Zona Zealots Pac-12 Football Power Rankings: Week 1
By mschmidt
Any surprises after week one? Not really. With most Pac-12 teams playing cupcakes, the rankings
, but not by much:
1. Oregon (1-0) Last week’s position: 1
Oregon put up 50 points int the first half against Arkansas State, and though their second half performance was not something Chip Kelly should be very proud of, the game was long over by then.
2. USC (1-0) Last week’s position: 2
Likewise, USC was leading 35-0 at the half against Hawaii and put up two more touchdowns in the second. Unlike Oregon, USC remained solid through the entire game, allowing their opponent to score only 10 points in the third quarter. Watch out Oregon, USC is right on your back.
3. Utah (1-0) Last week’s position: 3
No surprise here. Utah gashed Northern Colorado with 414 yards of offense. Running back John White had his way, rushing for 119 yards. Utah’s defense didn’t do so bad either, holding Northern Colorado to less than 150 yards of offense. Result: Utah 41, Northern Colorado: 0
4. Washington (1-0) Last week’s position: 4
Washington had 328 yards of total offense, while San Diego State had 327. The difference in the game? Washington won the turnover battle, causing two fumbles and an interception for a 21-12 victory over a solid SDSU team.
5. UCLA (1-0) Last week’s position: 7
UCLA killed Rice on the ground with the big play–four of UCLA’s touchdowns were rushes of 20 yards or more, including three that were over 70. The Bruins’ running game accounted for 343 yards out of 618. UCLA’s defense wasn’t so great, giving up 357 yards to a subpar team, but their offense was good enough to make this no contest. Result: UCLA 49, Rice 24
6. Stanford (1-0) Last week’s position: 5
Life without Luck looks like it could be pretty rough. Josh Nunes did not look good behind center, completing only 16 of 26 passes for 125 yards. The Cardinal could only convert 2 out of 13 third downs. Stepfan Taylor carried most of the load, rushing for 116 yards, and it looks like he will have a huge responsibility throughout the season. Stanford barely escapes against San Jose State, 20-17.
7. Arizona (1-0) Last week’s position: 8
Arizona had 624 yards of total offense in RichRod’s debut and should have won this game by over 30 points, but turnovers, holding calls and missed field goals kept this game close to the very end and then some against a Toledo team that will be causing fits in the MAC conference. Matt Scott saved the day with a game winning touchdown in OT.
8. California (0-1) Last week’s position: 6
Nevada ran the ball 57 times and there is a reason for it: Cal couldn’t stop it, allowing 220 yards on the ground and 450 yards overall. California put up some offense of its own, but Nevada’s touchdown with 36 seconds left spoiled Cal’s home opener. The Golden Bears lose 24-31.
9. Oregon State (0-0) Last week’s position: 10
Not unlike Ohio State a few years back, Oregon State moves up in the rankings even though they did not play this week. The Beavers can thank Washington State for that.
10. Washington State (0-1) Last Week’s position: 9
Washington State looked awful and Mike Leach has a lot of work to do if he wants his team to succeed in his pass heavy scheme. The Cougars rushed for -4 yards and passed for only 228. Jeff Tuel looked uncomfortable behind center, being rushed to force his throws the entire night–30 for 45 with two interceptions and no touchdowns. Meanwhile, BYU’s offense made it look easy. Result: BYU 30, WSU 6.
11. Arizona State (1-0) Last week’s position: 12
Arizona State thrashed Division I-AA Northern Arizona 63-6 in Todd Graham’s debut. They could be better than people thought, but this week’s game against Illinois should give us better insight where this team belongs in the discussion.
12. Colorado (0-1) Last week’s position: 12
A total offense of 245 yards, including only 58 on the ground? Ouch. Colorado’s 22-17 loss against in state rival Colorado State–a team they were favored to beat–at home does not bode well for the struggling Buffs.