PAC-12 Football Power Rankings week of 10/30 – Emerald City Swagger

Colorado (5-3, 2-3)

Last Week: Saturday’s home loss to Oregon State was a microcosm of the Buffs 2018 season. They got off to a hot start against a lesser opponent and looked like world beaters. Then Colorado realized they were playing so far over their heads, Ralphie’s nose started to bleed, and the Buffs crashed back to earth hard.

This Week: at Arizona.

Note: If a team loses to Oregon State at home, they should be ranked last. We’ll cut Colorado some slack for winning their first two PAC-12 games.

Arizona (4-5, 3-3)

Last Week: When your adversary is down, kick em in the teeth! Oregon was at a low point and Arizona added a huge insult to the Ducks injury, winning 44-15. This one wasn’t even close. The Cats went into the half with a 23-8 lead and poured it on from there. Running back J.J. Taylor had 30 rushes for 212 yards and two touchdowns.

This Week: vs Colorado.

Note: As hard to believe as it sounds, Zona is one game out of first in the PAC-12 South. Wildcats Nation will be rooting for their in-state rivals against Utah.

Arizona State (4-4, 2-3)

Last Week: Another upset last Saturday. Then again ASU went against Southern Cal’s third-string quarterback. Even so, the Sun Devils did what they had to do. They kept the ball on the ground, running 44 times for 283 yards and three touchdowns. Manny Wilkins, Arizona State’s quarterback threw for 168 with a TD, he also ran for 89 yards and another score.

This Week: vs. Utah.

Note: It’s a huge step up in competition for Arizona State on Saturday. The Sun Devils have a chance to play spoiler at home.

USC (4-4, 3-3)

Last Week: The fall of Troy continued last week in SoCal. USC was on the wrong end of a 38-35 loss. Backup QB Jack Sears had a pretty good day, completing 20 of 28 passing attempts for 235 yards with two touchdowns and no picks. Unfortunately, his only turnover, a first possession fumble, deep in USC territory, led to a Sun Devils touchdown. The Trojans defense virtually disappeared in this one, ASU had 449 total yards of offense.

This Week: at Oregon State.

Note: Maybe the Men of Troy got more consideration than they should have during their three-game winning streak. Those wins were a controversial home victory over Washington State, a four-point win at Arizona after holding back a late Wildcats rally, and a W against way over-rated Colorado.