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Pac-12 power rankings – Week 6: Washington State is legit contender

By Brad Weiss

PULLMAN, WA - SEPTEMBER 29: The Washington State Cougars celebrate with Jamal Morrow #25 after his touchdown in the second half of the game against the USC Trojans at Martin Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated USC 30-27. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
PULLMAN, WA - SEPTEMBER 29: The Washington State Cougars celebrate with Jamal Morrow #25 after his touchdown in the second half of the game against the USC Trojans at Martin Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated USC 30-27. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /
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BERKELEY, CA – SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Ross Bowers #3 of the California Golden Bears passes against the USC Trojans during the first 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 Ross Bowers #3 of the California Golden Bears passes against the USC Trojans during the first 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) /
10

California Golden Bears (3-2)

Last week: L 45-24 at Oregon
Last rank: 9

The 2017 season started off so strong for the California Golden Bears, as they won their first three games. Expected to finish in the bottom of the Pac-12, Cal has been shockingly good this season, though they had their worst showing of the season this past weekend. They played USC very well two weeks ago at home, but against Oregon on Saturday, they looked like a cellar-dweller in the Pac-12.

Cal had a great chance to make a real statement against the Ducks, considering two of their biggest stars on offense were hurt early in the game. Quarterback Justin Herbert and running back Royce Freeman both left the game due to injury, though the Ducks defense stepped up. Cal quarterback Ross Bowers played extremely well, but it was the Oregon front that shut down a very pedestrian Golden Bears running attack.

Bowers finished the game with 255 yards and three touchdowns through the air, though he got no help on the ground. The Golden Bears finished the game with only a net of eight yards in the running game and will have to be a lot better this weekend if they hope to have a chance. Cal takes on Washington in Week 6, and with the Huskies firing on all cylinders, it could mean a third straight loss for the Golden Bears.

9

Arizona State Sun Devils (2-3)

Last week: L 34-24 at Stanford
Last rank: 7

The Arizona State Sun Devils have looked so good over the past few weeks, winning games that many believed they had business winning. However, they lost to a very good Stanford team this past weekend, and could really do nothing against the Cardinal run offense. Cardinal running back Bryce Love rushed for a school-record 301 yards against the Sun Devils, who were snakebit by the turnovers as well.

Quarterback Manny Wilkins has been tremendous for the team this season, but he threw two costly interceptions against the Cardinal in this one. The only touchdown pass of the game for the Sun Devils came from their star wide receiver, as N’Keal Harry found Ceejhay French-Love for a score. Running back Demario Richard was the star of the game for the Sun Devils in this one, as he rushed for two scores, and led the team in receiving yards.

This Sun Devils team has been better than advertised this season and should bounce back from this loss. The number of yards racked up by Love is alarming, so you can be sure their defensive front will be getting some extra work in practice this week. They have the week off this weekend but have a three-game stretch that includes a home game against Washington, an away game at Utah, and then another homer against USC.

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