PAC-12 power rankings.
1. Oregon (1-1) (0-0 PAC-12)
Oregon had control Week 1 against Auburn for the majority of the game before some issues in play calling and an overthrown Hail Mary gave them the loss. They also proceeded to beat a Nevada team, who was coming off a respectable victory against Purdue, by 71 points.
2. Utah (2-0) (0-0 PAC-12)
Utah may be undefeated, but I’ve yet to move them to that top spot. They did well getting their victory over BYU despite some struggles, and handled Northern Illinois. Don’t be surprised to see them in the conference title game.
3. USC (2-0) (1-0 PAC-12)
USC beat Fresno St with some struggles, as JT Daniels went down with an injury. However, they bounced back, trouncing 25th ranked Stanford 20-45. Daniels’ replacement Kedon Slovis was impressive. They’ll have another test against BYU this week.
4. Washington State (2-0) (0-0 PAC-12)
Washington State hasn’t lost, but they also haven’t really played anyone yet. They handled NM State and Northern Colorado handily, which keeps them hovering around this spot. Their first decent test will be against Houston this week.
5. Cal (2-0) (1-0)
I really hate to do this because I don’t see them staying here long, but Cal did beat a top team in the country, let alone the PAC-12 in Washington. Their defense is the real deal. Don’t be surprised if they play spoiler to some teams this year.
6. Washington (1-1) (0-1 PAC-12)
Washington will bounce back from that loss. They’ll play mad and trounce Hawaii who has beaten other PAC-12 schools this year already in Arizona and Oregon State. Cal is a tough defense and caught them off guard.
7. Stanford (1-1) (0-1 PAC-12)
Stanford was on the bad end of USC’s new QB’s breaking out party. They did beat a respectable Northwestern in Week 1, and have a chance to prove themselves again this week when they travel to Orlando to play UCF.
8. Colorado (2-0) (0-0 PAC-12)
Some may be upset to see them this low after beating a ranked Nebraska. However, they were at home and won by 3 to an all time rival. Those games are always chippy and rarely blowouts. Colorado could be 5-0 heading into Eugene.
9. Arizona State (2-0) (0-0 PAC-12)
Arizona State is 2-0, but likely has played the weakest schedule in the conference to date. They’ll have their first chance to prove people wrong this week when they travel to East Lancing to take on Michigan St.
10. Arizona (1-1) (0-0 PAC-12)
Arizona was upset in Week 0 by Hawaii and played a close game with Northern Arizona. I want to drop them lower but they do have a win unlike the next two teams.
11. UCLA (0-2) (0-0 PAC-12)
I do think UCLA is a better team than they’ve showed the past two weeks. I don’t think DTR is who people thought he was. Their play calling has been creating chances, but the players haven’t been able to make the plays.
12. Oregon State (0-2) (0-0 PAC-12)
Do I even have to write anything here? Oregon State is the laughing stock of the PAC-12 and maybe even if college football once you get past Tennessee. I do like Oregon State’s coach but they need to recruit better and they need to start in the trenches.
Condition of the PAC-12:
The PAC-12 is much deeper than people would think with teams all the way down to number 8 on this list able to compete with ranked foes out of conference. Despite its two biggest hitters having losses early on, the PAC-12 could still find themselves in the hunt for a playoff spot with some help.
