Fansided

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

By Brad Weiss

Sep 3, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) throws out a pass against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) throws out a pass against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Sep 3, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dakota Prukop (9) throws the ball before the game against the UC Davis Aggies at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dakota Prukop (9) throws the ball before the game against the UC Davis Aggies at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

3. #24 Oregon Ducks (1-0), Last Week: Win vs UC Davis 53-28

The 24th-ranked Oregon Ducks played a very over-matched UC Davis squad on Saturday, and they made sure to show why they were ranked in the Top-25 heading into Week 1. Oregon dropped 53 points on the Aggies, who were able to hang with the Ducks for a quarter. The two teams headed to the second quarter with Oregon up 8-7, but that was as close as it would get.

Oregon unveiled new starter Dakota Prukop successfully on Saturday, as the graduate transfer looked sharp in his first game with the Ducks. Prukop breezes to a three-touchdown effort, completing 70 percent of his passes. He hit eight different receivers, completing 21 passes, and may have found a favorite target in Darren Carrington II.

Superstar running back Royce Freeman had a nice, easy day on Saturday, rushing only 11 times in the contest. However, he was able to get his numbers, scoring twice in the game. He is the best running back in school history, and should have a big game against Virginia in Week 2. Oregon is definitely a team to watch, and if Prukop continues to progress, they could play a big role on the national stage.

2. #8 Washington Huskies (1-0), Last Week: Win vs Rutgers 48-13

The Washington Huskies made a nice jump in the Top-25 polls after their thrashing of Rutgers in Week 1. Heading into the game as the 14th-ranked team in the country, the Huskies showed the Scarlet Knights exactly why they were ranked in the Top-15. The Huskies flat out crushed Rutgers, nearly scoring 50 points in an easy victory, and are now ranked eighth in the country.

Sophomore quarterback Jake Browning is a beast, and he may actually be the best quarterback in the conference. After dominating as a true freshman in 2015, Browning got his 2016 campaign off on the right foot, tossing for 287 yards and three scores. He hit John Ross for a score twice, and completed 67 percent of his passes. Idaho is next up for Browning, who should continue to pad his stats in the early going.

Star running back Myles Gaskin was a bit of a non-factor on Saturday, as Browning did most of the damage through the air. Still, Gaskin is a fantastic young running back, and like Browning, is only a sophomore. Expect him to get a bunch of carries early against Idaho in Week 2. Just as impressive was the Huskies defense, who harassed Rutgers QB Chris Laviano all day long.

Next: No. 1

Home/College Football