Here are my updated Pac-12 power rankings.
1. Utah
The Utes’ defense led Utah to a 30-12 victroy over BYU. Utah returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the win. Offensively the Utes still have to prove it but the defense looks like it could be the best in the conference. Utah is home against Northern Illinois this week.
2. Washington
Jacob Eason could be the x-factor in the Pac-12 if he plays like he did last Saturday. Eason completed 27-36 passes for 349 yards and four touchdowns in UW’s 47-14 victory over Eastern Washington. Watch out for the Huskies if Eason continues to play like this. Washington hosts California this week.
3. Oregon
The Ducks blew a 21-6 lead late in the third quarter to the Auburn Tigers. Auburn scored with nine seconds remaining to win 27-21. Oregon had problems finishing games last season and it’s alarming to see with so many veteran players. Oregon still has a lot of talent and can recover but this loss stings. The Ducks host Nevada this Saturday.
4. Washington State
Cougars quarterback Anthony Gordon looked incredible in WSU’s 58-7 win over New Mexico State. Gordon completed 29-35 passes for 420 yards with five touchdowns. Can this Mike Leach team surprise people again? Washington State hosts Northern Colorado this weekend.
5. Stanford
The Cardinal beat Northwestern, 17-7 over the weekend. Stanford only scored 10 points on offense but got a late defensive TD. It’s still to be determined if this Stanford team is a contender in the conference. The Cardinal are at USC this week.
6. USC
The Trojans beat Fresno State 31-23. But USC was dealt terrible news when they learned that starting QB J.T. Daniels tore his ACL and will miss the remainder of the season. Daniels looked comfortable in USC’s new air raid offense, passing for 215 yards and a TD before leaving the game in the second quarter. Keldon Slovis will get the start at QB this week against Stanford.
7. Arizona State
The Sun Devils could be the surprise team in the Pac-12 this season. True freshman QB Jayden Daniels looked good in his debut – passing for 284 yards and two touchdowns in ASU’s 30-7 win over Kent State. Arizona State hosts Sacramento State this Friday night.
8. California
The Golden Bears got down 10-0 early to UC Davis but turned it around to win 27-13. Running back Christopher Brown Jr. rushed for 197 yards and a TD in the win. California has an elite defense but the offense has not come around yet. The Golden Bears had four turnovers in the win. California travels to Washington next.
9. Colorado
The Buffaloes under new head coach Mel Tucker, beat Colorado State 52-31. The positive, Colorado scored 52 points. The negative, they surrendered 31 points and 505 yards. The jury is still out for Colorado. But we wont have to wait long to see where they are at. Colorado hosts No. 24 Nebraska this Saturday.
10. UCLA
The Bruins offense looked lost last weekend in their 24-14 defeat to Cincinnati. The Bearcats do have a legit defense but UCLA scored just seven points on offense and only 218 total yards. Chip Kelly and UCLA still have a ton of work to do. The Bruins host San Diego State Saturday.
11. Arizona
Arizona had a much needed bye week. The Wildcats were stunned in week zero, losing 45-38 at Hawaii. Arizona allowed 595 yards of total offense to Hawaii. Kahlil Tate looks healthy again but he can only do so much. Arizona hosts Northern Arizona on Saturday.
12. Oregon State
The Beavers will have to wait another week to possibly improve their defense after a 52-36 loss to Oklahoma State. Oregon State allowed an alarming 352 rushing yards to Oklahoma State. Oregon State might have a top half of the conference offense but can they stop anyone? Oregon State travels to Hawaii on Saturday.
