Pac-10 Power Rankings, Week 7
Thanks to everyone who commented on my draft. Here's the ballot I turned in this week:
- USC (4-1, 2-1) - USC remains the top dawg after taking care of a struggling Arizona State team at home. Things won't get any more difficult for the Trojans, who travel to Pullman this week to take on Washington State. Mark Sanchez could use a week off, as many are calling the ASU game "the worst performance of his career." Sanchez had three interceptions and a fumble, and looked to be less than 100% on his shaky left knee. Mitch Mustain should be able to take care of WSU on his own-- the Trojans' schedule doesn't get difficult for a few weeks. Last week: 28-0 over Arizona State. This week: at Washington State.
- Cal (4-1, 2-0) - Cal stays put at #2 in the poll while enjoying their second bye week of the season. In order to stay unbeaten in conference, the Bears better have found some offensive consistency during their week off. Both Riley and Longshore have shown flashes of brilliance at quarterback, but the offense hasn't really been in sync since they beat Michigan State. All that aside, Cal is now ranked, and should blow through a mediocre Arizona team this weekend. This week: Bye. Next Week: at Arizona.
- Oregon State (3-3, 2-1) - I think we've come to an agreement that 3-5 are interchangeable at this point. Beaver fans would put OSU at #3, Ducks would put UO at #3, and Stanford nerds would put their team at #3. However, it seems to me (warning: bias ahead) like the Beavers are playing the best football right now. They've practically won four straight, and it feels like Mike Riley has his team headed in the right direction for an epic streak. Last week: 66-13 over Washington State. This week: at Washington.
- Oregon (5-2, 3-1) - Dviera said it best when he pointed out that Oregon State has one bad loss, two quality losses, a super good win, and two normal wins. The Ducks have two quality losses (Boise State, USC) and no quality losses or bad losses. I would argue that USC is on the verge of being a bad loss, but then again, the Ducks had the odds stacked against them. I think we need to see a quality win out of the Ducks before we move them up. The Ducks will have a bye week to decide who will be their starting quarterback, work on some fundamentals with their 110th ranked pass defense, and practice zipping each other into those leotards we've been hearing about. Last week: 31-24 over UCLA. This week: Bye. Next game: at ASU.
- Stanford (4-3, 3-1) - Toby Gerhart and Anthony Kimble have made the Cardinal one of the most potent rushing teams in the conference, as they average 184 yards per game on the ground. They put up 286 yards on the ground against what was supposed to be a good Arizona defense, and Stanford's D came up with a few goal line stands that forced Arizona to kick a field goal from inside the red zone. It's becoming clear that the Cardinal are winning games with their toughness and physical nature, because they definitely don't have the most raw talent in the Pac-10. The Cardinal now sit at four wins, and just need to win two more games to become bowl eligible- something that not many people were expecting before the season began. Last week: 24-23 over Arizona. This week: at UCLA.
- Arizona (4-2, 2-1) - The Wildcats got a dose of reality this week, as their apparently-potent defense was shredded by Toby Gerhart, Anthony Kimble, and Tavita Pritchard (each had over 100 yards). However, Stanford still needed a touchdown with 0:25 left to de-throne the Wildcats. And now, the schedule only gets tougher for Arizona, who were having dreams of being one win away from bowl eligibility. They still have Wazzu and ASU on the schedule, but USC and Cal are their next two opponents. Last week: 24-23 loss to Stanford. This week: vs. Cal.
- Arizona State (2-4, 1-2) - Rudy Carpenter is iron man, but even he couldn't withstand the pressure of the USC defense. He could barely walk on his ankle towards the end of the game, and his backup Danny Sullivan had some troubles getting anything going. Rudy will have a bye week to rest up, but Oregon will be in Tempe in two weeks. Last week: 28-0 loss to USC. This week: Bye. Next game: vs. Oregon.
- UCLA (2-4, 1-2) - CV3000 pointed out that UCLA scored their first touchdown on the road last night, but, they've only played two road games so far and they were shutout against BYU. They'll play three of their remaining games on the road, but they've got Stanford, Oregon State, and USC all at the Rose Bowl. Kevin Craft had some pretty ridiculous numbers against the Ducks (27 of 43 for 288 yards) (way to go, Oregon secondary), but he also made some bad throws: one of those throws put his receiver in the hospital. UCLA faces Stanford this week, with Stanford needing a win to get bowl eligible, assuming they will destroy Washington State. Last week: 31-24 loss to Oregon. This week: vs. Stanford.
- Washington (0-5, 0-3) - It's interesting how you can lose every game and not be the worst team in your conference. Let's hope the Beavers take care of business this week. Last week: Bye. This week: vs. Oregon State.
- Washington State (1-6, 0-4) - Get well soon, Cougs. You have a shot to win the Apple Cup. Last week: 66-13 loss to Oregon State. This week: USC.
How'd I do?
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Looks good
To add to the Ducks/Beavers/Stanford argument, I would also argue that UO has 0 quality wins, given what Purdue has (more like hasn’t) done. But I agree, the Beavs are playing the best football of the 3 (sneaking by UCLA doesn’t count, but even a biased Beaver fan could tell you that was an awful PI call)
I will admit I have yet to watch Stanford play since our game with them, so not sure what to think of the team yet.
The Artist Formerly Known as OrState GoBeavs
by The VD Special on Oct 13, 2008 8:35 AM PDT 0 recs
Great minds must think alike.
At this point, Oregon would lose to OSU and Cal, though I think they matchup well against the rest of the Pac-10.
I’m not sold on Moevao, but I think that with an improved OSU running game, he wouldn’t have to shoulder the load, which in my opinion will be OSU’s Achilles heel.
--www.AddictedToQuack.com, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
by jtlight on Oct 13, 2008 9:12 AM PDT 0 recs
I'm actually going to write a piece about Moevao either today or tomorrow
So look for that. But you’re right. Our running game is stacked and our defense is coming together. My main point of the piece about LM will be that we don’t need him to win games for us. We just need him to continue to make good decisions (save last game) and not try and force anything. I was questioning why Riley was throwing the ball up 21-0 in the 2nd quarter when we have a running back who averages 5 yards a carry (against WSU).
The biggest thing about Lyle is his swagger/moxie. The kid is a gamer. He loves this team, and the team rallies around him. That’s something you need in a QB. When was the last time you defended your QB after he threw 4 INTs? That’s what I’m talkin about
The Artist Formerly Known as OrState GoBeavs
by The VD Special on Oct 13, 2008 9:39 AM PDT 0 recs
I agree
Well stated. I would be interested to know if more OSU are not “sold” on Moevao, for so far it seems to be the UO fans for some reason.
I personally just get a bit weary of the QB bashing that seems to happen in this state (probably happens elsewhere I’m sure).
This is college football and not every team has a USC/Heisman type of QB leading them like a Leinart or Palmer. You usually have to play to your strengths at the college level, which really breaks down to what VD is talking about above. So that also means playing to Moevao’s strengths as mentioned by VD and honestly he seems to be doing pretty well this season, why not lay off him a bit?
Can Moevao win games for us? I don’t really know to be honest, but do know that when, and if it, comes down to that one side of the argument will be surprised.
-RVM
by rvm on
Oct 13, 2008 10:04 AM PDT
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Moevao
When I watch the Beavs I see Moevao make some great decisions and throws, and then out of nowhere make a boneheaded play. It’s exciting to watch, but I always find myself thinking about how scary it must be sometimes for you guys to watch. Even against USC, there were 3 throws that I remember going, “NO DON’T THROW THAT…” and then thinking, “good thing that defender can’t catch”. I think he’s a gamer though. The dude is tough. He gets the ball to the playmakers, and that’s what he needs to do. I feel like he’s going to win some games, but I also feel like he could cost you a game or 2. But I think he’s got to be your starter right now though, ESPECIALLY with the momentum you have going.
I like the yellow helmets!
by MarineCorpsDuck on
Oct 13, 2008 12:07 PM PDT
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Ah...
but I always find myself thinking about how scary it must be sometimes for you guys to watch.
We went through years of Derek Anderson and Matt Moore!
Even Smith had his moments!
We’re used to it I guess, for better and for worse!
-RVM
by rvm on
Oct 13, 2008 12:19 PM PDT
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Haha exactly.
I remember DA’s four and five pick days. I routinely am worried everytime a Beaver quarterback drops back to pass.
I mean… Moevao has a good win-loss record. That’s what it is all about. Canfield does throw a pretty ball though…
by Cablinasian on
Oct 13, 2008 3:35 PM PDT
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Moevao's four picks on Saturday seem different
Than games where DA would routinely throw four-five.
Things started going the wrong way… he got confident, started forcing things, and the Cougs took advantage. And two of them were tipped.
--JB--
by Jake on
Oct 13, 2008 4:16 PM PDT
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Don't get me wrong...
I was responding to the comment about how scary it must be for us when the QB throws.
I actually agree with you here about last Saturday and actually so far in LM’s play confirms my own feeling okay about his choices so far this season.
-RVM
by rvm on
Oct 13, 2008 4:33 PM PDT
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confirms my own feeling okay about his choices so far this season.
confirms my own feeling being okay about his choices so far this season
(I think that makes more sense now!)
-RVM
by rvm on
Oct 13, 2008 4:34 PM PDT
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Yeah.
I think the quarter was a fluke. Moevao had three Tds… It’s not like he had a terrible TD-INT ratio. It sounds crazy to say, but he had a .75 TD-INT ratio… not the worst OSU fans have seen. ‘03-’04 DA and ’06 Moore come to mind… they threw a lot of picks.
by Cablinasian on
Oct 13, 2008 5:01 PM PDT
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Actually
‘02-’03 DA and ’05 Moore… Both of them had good senior seasons.
by Cablinasian on
Oct 13, 2008 5:17 PM PDT
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Rivals take
Has UO at 34 in the country and OSU right behind at 35.
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=862389</a>
-RVM
by rvm on Oct 13, 2008 12:28 PM PDT 0 recs
Darnit
Link was not posted correctly, sorry about that: http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=862389
-RVM
by rvm on
Oct 13, 2008 12:30 PM PDT
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Well...
if Rivals says it, it must be true. You must now move UO above OSU in your power poll, or face the wrath of Rivals.com. They will downgrade your recruiting classes and make everyone laugh at you!
I like the yellow helmets!
by MarineCorpsDuck on
Oct 13, 2008 1:30 PM PDT
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Ha ha
And I %$#ed the link the first time too, I’m losing the recruits every second I think! The Rivals gods will be on me for sure!
Seriously though the interesting thing I thought was that they were right next to each other on their list. I still put OSU ahead of UO though :)
-RVM
by rvm on
Oct 13, 2008 1:49 PM PDT
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I can't argue
I can’t argue with that. I can’t sit here and say that if the teams played tomorrow on a neutral field the Ducks would be favored. I don’t think we would. I love that we’re that close to each other. Hopefully it will make the Civil War that much more meaningful!
I like the yellow helmets!
by MarineCorpsDuck on
Oct 13, 2008 1:57 PM PDT
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I currently have OSU ahead of UO in my power poll (aka my head).
It's spelled "S-h-u-f-a-i-l"
by JShufelt on
Oct 13, 2008 2:08 PM PDT
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"Practically won 4 straight"
Except that you haven’t even won four period, beside the fact that the 3 victories you have are separated by a loss. Wow.
by TB-till-I-Die on Oct 13, 2008 2:36 PM PDT 0 recs
We lost a game against an undefeated team on the road.
Where bad playcalling and a horrible officiating call cost us the game. His point was that we should have won four in a row. I just love how Duck fans come on the Beaver blog and dispute everything that is said.
by Cablinasian on
Oct 13, 2008 3:37 PM PDT
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Really
Duck fans dispute everything that is said? ha! Look up about 10 lines, where TWO duck fans, back to back, AGREE with the decision to have the 3-3 Beavers above the 4-2 Ducks in the power poll.
I like the yellow helmets!
by MarineCorpsDuck on
Oct 13, 2008 5:09 PM PDT
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And...
I hope you aren’t trying to say that “losing a game against an undefeated team on the road” is the same as a win in your book. I think more than just Duck fans would dispute that.
I like the yellow helmets!
by MarineCorpsDuck on
Oct 13, 2008 5:11 PM PDT
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No, of course not.
It was definitely a loss. I was just trying to explain the reasoning behind the comment.
by Cablinasian on
Oct 13, 2008 5:16 PM PDT
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OK
I wasn’t trying to be a jerk.
I like the yellow helmets!
by MarineCorpsDuck on
Oct 13, 2008 6:50 PM PDT
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No, it's all good.
I didn’t think you were trying to be a jerk.
I think hostility between the two fanbases in general is ridiculous. We are all adults and as much as I would love to see the Beavers kill the Ducks every year, I can respect Duck fans.
I think hostility and rivalry are fun between the football programs. Just not needed between fans.
by Cablinasian on
Oct 13, 2008 10:16 PM PDT
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100% agree. I’m a duck fan first, and a Beaver/Bears fan 2nd. I’m going to be conflicted when the Beavers play Cal.
It's spelled "S-h-u-f-a-i-l"
by JShufelt on
Oct 14, 2008 7:52 AM PDT
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I'm 100% never a Duck fan
I always want them to lose. But I can however respect other Duck fans.
The Artist Formerly Known as OrState GoBeavs
by The VD Special on
Oct 14, 2008 11:12 AM PDT
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Hey… It’s okay. Nobody is perfect. You’re just imperfect 100% of the time.
:-)
It's spelled "S-h-u-f-a-i-l"
by JShufelt on
Oct 14, 2008 1:51 PM PDT
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I’ve been that way forever. Beaver fan every week except when they play the Ducks. I’ve always hated the Huskies. I almost found myself rooting against the Beavers this year because of a couple guys I work with and 1 person on BtD, but then I realized, as you said, that I’m an adult and I shouldn’t let 3 idiots change my outlook on an entire fanbase. I’m all for shit talking. That’s why when you said " just love how Duck fans come on the Beaver blog and dispute everything that is said", I jumped in to say, “whoaaa wait a second, ‘Duck fans’ aren’t doing that, just a couple of them”.
I like the yellow helmets!
by MarineCorpsDuck on
Oct 14, 2008 10:32 AM PDT
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I hate the Ducks and their fans
But it doesn’t mean I’m bad people.
by Joe A. on
Oct 17, 2008 4:49 PM PDT
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