Emerald City Swagger: PAC-12 Football Power Rankings week of 10/23

9) California (4-3, 1-2)

Last Week: Went to Corvallis and beat the tar out of OSU 49-7. Running back Patrick Laird had a career day. He scored a pair of rushing touchdowns as part of his 193-yard rushing performance. Additionally, Laird caught three passes for 48 yards and another score.

This Week: vs. Washington.

Note: Hopefully the Golden Bears fans enjoyed their one week back in the sun because it’s about to come to a screeching halt against Washington.

8) UCLA (2-5, 2-2)

Last Week: Beat Arizona in the “At Least We’re Not Oregon State” Bowl 31-30. Bruins quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson left with an injury in the second quarter, but his replacement Wilton Speight went 17 of 27 for 204 yards and two touchdowns.

This Week: vs. Utah.

Note: See above for being happy while it lasts. UCLA faces a Utah team sporting one of the best defenses in the country. The Bruins might win one more game this season, but this isn’t it.

7) Colorado (5-2, 2-2)

Last Week: With no Laviska Shenault Jr. in the lineup, Colorado’s chances went from just north of slight to far south of “slim just left town” against the Huskies. The Buffs kept it interesting until the fourth quarter but got another taste of reality, losing to Washington 27-13. Aside from a 23 yard run in the second half, Buffs running back Travon McMillian was held to 2.6 yards-per-carry (YPC).

This Week: vs. Oregon State.

Note: Colorado needs this one to be bowl eligible, because after Arizona the following week, their schedule gets much tougher.