PAC-12 Football Power Rankings week ending 12/13
6. UCLA Bruins (3–3)
Last Game: Add UCLA to the list of teams this season who had USC on the ropes only to let them escape at the end. The Bruins had an 18-point lead in the third quarter as well as a two-point lead with under a minute to go. They eventually fell 43–38 on a touchdown with 16 seconds left.
In such a tight game the team that wins the turnover battle usually comes out on top. That wasn’t UCLA. Two interceptions from Dorial Thompson-Robinson and a special teams miscue was the difference. Tight end Greg Dulcich had a heck of a game. The sophomore caught eight passes for 167 yards and a TD.
It’s been a tough season for the Bruins. All three of their losses were by six points or less.
This Week: If the Bruins think they have any chance of a postseason, this week’s game is a must-win. Stanford should expect some angry Bruins when they get to the Rose Bowl on Saturday.
5. Stanford Cardinal (3–2)
Last Game: Stanford has made winning on the road, the hard way, an art form the last three weeks. First, the Cardinal blocked an extra point against Cal with no time left. Next, they held on for dear life against a furious second-half onslaught from Washington. Finally, there was last Saturday in Corvallis.
Oregon State led most of the game, but could never pull away. Two methodical fourth-quarter drives put Stanford in the lead and ate up 11:34 of the final 19 minutes. Quarterback Davis Mills completed 21-of-29 passing attempts for 292 yards and a touchdown.
This Week: The long and winding road trip finally comes to an end after this week’s game. It will be a test against a group of determined UCLA Bruins Whoever wins this game has may have another one in their immediate future.