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

Things in the South are much clearer as USC has distinguished themselves as the top team after securing their spot in the conference title game. In the North, there is potential for a three way tie between the Washington schools and Stanford.

1. USC (#12 in AP Poll, 9-2 overall, 7-1 conference)

Last week: won at Colorado, 38-24

The Trojans clinched the Pac-12 South and will have the benefit of having a bye week before the Pac-12 title game. Their game against Colorado wasn’t as nearly as close as the final score may indicate as the Trojans had a 27 point lead until mid-way through the third quarter. Good Sam Darnold picked apart the Buff’s secondary with 329 passing yards and two touchdown throws. He also reminded everyone he’s not a complete statue either.

Up next: versus UCLA

2. Washington State (15# in AP Poll, 9-2 overall, 6-2 conference)

Last week: won at Utah, 33-25

The Cougar defense came away with seven turnovers, and any time you get seven takeaways, chances are you win. Somehow, Utah managed to keep within striking distance and was just a Hail Mary away from tying the game. Washington State now gets a week of rest before they play in the Apple Cup. Oh yeah, Luke Falk set another Pac-12 record, this one for career touchdown passes.

Up next: bye

3. Stanford (#20 in AP Poll, 7-3 overall, 6-2 conference)

Last week: won versus Washington, 30-22

Stanford received a masterful performance from Bryce against the nation’s best defense. Love continues to make his case for the Heisman as he has accumulated over 1600 yards at a whopping nine yards per carry. He has been held to under 100 yards in just one game where he was likely still gimpy from a recovering ankle injury. Stanford will need help to get into the Pac-12 title game though as Wazzu holds the tie breaker against them.

Up next: versus Cal

4. Washington (#16 in AP Poll, 8-2 overall, 5-2 conference)

Last week: lost at Stanford, 30-22

Washington gave up the driver’s seat to the Pac-12 title game to Washington State on a Friday night game, which has not been a friendly night for visiting teams in the conference. Our friends at UW Dawg Pound seemed to have resorted to drastic measures after their loss to Stanford. If you don’t get the reference, here’s some context.

Up next: versus Utah

5. Arizona (RV in AP Poll, 7-3 overall, 5-2 conference)

Last week: won versus Oregon State, 49-28

Khalil Tate did what Khalil Tate does, causing anguish among all his opponents’ fans. I think Beaver fans knew it was going to be a long night, but it really was gut-punching to see one of your starting safeties whiff on a tackle and the get dragged to the goal line by a quarterback ON THE SAME PLAY.

Up next: at Oregon

6. UCLA (5-5 overall, 3-4 conference)

Last week: won versus Arizona State, 44-37

What a healthy Josh Rosen does for the Bruins. Rosen threw for 381 yards and carried UCLA to their fifth win of the season. You have to wonder if Jim Mora Jr.’s job hangs on the Bruins making a bowl game or not.

Up next: at USC

7. Arizona State (5-5 overall, 4-3 conference)

Last week: lost at UCLA, 44-37

The Sun Devils dropped a back-and-forth contest against Bruins and now find themselves needing to win one of their next two to become bowl eligible. If Manny Wilkins can do this against their next opponent, I think they’ll be okay.

Up next: at Oregon State

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

Last week: bye

Oregon probably spent the week still wondering why they punted to Dante Pettis.

Up next: versus Arizona

9. Colorado (5-6 overall, 2-6 conference)

Last week: lost versus USC, 38-24

Colorado fell behind against the Trojans and weren’t able to catch up. They have now lost six of their last eight and are looking at having to win their rivalry game against Utah to extend their season. While the team didn’t win, linebacker Trent Headley sure won.

Up next: bye

10. Utah (5-5 overall, 2-5 conference)

Last week: lost versus Washington State, 33-25

Utah played tough against the Cougars and even outgained them, but it’s really hard to win a game while also giving up seven turnovers.

Up next: at Washington

11. California (5-5 overall, 2-5 conference)

Last week: bye

California’s bye week came at a good time before their rivalry game against Stanford. There best chance at bowl eligibility will likely come next week when they place UCLA.

Up next: at Stanford

12. Oregon State (1-9 overall, 0-7 conference)

Last week: lost at Arizona, 49-28

I wish we were going to play a night game in freezing weather versus Arizona State again (2014 seems so long ago). Unfortunately, the forecast for Saturday is for rain and a high of 50 degrees. I felt like our own tweet summed up how we felt during this last week’s game against Arizona.

Up next: versus Arizona State