The Oregon Ducks have taken the top spot in the power rankings for the second time this season. Here are the Week Six Power Rankings:
1(2). Oregon (5-0, 2-0 Pac-12): Yes, it was Colorado, but the Ducks continue to look dominant. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Marcus Mariota passed for five touchdowns and ran for two more in the Ducks' 57-16 victory. They’ve proven themselves as the best team in the conference and have their first real test next Saturday on the road versus Washington.
2(1). Stanford (5-0, 3-0): Truthfully, Stanford was lucky to beat Washington. They were outgained 489 to 279 yards on offense, benefited from the Huskies’ poor kick coverage and were lucky to escape the Huskies’ final drive. Maybe Washington is elite, but the Cardinal are going to have to play a lot better if they want to repeat as Pac-12 champions.
3(3). UCLA (4-0, 1-0): The win at Utah was the kind of win that gets teams to the Pac-12 Championship Game. Jim Mora’s squad didn’t play its best game, but forced six turnovers and came up with a crucial stop at the end of the game. The Bruins should keep the momentum going with California heading to town this weekend.
4(4). Washington (4-1, 1-1): The Huskies were so close to knocking off the defending Pac-12 champions. Even with the loss, the Huskies established themselves as one of the best teams in the conference and senior quarterback Keith Price (350 yards, 2 TD’s) continued his great form. The Huskies have a great chance to bounce back next Saturday as Oregon comes to Seattle.
5(5). ASU (3-2, 1-1): The Sun Devils were sloppy on both sides of the ball against Notre Dame and lost the turnover battle, sealing their fate. They came out of the tough four-game stretch 2-2, but most of the Sun Devils' players and coaches said they are less than satisfied. The Sun Devils have a chance to regain some momentum at home next week against Colorado.
6(6). Utah (3-2, 0-2): Sure, the Utes have lost both of their conference games, but it’s apparent they are much improved over last season. They played an elite UCLA team to the wire Thursday night, even though sophomore quarterback Travis Wilson threw six interceptions. Like the Huskies, the Utes have a golden opportunity to bounce back this Saturday when Stanford comes to town.
7(9). Washington State (4-2, 2-1): The Cougars continue to prove they can win on the road in conference play, knocking off California 44-22 last Saturday. The win gave the Cougars four wins on the season, more than they had all of last season. The Mike Leach era continues to make its mark as junior quarterback Connor Halliday threw for 521 yards and three touchdowns in the win.
8(8). UA (3-1, 0-1): The Wildcats were off this week following their 31-13 loss at Washington. The Wildcats travel to Los Angeles this Thursday to face off against USC in the first game post-Lane Kiffin. If the Wildcats lose, they would drop to 0-2 in Pac-12 play.
9(7). Oregon State (4-1, 2-0): Mike Riley’s team had a bye week, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The Beavers have been playing sloppy all season and maybe this is the week they turn it up. It won’t be easy for the defense, which ranks 92nd in point allowed per game, as the Beavers travel to pass-happy Washington State.
10(10). USC (3-2, 0-2): Lane Kiffin is out, Ed Orgeron is in and the Trojans were lucky enough to have 10 days to prepare before their next game. Orgeron and the Trojans need a win Thursday night against the Wildcats to avoid an 0-3 start in the conference and most likely will have to do it without junior receiver Marqise Lee, who injured his left knee in the fourth quarter against ASU.
11(11). Colorado (2-2, 0-2): All was looking good for the Buffaloes five minutes into Saturday’s game vs. Oregon as they were leading 10-8. Then Oregon decided to wake up and the rest is history. It’s apparent the Buffaloes are improved over last season, but they still have a long way to go to compete with the big boys of the Pac-12
12(12). California (1-4, 0-2): The Bears continue to struggle at home, especially defensively. They gave up 570 yards of total offense in the loss to Washington State while forcing only one turnover. The good news is the Bears can pass the ball. Freshman Jared Goff threw for 504 yards and two touchdowns against the Cougars.
Reach the reporter at dsshapi1@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @DsShapi
