PAC-12 Football Power Rankings week of 11/14 – Emerald City Swagger
3. #19 Utah Utes (7-3, 5-3)
Last Week: Many might have written off the Utes after losing starting QB Tyler Huntley and starting RB Zach Moss for the season. Utah was having none of that. Instead of a pity party, the Utes chose a victory party after a big home win over Oregon.
This week: at Colorado.
Note: Utah has its last PAC-12 conference matchup of 2018, on the road against a struggling Colorado Buffalo team. A win would secure a tie for the PAC-12 South title pending the outcome of Arizona and Arizona State’s remaining games.
2. #18 Washington Huskies (7-3, 5-2)
Last Week: Idle
This week: vs. Oregon State
Note: Washington has another home game this week, as they face last-place Oregon State. It could be called a trap game, with the Apple Cup looming next week at Washington State. Then again, it might be a perfect time for the Huskies to fine tune a few things before the big matchup.
Against a poor Oregon State defense, UW should have little to no problems moving the ball. It’s also Senior Day at UW and will be a special game for running back Myles Gaskin, quarterback Jake Browning, and the rest of the Huskies seniors.
1. #8 Washington State Cougars (9-1, 6-1)
Last week: Wazzu went on the road to Boulder and laid the smackdown against struggling Colorado, 31-7, to continue their dream season. The Buffs put up the first score Saturday, which turned out to be their only one. Colorado had 297 total yards for the game, 64 of which came on a run by Travon McMillan to set up the Buffaloes lone touchdown.
Cougars Heisman Trophy candidate Gardner Minshew threw for 335 yards in the winning effort. He had a pair of touchdowns through the air and completed passes to 11 different receivers. Running back James Williams had 22 touches (17 handoffs, 5 receptions) for 103 yards and a score. Dez Patmon led all receivers with eight catches for 103 yards.
This week: vs Arizona.
Note: The eighth-ranked Cougars look to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive when they host Arizona in Pullman. The Cats have been playing well as of late so it could be a close game. I expect the Cougs to handle Khalil Tate with the help of the raucous home crowd at Martin Stadium. GMII needs a big game to keep up with the other Heisman hopefuls.
* There will be one edition of the power rankings after the PAC-12 Championship game and one after the final Bowl game.