Fansided

Pac-12 power rankings, Week 5: Stanford gets back on track

By Brad Weiss

August 27th 2017, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia; College Football Sydney Cup; Rice University v Stanford University; Standford Cardinals running backs Cameron Scarlett and Bryce Love celebrate a touchdown; (Photo by Nigel Owen/Action Plus via Getty Images)
August 27th 2017, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia; College Football Sydney Cup; Rice University v Stanford University; Standford Cardinals running backs Cameron Scarlett and Bryce Love celebrate a touchdown; (Photo by Nigel Owen/Action Plus via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 02: University of Oregon QB Justin Herbert (10) leads offensive position players on the field prior to the start of the game during a college football game between the Southern Utah Thunderbirds and Oregon Ducks on September 2, 2017, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR. (Photo by Brian Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 02: University of Oregon QB Justin Herbert (10) leads offensive position players on the field prior to the start of the game during a college football game between the Southern Utah Thunderbirds and Oregon Ducks on September 2, 2017, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR. (Photo by Brian Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
8

Oregon Ducks (3-1)

Last week: L 37-35 at Arizona State
Last rank: 5

Under first-year head coach Willie Taggart, the Oregon Ducks had gotten off to a fast start to the 2017 season. It appeared the firing of Mark Helfrich after a sub-par 2016 season had the team heading in the right direction, but they were blindsided this past weekend. The Ducks lost their first game of the season to Arizona State, who was supposed to finish near the bottom of the conference this season.

If you look at the statline, the Oregon Ducks should have rolled in this one. Quarterback Justin Herbert had another big game, racking up 281 yards and three touchdowns against zero interceptions. Running back Royce Freeman, however, had his worst game of the season, as he failed to get over the 100-yard mark against a very average Sun Devils defense.

Oregon got off to a slow start, and were down 17-7 in the first quarter against the Sun Devils. After playing them close in the second, the Ducks allowed two big touchdowns after halftime, as Arizona State tried to put some space between the two teams. Junior defensive lineman Jalen Jenks led the Ducks defense, racking up three sacks and five tackles for a loss against Arizona State.

7

Arizona State Sun Devils (2-2)

Last week: W 37-35 vs. Oregon
Last rank: 10

In one of the biggest upsets on the Pac-12 slate this past weekend, the Arizona State Sun Devils were able to take care of business at home against the Oregon Ducks. Quarterback Manny Wilkins continues to establish himself as one of the best in the conference, playing another effective game under center. Wilkins was involved in three touchdowns for Arizona State, including two on the ground, as he did a nice job protecting the ball in this one.

Oregon came into the game playing some great football under Willie Taggart, who took over for Mark Helfrich this offseason. However, the Sun Devils punched them in the mouth early on, getting out to a 17-7 lead after the first quarter. In what would prove to be the game-winner, Brandon Ruiz drilled a 41-yard field goal with 2:33 left in the game to seal the win.

N’Keal Harry is one of the best wide receivers in college football, and he had another monster game this past weekend. Harry hauled in seven passes for 170 yards, while catching the only touchdown pass from Wilkins in the game. Jalen Harvey also had a big game for Arizona State, catching eight balls for 133 yards. Arizona State is definitely trending in the right direction.

Home/College Football