Pac-12 Power Rankings, Week 1: Washington is for real

Pac-12 Power Rankings after Week 1 sees Stanford, Washington, and Oregon roll, while USC and UCLA both drop their season openers.

The Pac-12 got off to a so-so start to the 2016 college football season, going 7-5 as a conference. While Stanford, Washington, and Oregon all took care of their cupcakes, some big name programs fell. In addition, a few teams made quite a statement, showing that they may be able to hang tough in the conference this season.

Colorado made easy work of Colorado State, Utah blanked Southern Utah, and Washington State lost a shootout to Eastern Washington. Here is how the Pac-12 looks from No. 12 to No. 1 in our weekly Pac-12 power rankings.

12. Oregon State Beavers (0-1), Last Week: Loss to Minnesota 30-23

The Beavers actually played better than expected against Minnesota, carrying a 23-17 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, they were unable to hang onto the lead, as Minnesota hung a 13-spot on them in the final quarter. Still, it was a nice showing from the Beavers, who many believe will finish dead last in the Pac-12 in 2016.

A bright spot for Oregon State was the play of quarterback Darell Garretson, who transferred to the Beavers from Utah State. Garretson threw for only 228 yards, but had three touchdowns against zero interceptions. His 25 completions went to seven different receivers, with Ryan Nall leading the way with 13 receptions.

The Beavers went 2-10 in head coach Gary Anderson’s first season at the helm, but it appears the addition of Garretson will pay nice dividends in 2016. They are definitely a work in progress, but they have the youth to improve every week. Week 1 was a nice first step, but it will be a long journey.

11. Arizona Wildcats (0-1), Last Week: Loss to BYU 18-16

Not much offense to go around in this matchup, as the Wildcats were on the losing end of an 18-16 contest against BYU. The Wildcats offense struggled throughout, as quarterback Anu Solomon could not get anything going. He threw two interceptions in the game, and had a QBR of 35.7.

Arizona running back Nick Wilson looked like the player he was back in 2014, when he rushed for over 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns. Wilson was a catalyst on offense for Arizona, scoring two touchdowns to go along with his 138  yards on the ground. He also added almost 50 yards receiving, and appears to be on his way for a nice campaign in 2016.

If Arizona’s offense continues to sputter, it is going to be a long year. They play in a conference that puts up points, as six teams put up at least 40 points in Week 1. Solomon is going to have to turn things around, and if his track record is any indication, he should be able to.

10. Arizona State Sun Devils (1-0), Win vs Northern Arizona 44-13

The Arizona Sun Devils scheduled an FCS opponent in Week 1, and they certainly throttled them soundly. Northern Arizona actually hung with the Sun Devils for the first half, as the two teams headed to the locker room with a score of 10-3 in favor or Arizona. However, the Sun Devils pulled away in the second half, demolishing the Lumberjacks in the fourth quarter.

Arizona State quarterback Manny Wilkins did a little bit of everything against Northern Arizona, throwing for 180 yards, while rushing for 89 more. He was one of five Sun Devils to score a rushing touchdown, as Arizona State ran for 276 yards as a team. They were just too strong up front for the Lumberjacks, who wore down as the game went on.

Week 2 will be a good test of character for the Sun Devils, as the Texas Tech Red Raiders come to town. They will have their home crowd behind them, but they will be playing a completely different animal. Wilkins is going to need to be more efficient in the passing game if the Sun Devils hope to hang with Texas Tech.

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