The Pac-12 got off to a hot start to the 2017 college football season, as 11 conference teams picked up wins this past weekend.
Last season, the Pac-12 was one of the more interesting conferences in America, as the Washington Huskies and USC Trojans both were one of the hottest teams in the country down the stretch. The Huskies would end up getting into the College Football Playoff, but lost their semifinal game against Alabama. The Trojans beat the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Rose Bowl, capping off an incredible season that was turned around after a 1-3 start.
With the first full weekend of the college football season in the rearview mirror, we take a look at our weekly Pac-12 Power Rankings. The Pac-12 was dominant this past weekend, as every team in the conference won their game. Some of the top teams in the conference struggled to get win No. 1, but in the end, they were able eek out the victories against lesser competition.
Here is our latest installment of the 2017 Pac-12 Power Rankings.
The Oregon State Beavers picked up their first win of the season this past weekend, as they had to rely on a late drive to pull off the victory against Portland State. After suffering through a 58-27 loss to Colorado State in their opener, the Beavers were able to get into the win column, but their defense did not do them any favors. Oregon State allowed over 500 yards to the FCS school, and have a lot of work to do if they are going to surprise teams in the Pac-12.
Quarterback Jake Luton looked better in his second start, hitting Isaiah Hodgins for a 17-yard touchdown with a minute left to earn the victory. The Beavers also worked in quarterback Darell Garretson, who had a rushing touchdown in the game. The offense was able to pull out the victory, but Oregon State looked like a bottom-tier team in the conference this weekend.
This week, the Beavers take on Minnesota, who should be a much better team than Portland State. Oregon State showed resiliency in coming back and getting the win late, which should translate to solid growth within the roster. If Luton can build on the win, the Beavers could pull the upset against Minnesota, but you have to be worried about this defense at this point.
The Arizona State Sun Devils kicked off their season with a win this past weekend, beating New Mexico State by the score of 37-31. It was the 19th straight win in a home opener for the program, who got a solid effort from their quarterback. Manny Wilkins was efficient for the Sun Devils, throwing for 300 yards and two touchdowns against zero interceptions.
The Sun Devils went up 14-0 in the first quarter, as they looked to be firing on all cylinders. They hit a lull after the solid start, though the Aggies dominated in the fourth. New Mexico State scored 18 points in the final frame to make this a close game, but in the end, the Sun Devils were able to hang on for the victory.
Kalen Ballage rushed for two touchdowns in the win, and John Humphrey proved to be the top option in the passing game. Humphrey caught seven balls for 123 yards and a score, proving to be a reliable target for Wilkins throughout. The issue for the Sun Devils on this day was the play of their offensive line, which allowed seven sacks. They host San Diego State this weekend, but a huge road game against Texas Tech looms on the horizon.