Pac-12 power rankings, Week 4: USC trounced by Texas

Pac-12 power rankings, Week 4: USC trounced by Texas, Arizona State upset

By Brad Weiss | Sep 17, 2018

AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 15: Texas Longhorns LB Anthony Wheeler (45) tackles USC Trojan WR Trevon Sidney (13)during the Texas Longhorns 37 -14 win over the USC Trojans on September 15, 2018, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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SAN DIEGO, CA – SEPTEMBER 15: Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Manny Wilkins (5) drops back to pass during a college football game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the San Diego State Aztecs on September 15, 2018, at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego, CA.(Photo by Justin Fine/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

One of the bigger surprises of the Pac-12 season early on has been the play of Arizona State, as the Sun Devils have really taken on the image of new head coach Herm Edwards. Edwards, who enjoyed much success at the NFL level, led the Sun Devils to two straight victories to open the season, including a big home win against Michigan State last weekend.

Heading into Week 3, the Sun Devils looked to be the favorite in their matchup against San Diego State, especially with the Aztecs having to roll with backup quarterback Ryan Agnew under center. Unfortunately, the Sun Devils went on the road and picked up their first loss of the season, and will likely see their top-25 ranking disappear after only one week.

Manny Wilkins has been solid all season long for the Sun Devils, and it looked like he would be leading them to a late victory against San Diego State. However, his nearly 50-yard pass was ruled incomplete, and instead of having the ball at the two-yard line, Arizona State was pushed back to the 35. They will look to get back on track this weekend, but they have a tall task ahead as they head to Washington to take on the No. 10 Huskies.

The USC Trojans came into the 2018 season with plenty of expectations, though with a true freshman quarterback, you can never be sure what you are going to get. Coming off a loss against Stanford last weekend, the Trojans went to Texas to take on the Longhorns, and were absolutely embarrassed, falling to 1-2 on the young season.

USC could get nothing going on the ground, and had to rely on their freshman quarterback to put the ball in the air nearly 50 times. JT Daniels completed 30-of-48 passes for over 300 yards, leading the team to two first quarter touchdown drives, but it was all Texas in the second half, as they likely knocked USC out of the top-15 conversation.

Incredibly, the Trojans managed -5 yards on the ground, which is absolutely unheard of from a program known for churning out incredible running backs. It does not get any easier for the Trojans this weekend, as they take on Washington State on Friday night, and a loss could could send their 2018 season into a tailspin.

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