The Beavers surge in the Power Rankings after thrashing USC in L.A.
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Article by WestCoastCFB
1. Oregon
The Ducks won 41-19 over Arizona but the performance was far from dominant. Oregon actually finished with fewer yards than the Wildcats and if not for 5 Arizona turnovers, they may have lost the game. A contest with Stanford looms this Saturday and Oregon will need to play at a higher level if they plan on preserving their perfect season.
2. UCLA
Stanford's poor rush defense was a perfect matchup for UCLA star running back, Zach Charbonnet. The Bruins won 35-24 and now play in a pivotal Pac-12 South matchup against Arizona State on Saturday. A win would put Chip Kelly's squad in the driver seat to reach the Conference Championship.
3. Oregon State
The Beavers stunned the world with a dominant 45-27 thrashing of USC. Despite a bevy of a 4 and 5 star talent, the Trojans couldn't stop Oregon State's run game. OSU's Chance Nolan potentially looks like the top quarterback in the conference and his presence gives the Beavers a realistic shot at contending for the North.
4. Arizona State
Arizona State made quick work of Colorado and once again proved they have the top defense in the conference. The Sun Devils now lead the Pac-12 in total defense, scoring defense and pass defense.
5. Washington
The Huskies won a thriller in Seattle on Saturday night. With Cal on the verge of scoring at the goal line in overtime to tie the game, Cam Williams laid a massive hit on Cal's running back to force a fumble that sealed the win. UW has now won 2 straight and will face a resurgent Oregon State squad led by the Huskies' former OC, Jonathan Smith.
6. Utah
The Utes stole a win from the Cougs in the final minutes and sealed it with Clark Phillips' pick six as the crowd went wild. This could be the victory that spring boards Utah back to becoming the dominant team we expected.
7. Stanford
After falling 35-24 to UCLA, the Cardinal now must host the #3 team in the country, the Oregon Ducks. These two programs have played many classics over the past decade and this one sets up to be another.
8. USC
Losing 45-27 to Oregon State while giving up 322 rushing yards feels like rock bottom for the Trojans. USC now travels to Boulder for what should be an easy victory. But will it be?
9. California
The Golden Bears just can't catch a break. Another close loss and Cal is now 2-6 in their past 8 games. WSU comes to Berkeley this weekend and a win feels like a must for Justin Wilcox and his program.
10. WSU
The Cougs blow another game in the 2nd half after building a lead. Nick Rolovich continues to find himself on the hot seat and must turn things around soon or he won't survive the season.
11. Colorado
This Colorado offense is truly atrocious. The Buffs rank 128th out of 130 teams in total offense and it feels like their only path to victory at this point is if they can hold teams to less than 10 points.
12. Arizona
Arizona played surprisingly well against Oregon and may win a couple games this season if that same effort persists. The defense is also sneaky good this season and ranks 4th in the conference at the moment.