Pac-12 Week 10 Rankings: Buffs Keep Rolling
If you would've told me, or any Pac-12 fan that the Buffaloes would be the top team in the Pac-12 South, I would've looked at you like you were crazy. That is precisely why games are played as the Buffs control their own destiny and are a game clear of the Utah Utes and USC Trojans in the Divisional Standings, while Washington keeps blowing teams out in the North, in a virtual dead-lock with the, also undefeated, Washington State Cougars.
1] Washington Huskies: 9-0 (6-0), Last Week: 1
Washington was left out of the College Football Playoff committee's top four, and they let the Cal Golden Bears feel the brunt of the impact with a 66-27 thumping. With the Texas A&M Aggies dropping their game, Washington should climb into the top four during the second release, but who knows with the East Coast Bias. But then again, Washington played trash during the non-conference. They have the Trojans coming into town, which would be a nice boost for the third release of the CFP Top 4.
2] Colorado Buffaloes: 7-2 (5-1), Last Week: 3
It took four years, but Mike MacIntyre finally has the Buffs with a full head of steam and a chance to finally get into the Pac-12 championship game. The offense was shut down by the Bruins, but the Buffaloes defense was able to show that they can hang with most anyone, holding UCLA to 4-15 on third downs and just .8 yards per rush. With a trip to Arizona during Week 11, the Buffs follow it up with consecutive home games against Wazzou and Utah. Tough ending but at least they'll have altitude on their side.
3] Utah Utes: 7-2 (4-2), Last Week: 2
Utah had a well-deserved bye week, with the injuries and what-not. The question remains is how did the bye effect morale, coming a week after a tough loss to the Huskies before they make a trip to Tempe to face a struggling Arizona State team. Despite being a game behind the Buffaloes, the Utes do control their own destiny, as they'll face one of the Washington schools in the conference championship game if they run the table.
4] Washington State Cougars: 7-2 (6-0), Last Week: 4
Placing one of the two conference unbeatens at the fourth slot isn't easy, namely when they are coming off an absolute thrashing, winning 69-7. Granted, it was against Arizona. Prior to that, the Cougs struggled a bit, winning by a combined 15 points over three games. A high scoring game versus Cal is on deck before they visit Colorado and host the Huskies.
5] USC Trojans: 6-3 (5-2), Last Week: 5
Helton has the Trojans rolling, trying to make a push to get into the Pac-12 South game, though, they will need some help as they are a game behind the Buffs, and a half game lead over the Utes with Utah holding the tie-breaker. USC will need to take care of business in the Pac, though it won't be easy as they have a trip to Washington coming up along with the rivalry game against the free-falling Bruins next.
6] Stanford Cardinal: 6-3 (4-3), Last Week: 6
David Shaw and the Cardinal weren't able to dominate the Beavers and the disappointing season continues, as they get away with a 26-15 victory. They visit Oregon during Week 11, with the Ducks hoping to somehow sneak into a Bowl Game, so it won't be an easy victory. How the days of a Stanford-Oregon game being a highlight of Pac-12 football have disappeared.
7] UCLA Bruins: 3-6 (1-5), Last Week: 7
UCLA's defense was epic in Colorado, forcing four turnovers, but the offense wasn't able to keep them off the field, gassing them out. Mike Fafaul was able to complete 15-29 and get a score, but the squad was just horrible on the run, rushing for .8 yards per carry. Soso Jamabo went for 2.9 yards per, just.....horrible. Still, UCLA's entire season could have turned different based off a play here, and a play there, as their losses were by 7, 9 (though 6 was a defensive TD with no time on the clock), 3, 6, 7 and now 10. If it wasn't for a huge contract, Mora would be on the hot-seat.
8] Arizona State Sun Devils: 5-4 (2-4), Last Week: 9
Coming off a Bye week, the Sun Devils host the Utes as they try to ensure they go bowling. Following the Utes date, they have a trip to Washington before going down to the Old Pueblo for a rivalry game. Todd Graham needs to have his defense step up if they wish to get something against the Utes.
9] Oregon State Beavers: 2-7 (1-5), Last Week: 11
Beavers went into Stanford, and fought tooth and nail. That has been the norm for the Beavs, as they lost to Minnesota by 7, Utah by 5 and Wazzou by 4. With experience and time, you can expect the youth to start helping the Beavs close out games and climb out of the Pac-12 cellar.
10] Oregon Ducks: 3-6 (1-5), Last Week: 8
The Ducks couldn't keep up against the Trojans, and have a home date against Stanford, an absolute must-win if they want to have even the slightest chances of going bowling. Oregon State to end the year can go either way, as it's a rivalry date, but the key match will be hoping for an upset over the Utes.
11] California Golden Bears: 4-5 (2-4), Last Week: 10
Poor Cal, they had to endure the Huskies anger of being left out of the CFP's top 4, giving up 66 points to Browning's offense. Good news is, they still have three chances left to win two and get bowl eligibility. A trip to Wazzou is up next prior to hosting Stanford and UCLA.
12] Arizona Wildcats: 2-7 (0-6), Last Week: 12
The Old Pueblo sucks. Nothing else needs to be said. 69-7 loss to Washington State. A home date (blow-out) with Colorado is next.
