PAC-12 Football Power Rankings week ending 9/26
2. #15 Washington Huskies (4–0, 1-0)
Last Game: Washington 45 – Stanford 22
Saturday afternoon, the Washington Huskies made it 4 in a row to open their 2022 season. Last year they only won 4 games total, so what they’re doing now under Head Coach Kalen DeBoer is a big improvement.
U-Dub scored a touchdown on their first possession and accelerated from there. They cruised to a 40-22 victory and are now ranked 15th.
Michael Penix has become a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate. The senior completed 22 of 37 for 309 yards and 2 touchdowns, upping his season passing TD total to 12.
While passing remains Washington’s forte, running back Wayne Taulapapa had another outstanding game. The Virginia transfer ran 13 times for 120 yards and a touchdown.
Washington’s front six had a field day. They sacked Tanner McKee 8 times and caused 3 turnovers which led to 17 points.
Linebacker Alphonzo Tuputala and Edge Rusher Bralen Trice had 2.0 sacks each. Zion Tupuola-Fatui finally looked like the pass-rushing threat he was before the torn Achillies, with 2.5 tackles for loss, including 1.5 sacks.
This Week: at UCLA, Friday, September 30, 7:30 PM – ESPN
Washington makes their only trip to Southern California for a rare late-September Friday Night game. They will face the undefeated yet lightly tested UCLA Bruins.
Huskies quarterback Michael Penix has been nothing short of outstanding this year. He’ll go after the Bruins secondary with a vengeance.
UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson is not only experienced but talented. Between him and Charbonnet, UW’s defense will have their hands full.
1. #7 USC Trojans (4–0, 2-0)
Last Game: USC 17 – OSU 14
USC got more than they bargained for in Corvallis last Saturday. Oregon transfer Travis Dye carried the offense with 142 total yards on 20 touches.
Meanwhile, the Trojan defense declared a no-fly zone, holding OSU to 167 passing yards. They also had 4 interceptions
This Week vs. ASU, 7:30 PM – ESPN
There is no such thing as a gimme in Pac-12 football, but this is as close as it gets. USC is at home against a team in disarray that got crushed last time out.
It’s a big week in the Pac-12. Check back with us next Tuesday for our updated power rankings.