The best Pac-12 game of the season to date, two more teams earn bowl eligibility, a couple of upsets and the first week all 12 teams played since week 2. On to this weeks quick rankings before tonight’s Pac-12 showdown between USC and Colorado.
1. Stanford (8-0, 6-0 Pac-12)
LW: 1
It was an epic matchup between the Cardinal and the Trojans, a thrilling triple overtime battle that ended in Stanfords favor to preserve their perfect season and potentially a shot at the National Championship Game. Oregon still to come however. This week a gimme against Oregon State.
2. Oregon (7-1, 5-0)
LW: 2
After a nearly flawless performance against Colorado the Ducks looked far from perfect in this matchup against a mediocre Washington State even with the return of LaMichael James and Darron Thomas. Perhaps looking ahead to this weekends game agaisnt bitter rival Washington?
3. USC (6-2, 3-2)
LW: 3
Trojans were THIS close to pulling the upset, but a costly fumble in the third overtime ended their efforts. Probably the best USC has played all season. Look for them to win easily at Colorado tonight.
4. ASU (6-2, 4-1)
LW: 4
Nothing but smooth sailing for the Sun Devils who rolled Colorado. A win over UCLA secures them a spot in the Pac-12 championship game, likely against Stanford or a rematch with Oregon. Regardless, the Sun Devils are going bowling after notching their 6th win.
5. Washington (6-2, 4-1)
LW: 5
An exciting game against a surprisingly competitive Arizona team, but improved defense and a standout performance by Husky RB Chris Polk, who became the first Husky to gain over 100 yards in both rushing AND reciving in a single game, proppeled the Dawgs to victory and bowl eligibility. A far cry from the 0-12 team of 2008. Did I mention Chris Polk’s 5 TD’s?
6. Utah (4-4, 1-4)
LW9
Congrats to the Utes on their first Pac-12 conference win and taking another step towards post-season play. With four games remaining against the Pac-12’s mediocre to bad bottom half the Utes might end up 8-4 by seasons end, but 6-6 should be a gimmee. Don’t go Cougin it now newbs.
7. UCLA (4-4, 2-3)
LW: 10
They get knocked down, they get up again, the Bruins are yo-yoing through this season. Will they make a bowl, perhaps saving Rich Neuheisals job or are the Westwood faithful fed up with watching their teams mediocrity year after year despite numerous talented players. I’d say short of a season ending victory over USC, this is a team looking for a new coach for next year. For now though, enjoy the 7 spot Bruins.
8. Arizona (2-6, 1-5)
LW: 8
For about 3 quarters the Wildcats played up to the Huskies level, especially on offense, but injuries and physical play from the Dawgs wore them out and the final quarter of the game turned out to be too much for Arizona. Wildcats may pull of a win at home vs Utah and will certainly win against Colorado, but I think there is little chance they win against ASU. Expect Arizona to pull up short at 5-7, cursing the week 5 loss to Oregon State that kept them out of a bowl game.
9. Cal (4-4, 1-4)
LW: 6
Bears dropped a much needed game against UCLA to fall back to .500 on the season. A loss to WSU this weekend would be devestating as it would mean the Bears need an upset win over Stanford, ASU or BOTH to reach a bowl game. Is it time for Tedford to be done?
11. Washington State (3-5, 1-4)
LW: 8
Cougars were surprisingly competitive against Oregon, in the game until late in the 3rd quarter. Even more surprising is how much closer the game could have been but for some key red zone misses by Wazzu. However even head man Paul Wulff has said the time for moral victories is long gone. WSU will probably be another team spending the holidays at home this year.
11. Oregon State (2-6, 2-3
LW: 7
You just notched your second win in a dominant offensive performance against WSU, and how do you follow it up? With a pathetic 8 points against Utah? Sorry Beavers but you’ve earned this spot. Lucky for you Colorado has all but locked up the bottom spot for the rest of the season. Beavers fans should just stat planning for next year.
12. Colorado (1-8, 0-5
LW: 12
Could the Buffs season get any worse? Probably not, but its also not going to get aany better. I see no reason to believe Colorado won’t lose out and spend the rest of the year at the bottom of this (and mnay other) lists. Tough road ahead for Coach Embree and company.