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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) /
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BERKELEY, CA – SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans passes against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Berkeley, California. The USC Trojans defeated the California Golden Bears 30-20. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA – SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans passes against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Berkeley, California. The USC Trojans defeated the California Golden Bears 30-20. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
2

USC Trojans (4-0)

Last week: W 30-20 at California
Last rank: 2

In a game that was too close for comfort for the USC Trojans, the team was able to beat Cal on the road this past weekend. USC was without star running back Ronald Jones II, but were still able to get a good effort from Sam Darnold in the passing game. Darnold racked up 223 yards through the air, finding paydirt twice against a fired-up Cal squad.

In relief of Jones, the Trojans went with freshman Stephen Carr, who continues to have a solid first season for USC. Carr rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown as the lead back on Saturday, showing he can shoulder the load if he has to. Jones should be back this weekend, as the Trojans will need all hands on deck against a very good Washington State team.

For USC, they may be without Deontay Burnett this weekend against the Cougars, as he did not practice on Tuesday. Burnett has been the best wideout in the Pac-12 this season, so keep an eye on that injury heading into the game. Washington State is explosive on offense, so USC will need guys like Cameron Smith and Marvell Tell III step up like they did this past weekend against Cal if they want to corral Luke Falk and company.

1

Washington Huskies (4-0)

Last week: W 37-10 at Colorado
Last rank: 1

For the second year in a row, the Washington Huskies are the best team in the Pac-12, and they showed their dominance this past weekend. Washington went into Colorado and beat a very good Buffaloes squad, running all over one of the best defenses in the conference. They look even better than last year’s team, which is scary news for the rest of the Pac-12.

This weekend, the Huskies have an easy game to look forward to, as they take on the Oregon State Beavers. However, they cannot overlook anybody on their schedule, as they have already escaped with a close win against Rutgers back in their opener. Jake Browning had a so-so game this past weekend, though he should get back on track against the Beavers on Saturday.

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Running back Myles Gaskin was a beast against Colorado, rushing for over 200 yards in the game. He will need to keep that up against Oregon State, as it was announced that wide receiver Chico McClatcher is done for the season. He was a big weapon for Browning in the passing game, so the team will need others to step up if they want to continue their undefeated season.

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