The Living Room Times

The LRT Power Rankings are back after a two week hiatus due to um, forgetfulness. To recap here are what the rankings would have been had I posted them the last two weeks:

Week 8:

1. Oregon
2. Arizona
3. Stanford
4. USC
5. OSU
6. Cal
7. Washington
8. ASU
9. UCLA
10. WSU

Week 9

1. Oregon
2. Stanford
3. Arizona
4. USC
5. OSU
6. ASU
7. UCLA
8. Cal
9. Washington
10. WSU

Now, on to the main event!

1. Oregon
9-0 (6-0 Pac 10)
LW: 1
It was a shaky start for the Ducks, the Huskies defense managed to slow them down and pretty much negate LaMichael James on the ground but Oregons talent and depth was enough to overcome the early mistakes and run away with it late in the game. Ducks travel to Cal next week.

2. Stanford
8-1 (5-1)
LW: 2
This is the best 1 loss team in the country. Stanford never even had to worry against Arizona it just wasn’t even close. Andrew Luck may be playing his way into the top spot in the NFL draft. Up next a trip to ASU.

3. USC
6-3 (3-3)
LW: 4
The Trojans finally managed to avoid a last minute loss, helped en route by a blocked field goal returned for 2 points in a crazy game in the Coliseum. Trojans head to Tucson to take on the Wildcats who come of a thumping by Stanford.

4. Arizona
7-2 (4-2)
LW: 3
Did I mention that Arizona get thumped? Why yes, yes I did. This game was ugly for the Wildcats. Question is do they take out their frustrations on the Trojans, or does the beat down by the drunken trees shake them up and lead to the third loss of the season?

5. ASU
4-5 (2-4)
LW: 6
Arizona’s bowl hopes are on life support after the loss to USC. The Sun Devils need to run the table, or win two and hope the NCAA lets them compete with two wins over 1-AA schools. Chances are good they might need to with 35 bowl slots to fill. Unfortunately for the Sun Devils, Stanford is coming to town, and they only present they are bringing is pain.

6. UCLA
4-5 (2-4)
LW: 7
Rick Neuheisal and the Bruins pulled out a nail biter for the home crowd. A challenge gave UCLA 1 second on the clock to go for the field goal and after missing two earlier in the game, Kai Forbath nailed a 51 yarder for the win. Bruins have a bye next weekend to prepare for a thursday night game in Seattle the following week.

7. Oregon State
4-4 (3-2)
LW: 5
OSU blew it allowing the Bruins to drive into field goal range from deep within their own territory in the final 48 seconds. Beavers need to win 2 of the last 4 games to go bowling, and WSU next week is likely to give them one, but the final three games are against USC, Stanford and Oregon, not an easy task.

8. Cal
5-4 (3-3)
LW: 8
The Bears finally got a road win, but it was against WSU and by only a touchdown. If the Huskies had kept the game closer against Oregon Cal would be sitting in spot number 9 this week. Of course with a visit from #1 Oregon next week, the Bruins home win streak is likely going to end.

9. Washington
3-6 (2-4)
LW: 9
A Jake Locker-less Husky team was surprisingly competitive for 2 and a half quarters in Autzen, but too many missed opportunities early and a lack of depth doomed the Dawgs as Oregon ran away with it late in the game. Tough loss but a decent start for Husky QB Keith Price who will battle Nick Montana for the Husky starting job next year.

10. Washington State
1-9 (0-7)
LW: 10
It looked for awhile like the Cougars might get their first conference win of the year, but bad offense doomed the Cougs to yet another loss. WSU is the only team in the Pac with no chance of Bowl eligibility and while improved could be looking at a new coach next season.