BTD’s Pac-12 Football Power Rankings: Week 10

I really hoped that putting Stanford at number one last week would set a curse for them to lose against Oregon State. Instead, Stanford punched the Beavs (and me) in the gut, which prompted me to stomp the heck out of my hat (there’s a Christmas gift idea, honey).

1. Stanford (#18 in AP Poll, 6-2 overall, 5-1 conference)

Last week: won at Oregon State, 15-14

Was Stanford caught looking ahead last week against a rejuvenated Oregon State team? Or does Bryce Love matter that much to this team? Either way, Stanford just barely got past the lowest ranked conference foe to stay on top. Their play of the game was this fourth and ten conversion on the game winning drive (it still makes me sick to my stomach).

Up next: at Washington State

2. Washington (#12 in AP Poll, 7-1 overall, 4-1 conference)

Last week: won vs UCLA, 44-23

Washington takes care of business as their defense held UCLA to just 3-14 third down conversions and 66 rushing yards. You have to imagine they’re licking their chops at the thought of a Herbert-less Duck squad flying north.

Up next: vs Oregon

3. Arizona (#23 in AP Poll, 6-2 overall, 4-1 conference)

Last week: won vs Washington State, 58-37

What can’t Khalil Tate do? While we have sort of become accustomed to his rushing numbers (840 yards in four games), he has shown that he can be efficient with throwing the ball after averaging 16.2 yards per attempt against the Cougars! A national audience will finally get to see Tate go to work, if they’re willing to stay up.

Up next: at USC

4. USC (#17 in AP Poll, 7-2 overall, 5-1 conference)

Last week: won at Arizona State, 48-17

Looks like USC was able to take their frustration from the Notre Dame loss on Arizona State. Some thought (maybe just me) that the Sun Devils would be able to take advantage of a down USC team in the desert, but boy, was I wrong. This game wasn’t even close as the score was 31-3 just before halftime.

Up next: vs Arizona

5. Washington State (#25 in AP Poll, 7-2 overall, 4-2 conference)

Last week: lost at Arizona, 58-37

Luke Falk was benched as the road woes start to build. Washington State is now 1-2 on the road, but 6-0 at home. They’ll host the conference’s best team this weekend to keep themselves in the conversation for the Pac-12 North.

Up next: vs Stanford

6. Arizona State (4-4 overall, 3-2 conference)

Last week: lost vs USC, 48-17

The Sun Devils were brought back down to earth the week after their two game winning streak was snapped by the Trojans. They did pull off one of the wackier Hail Mary completions, so there’s that.

Up next: vs Colorado

7. UCLA (4-4 overall, 2-3 conference)

Last week: lost at Washington, 44-23

The Bruins gave up 333 rushing yards to the Huskies. I don’t think teams tend to win games like that, especially when your star quarterback leaves the game with an injury.

Up next: at Utah

8. Oregon (5-4 overall, 2-4 conference)

Last week: won vs Utah, 41-28

The Ducks are one game away from bowl eligibility after handing the Utes their fourth loss in a row. They were able to keep their former troubled wide receiver, Darren Carrington, out of the end zone and embarrass him with a fumble-six for a touchdown. Oregon will likely have to wait for win number six as they visit Washington this weekend.

Up next: at Washington

9. Colorado (5-4 overall, 2-4 conference)

Last week: won vs California, 44-28

After having his starting gig up for grabs this last week, Steven Montez completed his best performance of the year to lead the Buffs over the Bears. Colorado is also looking to lock bowl eligibility with one more win, though there will be little margin for error with two games on the road and the only home game left against USC.

Up next: at Arizona State

10. Utah (4-4 overall, 1-4 conference)

Last week: lost at Oregon, 41-20

The Utes have fallen on hard times. Four game winning streak followed by a four game losing streak. At this point, the Utes might not even make a bowl game as their remaining games are against teams rank ahead of them (well, according to this poll).

Up next: vs UCLA

11. California (4-5 overall, 1-5 conference)

Last week: lost at Colorado, 44-28

The Bears are 1-5 in their last six games, and that masterpiece against the Cougars seems a lot further than three games ago. They’ll look to keep themselves out of the basement this week when they play the Beavers.

Up next: vs Oregon State

12. Oregon State (1-7 overall, 0-5 conference)

Last week: lost vs Stanford, 15-14

Interim Head Coach, Cory Hall, has this team looking competitive in two straight games like they haven’t been all year. He is putting on a strong audition to lose the “interim” tag, but he’s got to manufacture a couple wins down the stretch here. His best chance will be in Strawberry Canyon were the Beavers are 6-1 since the year 2000. One great thing to come out of the Stanford game was the most fun play all year.

Up next: at California