PAC-12 Football Power Rankings week ending 9/19
Chip Clark
|
2. #18 Washington Huskies (3–0)
Last Game: It’s fair to say that last Saturday’s 39-28 win over Michigan State was the Biggest Washington Huskies win since their 2018 Pac-12 Championship Game victory. In front of a loud Husky Stadium crowd, Washington took it to Michigan State early and often leading by 3 touchdowns at the half.
Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. put himself in Heisman contention by throwing for 399 yards and 4 touchdowns against a good Michigan State defense. His main target was Ja’Lynn Polk, who caught 6 passes for 153 yards and 3 TD s.
In the fourth quarter, Michigan State began to take advantage of UW s tired secondary. Giving up 14 points in the final 6:51 isn’t the way Washington’s defense wanted to finish.
This Week: The Washington Huskies open Pac-12 play with their fourth straight home game of 2022. Husky Stadium should be rocking once again when Stanford comes in for Pac-12 After Dark on Fox Sports 1.
Last week UW cracked the Top 25; this week, they can solidify their spot among college football’s top teams. Stanford may not be the conference’s best football team, but there is plenty of history between the former Pac-12 North Division Schools.
Look for the Huskies’ dynamic offense to give their guests fits all afterburner. Penix is now a Heisman candidate. On Saturday, he has another opportunity to turn some heads on national television again this week.
On the other side of the ball, UW needs to tighten up. They have to play for four quarters and not leave their defensive backs out on an island.
That starts with the men in front. Getting pressure on Cardinal QB Tanner McKee and putting Stanford in uncomfortable down and distance situations is key.
For those wondering why Washington and Washington State are ahead of Oregon and Utah, there is a good reason. The Washington schools both defeated ranked Big Ten teams while Utah lost to Florida, and the Ducks were handled easily by Georgia.
1. #7 USC Trojans (3–0, 1-0)
Last Game: As expected, USC crushed Fresno State at the LA Coliseum. The Trojans only held a 21-10 lead at halftime but found another gear in the second half, cruising to a 45-17 victory.
Running backs Austin Jones and Travis Dye each ran for over 100 yards, averaged between 9.2-9.3 yards per carry, and scored a touchdown. That’s a dangerous 1-2 punch.
This Week: In the second-best conference game this week, the Trojans have a chance to flex their muscle against a very good and undefeated group of Oregon State Beavers.
It’s a big week in the Pac-12. Check back with us next Tuesday for our updated power rankings.