Pac-12 Week 8 Rankings: UDub, Utah Remain Atop Ahead of Clash
An entertaining weekend in conference play, as two games should match the final score when the schools meet up on the hardwood in January. Then, one game that could possibly rival the finale of the baseball meeting.
1] Washington Huskies 7-0 (4-0), Last Week 1:
Huskies continue to dominate whoever is on their schedule as they demolish the Beavers 41-17. Washington needs to continue to steamroll to get the attention of the College Football Playoff committee and their East Coast Bias. A show down against Utah is going to be exceptional to watch.
2] Utah Utes 7-1 (4-1), Last Week 2:
Injuries led to Joe Williams coming out of retirement to rush for over 300 yards as the Utes squeaked out a high scoring victory against a Rosen-less Bruin side that continue's its free fall. Had the Utes not lost to Cal, they might have had an outside shot at a playoff bid if they beat the Huskies, but for now, that will just be an exceptional game to watch. Though, with the Utes not being healthy, UDub may just blow them out as well.
3] Washington State Cougars 5-2 (4-0), Last Week 3:
Despite Todd Graham being accused of sign stealing, causing Wazzou's Mike Leach to be fined $10,000, the Sun Devils weren't able to overcome Luke Falk and his Air Raid offense, as the Cougs went into Tempe and came out with a win on homecoming night. Wazzou has a trip to Corvalis on the slate, and the hopes around the conference are that they can remain unbeaten until an Apple Cup showdown against a, hopefully, unbeaten Washington side.
4] Colorado Buffaloes 6-2 (4-1), Last Week 4:
The surprising Buffaloes continue to surge, as they squeak by a plummeting Stanford side and escape with a 10-5 victory. With a bye coming up, the Buffs can get some well deserved rest. A win during their next game will also tie the total amount of victories the Buffs had in conference play since joining the Pac-12.
5] USC Trojans 4-3 (3-2), Last Week 6:
Coming off a bye week, the Trojans had a chance to take a look at the Golden Bears high octane offense and plane accordingly to try to keep pace with the Utes and Buffalo's with divisional aspirations alive and well.
6] California Golden Bears 4-3 (3-2), Last Week 9:
Escaping with a 52-49 victory against the plummeting Ducks, Cal looks to salvage the season with a chance at a decent bowl game. A victory at the Coliseum would put them at solid pickings.
7] Stanford Cardinal 4-3 (2-3), Last Week 5:
Christian McAffrey was supposed to be in the running for the Heisman while Stanford prepped for a spot in the playoffs. Well, none of that is even remotely possible for the Cardinal as they look to salvage a middling season. A trip to the Old Pueblo should provide them with a victory, however.
8] UCLA Bruins 3-5 (1-4), Last Week 8:
Mike Fafaul has had moments where he's looked beyond amazing and made you wonder how he's a career back-up. Then, he follows it up with moments where you wonder how he's even on a P5 squad. Looking at the Bruins entire season, however, they could easily have been 8-0 at this point with every loss being within a possession (well, Stanford was until a dead clock fumble recovery TD). Jim Mora's job may be safe, but the seat should be warming up as the Bruins may not go bowling.
9] Arizona State Sun Devils 5-3 (2-3), Last Week 7:
Todd Graham will have the Devils bowling again this year, but I just can't understand how they have managed to be 5-3 to this point. They lost to Wazzou despite "stealing signs" and have a trip to Autzen on deck.
10] Oregon Ducks 2-5 (0-4), Last Week 11:
Oregon nearly upset Cal. Who would've thought we'd be saying upset when it came to Oregon beating Cal over the past few years, but that is how far the Ducks have fallen. With Arizona State coming to town, the Ducks need to pull a total 180 if they wish to go bowling, and the Devils is as good of a start they could hope for.
11] Oregon State Beavers 2-5 (1-3), Last Week 10:
The Beavs went into Washington and came back with their tails in between their legs as the Huskies did what they do. With Wazzou coming to Corvalis, the Beavers are in for another long week.
12] Arizona Wildcats 2-5 (0-4), Last Week 12:
Coming off a bye week, Rich Rod needs to have his team fully prepped for an atrocious Stanford side visiting the Old Pueblo. Khalil Tate should start the rest of the year for the Cats as momentum for 2017 should be the priority.
