PAC-12 Football Power Rankings – Week Ending 11/1
6. #23 Oregon State Beavers (6-2, 3-2)
Last Game (October 22): OSU 42 – Colorado 9
Oregon State continues winning without starting quarterback Chance Nolan. In their last game the Beavers ran the ball down Colorado’s throat.
Running back Damien Martinez carried 22 times for 178 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, OSU’s defense allowed only 1 touchdown, which came late in the third quarter when the Beavers were up by 32 points.
This Week: Friday, November 4 at Washington, 7:30 PM -FS1
Oregon State kept themselves in the hunt for a ticket to the Pac-12 Championship Game. They had an extra week to prepare for Friday’s knockout game at Washington.
5. Washington Huskies (6-2, 3-2)
Last Game (October 22): Washington 28 – California 21
Cal’s defense made it their mission to take away the long ball. Even without going deep, the Washington Huskies and their dynamic quarterback Michael Penix effectively moved the ball.
Penix adapted, finding open receivers on short and middle-yardage routes. He finished 36-of-51 passing for 374 yards and 2 touchdowns.
When the Huskies needed their front six to step up, they responded. On Cal’s final two series, the pass rush put pressure on Jack Plummer, forcing bad throws. They punted once, then turned the ball over on downs.
This win was Washington’s first victory of 2022 away from home. With six wins, they are now bowl-eligible.
This Week: Friday, November 4, vs. Oregon State, 7:30 PM -FS1
Friday Night Lights at Husky Stadium features a pair of teams fighting for survival.
Washington’s potent passing offense needs to be front and center once again. Receivers Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan have been spectacular all season, they’ll need to bring their best against OSU’s secondary.
Unfortunately, it could be a wet track in Seattle. If it is, the advantage moves to OSU. It will be on the Husky defense to make stops and give the offense a short field to work with.
There are plenty of Heisman candidates in the conference, so not only is this a must-win for UW, but Michael Penix needs another good showing to stay in consideration. He’s eclipsed the 300-yard mark in all 8 games and has thrown at least 1 touchdown in 7 of them.
Let’s call this matchup what it is, an elimination game. The winner of this contest keeps their slim hopes of reaching the Pac-12 Championship Game alive. Meanwhile, the loser is likely headed to the Jimmy Kimmel Los Angeles Bowl