With its impressive win over Oregon, Stanford showed why it is the defending Pac-12 Champion. The Cardinal retook the Pac-12 North lead and the top spot in the Week 11 power rankings:
1(2). Stanford (8-1, 6-1 Pac-12) – The 26-20 final score isn’t indicative of how well the Cardinal played against Oregon, the purported top team in the Pac-12 headed into the game. The Cardinal defense shut out the Ducks for three quarters and the Cardinal offense ran the ball right down the Ducks' throats. For the second straight year, Stanford proved why it is the Pac-12 Champion and it will be hard to dethrone the Cardinal again this year. A trip to a suddenly dangerous USC team next week will provide another good test, though.
2(1). Oregon (8-1, 5-1) – Another year, another stumble thanks to Stanford. The Ducks and redshirt sophomore quarterback Marcus Mariota struggled to figure out the Cardinal defense until it was too late. Not only does the 26-20 loss likely knock the Ducks out of the national championship race, but it just about ensures that they are no longer in position for a Pac-12 title run, either.
3(3). ASU (7-2, 5-1) – It took everything they had, but the Sun Devils did it, pulling off the 20-19 road win against Utah. The Sun Devils showed their resiliency on the road, especially on offense. Redshirt junior quarterback Taylor Kelly was pressured all day but made plays when it mattered, including the game-winning touchdown to sophomore receiver Richard Smith. The Sun Devils one-game lead in the Pac-12 South remained intact with three games remaining in the regular season slate.
4(4). UCLA (7-2, 4-2) – Everyone knew freshman linebacker Myles Jack was a stud on defense, but on offense, too? Jack ran for 120 yards, including a 66-yard touchdown on third down, to help seal a crucial 31-26 Bruins victory over UA. Whether Jack will be able to perform on both sides of the ball every week is questionable, but all that matters is that the Bruins continue to knock off Pac-12 South foes.
5(5). USC (7-3, 4-2) – The Trojans have a legitimate chance to win the Pac-12 South, words nobody was uttering a few weeks ago. Sure, they dominated a bad California team, but those kinds of results weren’t happening earlier this season. Sophomore receiver Nelson Agholor returned two punts for touchdowns and fourth-string sophomore running back Javorius Allen ran for 135 yards and two touchdowns. College Gameday and Pac-12 Champion Stanford come to town this week in a big game for both squads.
6(7). UW (6-3, 3-3) – The Huskies won their second consecutive blowout, making them bowl eligible. Redshirt senior quarterback Keith Price and the offense poured on 628 total yards of offense in the 59-7 victory over Colorado. The Huskies now get their first chance for redemption against a good team when they travel to UCLA for a Friday night matchup.
7(6). UA (6-3, 3-3) – The Wildcats still haven’t beaten a good team after falling at home to UCLA. They had chances to beat the Bruins but just couldn’t capitalize when it mattered most and were hurt by a fumble from junior running back Ka’Deem Carey on the Bruins' 1-yard line. The Wildcats have another chance to beat up on a mediocre Pac-12 foe with Washington State headed to Tucson.
8(8). OSU (6-3, 4-2) – The bye week came at the perfect time for the Beavers, coming off two straight disappointing home losses. The Beavers have two weeks to prepare for their road matchup versus ASU, which is 5-0 at home this season.
9(10). Utah (4-5, 1-5) – The Utes play very well at home, especially on defense. They held ASU to its lowest point total of the season, but the lack of offensive production cost the Utes a win. The Utes are much more capable than they were a couple of years ago when they entered the Pac-12 but need to be more consistent to challenge for the Rose Bowl.
10(9). WSU (4-5, 2-4) – Like the Beavers, the bye week came at a good time for the Cougars. Their bowl chances aren’t very good anymore, especially with a trip to Tucson to face the Wildcats looming this week.
11(11). Colorado (3-6, 0-6) – If it wasn’t for California, the Buffaloes would be the bottom team in the Pac-12. The 52-point loss to Washington was its worst deficit in Pac-12 play, and the Buffaloes have given up 40-plus points in every conference game this season. The battle of the Pac-12 bottom feeders happens this week, giving the Buffaloes a legitimate chance to pick up a Pac-12 victory.
12(12). California (1-9, 0-7) – It’s the same story every week for California. The offense is decent, the defense is bad and the special teams are worse. The good news is that the freshman duo of quarterback Jared Goff (255 passing yards, three touchdowns) and receiver Kenny Lawler (54 receiving yards, two touchdowns) seem to be building good chemistry.
Reach the reporter at dsshapi1@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @DsShapi
