Pac-12 power rankings – Week 12: USC clinches South as North is wide open

8

Arizona State Sun Devils (5-5)

Last week: L 44-37 at UCLA
Last rank: 6

The Arizona State Sun Devils took on the UCLA Bruins this past weekend, and they really had no answer for quarterback Josh Rosen. After missing the previous game with a concussion, Rosen came back to throw for nearly 400 yards against the Sun Devils, who have played some really inconsistent football this season. Just when you think the Sun Devils are turning the corner defensively, they put up an effort like they did against the Bruins, and take two steps back.

While Christian Sam did his normal work on the defensive side of the ball, racking up nine tackles, the rest of the unit did not do much. They were not able to get to Rosen, who had all day to throw and lost to the Bruins despite their offense scoring 37 points. The offense has not been the problem for Arizona State this season, and you have to believe they would be a top-4 team in the conference if they could play any defense.

Manny Wilkins finished the game with 290 yards through the air and found the end zone with both his arm and his feet. N’Keal Harry hauled in six balls for nearly 100 yards, which scoring once. The running back tandem of Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage had a day against the porous UCLA run defense, combining for 219 yards. In fact, the offense had a season-high 594 yards, and got into the red zone six times, but converted for touchdowns only half the time. They travel to play Oregon State this week to get to bowl eligibility.

7

UCLA Bruins (5-5)

Last week: W 44-37 vs. Arizona State
Last rank: 11

The UCLA Bruins got their quarterback back on Saturday, as Josh Rosen cleared concussion protocol in time to take on the Arizona State Sun Devils. That proved huge for the Bruins, who saw their star quarterback throw for nearly 400 yards in the winning effort. This has been a disappointing season for UCLA, who came into the year with high hopes but was really let down by their defense.

That defense reared its ugly head again on Saturday, allowing nearly 600 yards to the Sun Devils. Luckily for them, Arizona State did not play any defense either, and the Bruins were able to come out on the right side of the 44-37 score. The Bruins rushed for nearly 200 yards as a unit, as Bolu Olorunfunmi and Soso Jamabo each found the end zone for UCLA.

With the win, UCLA remained undefeated in the Rose Bowl this season, and will now get to put a damper on their hated rival’s season next week. The Bruins take on the USC Trojans inside the Coliseum and would like nothing more than to win the Victory Bell. Look for Rosen to try and exploit the Trojans secondary with Jordan Lasley, who caught seven balls for 162 yards and a score on Saturday.