PAC-12 Football Power Rankings – Final 2020 Edition
10. Washington State Cougars (1–3)
Last Game: The Washington State Cougars looked like world-beaters in the first half against Utah. After a slow start on their first two offensive possessions, Wazzu scored touchdowns four of the next six times they had the ball. There was a great mix of run and pass plays as the offense operated like a high-performance car.
Defensively, the Cougs hard-hitting defense was superb. They allowed 217 yards of offense, but 91 of them came on one play. Additionally, WSU’s defense forced three Utes turnovers. The Cougs went into halftime with a 28-7 lead. It was so bad for Utah QB Jake Bentley that he was benched at the break.
Then came the second half. It was a complete reversal of the first half. Suddenly Utah was able to run for big plays and effectively throw the ball all over the field. Conversely, the Cougars were stuck in neutral. Then the car went into reverse as they turned the ball over on four straight fourth quarter possessions.
Parting Words: This was a hard way for the Washington State Cougars to go out. Head coach Nick Rolovich seems like a good fit in Pullman. I’m looking forward to next season when the Cougs have both a full spring and summer camp to fully learn his run and shoot offense.
It was also great to see running back Max Borghi take the field after sitting out with a back injury. He and Deon McIntosh make a great one-two punch.
9. Oregon State Beavers (2–5)
Last Game: Beavers QB Chance Nolan connected with Tyjon Lindsey on a 12-yard touchdown pass during OSU’s first possession to take an early 7-0 lead. From there, it was downhill. Arizona State put the ball into the endzone their next four times they had the ball while the Beavs went punt, fumble, punt. The teams traded scores for the rest of the game, but the damage was already done.
OSU’s game against Arizona State was effectively over in the second quarter. The first 15 minutes resulted in a 7–7 tie, but
Parting Words: At halftime of the Stanford game, I was making my preliminary power rankings and had the Beavers as high as fifth. That game fell apart, and then they were beaten soundly by ASU.