PAC-12 Football Power Rankings week ending 11/23
2. USC Trojans (3–0) – 19th AP poll, 18th Coaches poll, 18th BCS poll
Last game: After a couple of close games, the 18th ranked Trojans won, going away at Utah 33–7. It helped that USC forced five turnovers. Even with the turnover, Southern Cal barely won the total yardage game 357–327.
This week: Before beating Utah, USC narrowly escaped the Arizona schools in games one and two. Going back to you are what your record says you are, the Trojans are undefeated and ranked in the top 20. Saturday, they could find themselves in hot water against the explosive Colorado offense. Anyone who likes high scoring games should watch this one.
1 Oregon Ducks (3–0) – 9th AP poll, 11th Coaches poll, 15th BCS poll
Last game: (11/21) The Ducks were in a dogfight last Saturday when they hosted upstart UCLA. Oregon couldn’t put the visitors away. As a matter of fact, it looked like the Bruins would go in at the half with a lead. That is until Jordan Happle had a pick-six as time expired, which gave the Ducks a lead they never relinquished. One of four turnovers UCLA had on the day.
Oregon quarterback Tyler Shough threw for 334 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Three games in, and he’s taken over quite nicely for Justin Herbert.
This week: Oregon faces Oregon State in Corvallis. OSU is no slouch; they can score points. The Ducks can’t afford a let-up, especially after the first BCS Poll ranked them 15th.
There are some good matchups this week. Check back with us on Tuesday for our updated power rankings.