PAC-12 Football Power Rankings – Final 2020 Edition
2. Oregon Ducks (4–2) – No. 25 AP Poll, BCS Playoffs, No. 26 Coaches Poll
Last Game: Oregon made the most of an opportunity many felt they didn’t deserve against USC. The Ducks jumped out to an early 14-point lead in the first quarter. After that, the teams traded touchdowns for the rest of the game.
On the subject of making the most of an opportunity, Oregon converted two of USC’s three interceptions into touchdowns. They had to because UO was “out-offensed “ 358–243. In the end, that was the difference between winning and losing.
The Oregon Ducks are your 2020 Pac-12 Champions.
Next game: Playstation Fiesta Bowl – Saturday, January 2, Tempe, Arizona vs. No. 10 Iowa Cyclones.
Parting Words: You can’t convince me that putting Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship game was the right thing to do. It doesn’t matter that they beat USC. The Ducks didn’t belong there, and the conference slips further into a pit of irrelevance of their own making. The is no ill will toward Oregon specifically. If they were 6-0 or even 5-1, I’d have no issue with them representing the Pac-12 in the New Year’s 6.
1. USC Trojans (5–1) – No. 19 Coaches Poll, No. 21 AP Poll
Last Game: Let’s keep this short. Missing rushing leader Vavae Malepeai, who was out with an injury, USC couldn’t run the ball effectively. Despite the fact quarterback Kedon Slovis threw for 328 yards, he had almost as many picks in this game (3) as he did in USC five previous games (4).
A cursory glance at the scoreboard makes it look like USC’s defense had a bad game. Not true. Led by Kana’i Mauga, Talanoa Hufanga, and Isaiah Pola-Mao, who had a combined 36 tackles, the Trojans allowed only 243 yards to Oregon.
Parting Words: They had one job last Friday and couldn’t get it done. When they decided to skip Bowl season, it came off as sour grapes. Two black eyes in one week. Nice work, Clay Helton. Way to represent your school and conference.
Thanks for following our Pac-12 football Power Rankings this season. After the new year, we move to Pac-12 Basketball.