Pac-12 power rankings, Week 3: USC beats Stanford, UCLA impresses
By Brad Weiss
The USC-Stanford game dominated the headlines in Week 2 Pac-12 action, but some other teams really made a statement this weekend.
The Pac-12 had one of the premier games of the college football slate this past weekend, as the Stanford Cardinal took on the USC Trojans on the road. The game proved to be a one-sided affair, as USC proved why they are considered one of the best teams in the country. The Pac-12 Power Rankings has some movement this week, as the UCLA Bruins took a major step forward in our latest rankings.
Washington State came back after being down 31-10 in the fourth quarter to beat Boise State in triple overtime, and Oregon just may be the real deal this season. Colorado and Utah both have elite defenses once again, and Cal is surprisingly 2-0 on the year. There are so many story-lines already this season, so let’s dive right in.
Here is the latest installment of the Pac-12 Power Rankings.
Oregon State Beavers (1-2)
Last week: L 48-14 vs. Minnesota
Last rank: 12
It was an embarrassing loss for the Oregon State Beavers this past weekend, as they fell badly at home against Minnesota. The Beavers struggled to play consistent football throughout, as the Golden Gophers were able to hold down Oregon State quarterback Jake Luton. Oregon State could not even get anything going on the ground, as the offense could not protect the ball all game long.
As a team, Oregon State fumbled the ball three times, as Minnesota’s defense played spirited football throughout. Star running back Ryan Nall had only 31 yards on seven carries, and if he cannot get it going, the Oregon State offense is going to struggle big time. The Beavers are likely headed for another long season, as the momentum from the end of the 2016 season seems to be gone.
The slate does not get any easier in Week 3, as they have to take on the Washington State Cougars on the road. The Cougars are coming off an incredible comeback victory this past weekend and should be fired up to get the Beavers at home. Oregon State is likely headed for a 1-3 start to the season, and could very well find themselves in the cellar of the Pac-12 North by the end of the season.
Arizona State Sun Devils (1-1)
Last week: L 30-20 vs. San Diego State
Last rank: 11
The Sun Devils lost their first game of the season this past weekend, as San Diego State came to town and handled their business. In Week 1, Arizona State barely beat New Mexico State, and all signs point to this being another long season in 2017. They have gotten good quarterback play this season, but there just is not enough talent for them to make a serious run in a very good Pac-12.
Manny Wilkins has played very well as the team’s starting quarterback, as he has yet to throw an interception through the first four games. The junior threw two touchdown passes against the Aztecs, as he nearly reached the 300-yard mark. The issue with the Sun Devils this past weekend was that they could get nothing going on the ground, as even Kalen Ballage was held down against a solid San Diego State defense.
The schedule remains tough for Arizona State this week, as they have to travel to Texas to take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders. If they are going to do anything in the Pac-12, they are going to have to take better care of the ball, as Wilkins fumbled three times on Saturday. They can make a real statement on the road this weekend, but it is likely they fall to 1-2 on the young season.