PAC-12 Football Power Rankings – Week Ending 11/1
9. Arizona Wildcats (3-5, 1-4)
Last Game: USC 45 – Arizona 37
The Wildcats gave USC much more of a fight than their guests expected. Michael Wiley‘s 10-yard touchdown run at the end of the third quarter brought UA within two. After Arizona’s conversion failed, Southern Cal scored twice to put the game away.
This Week: at Utah, 4:30 PM – Pac-12 Networks
Arizona has done a nice job of keeping up with difficult competition at home. Can they do it again at Rice-Eccles Stadium? Probably not.
8. Arizona State Sun Devils (3-5, 2-3)
Last Game: ASU 42 – Colorado 34
Arizona State’s offense was back on track after sputtering a week prior. They put up 42 points and 557 yards against hapless Colorado. The defense, however, could use a little tightening up.
This Week: This Week: vs. UCLA, 7:30 PM – FS1
It was fun while it lasted, but UCLA has something big to play for.
7. Washington State Cougars (4-4, 1-4)
Last Game: Utah 21 – WSU 17
Except for five minutes in the second quarter, the Washington State Cougars were just as good as their 14th-ranked opponent.
Cougars’ quarterback Cameron Ward had a good game. He was an efficient 27 of 31 for 222 yards and a touchdown. That Includes 12 straight completions to start the game.
Once again, the running game failed Wazzu. They had 42 rushing yards on 19 attempts.
MLB Daiyan Henley turned in another Roy Kent-like performance with 12 tackles.
This Week: at Stanford, 12:30 PM – Pac-12 Network
Stanford doesn’t provide much offense. Then again, Wazzu’s offense has also disappointed.
The teams are pretty close to each other in points and yards per game (WSU 23.6, 356.5 – Stanford 23.6, 381.8). Since both are close to the conference’s bottom in these stats, this contest shapes up to be a defensive struggle.
That’s where Washington State has the edge. The Cougs allow the Pac-12’s fewest points per game (20.8) and fourth fewest yards (364.4). Stanford is 8 points and over 50 yards worse.
Additionally, Wazzu shuts down the run well. It will be difficult for Casey Filkins to pick up much yardage against them. If the Cougs can get pressure on Tanner McKee, they have an excellent chance of winning.
On the other side, WSU quarterback Cameron Ward has to avoid turnovers. He’s been different since Renard Bell went out with an injury a few games back.
Coach Dickert and his staff had 12 days to devise a plan to beat Utah, and they came close. Taking down Stanford after a 9-day break seems doable. They need to win this game to keep their postseason hopes alive.