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The Daily Wildcat

The Daily Wildcat

 

Pac-12 Power Rankings: USC leap frogs UCLA, gains momentum

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Ryan Revock / The Daily Wildcat UA junior running back Ka’Deem Carey falls into the endzone against Oregon on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013 at Arizona Stadium. Carey had four touchdowns against Oregon.

North
1. No. 2 Oregon (2-0)
The Ducks assuaged fears that they’re soft by beating the hard-nosed No. 7 Spartans. Plus, they looked fabulous in their bright yellow ensemble.

Last week: first, W vs. No. 7 Michigan State 46-27
This week: Saturday vs. Wyoming (2-0)

2. No. 15 Stanford (1-1)
The Cardinal lost to USC by a field goal, but once again, Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan didn’t impress against Stanford’s SoCal rivals. Maybe the Trojans are Hogan’s Achilles’ Heel.

Last week: second, L vs. No. 14 USC 13-10
This week: Saturday vs. Army USC (1-0)

3. Oregon State (2-0)
While Hawaii made it a game late, the Beavers dominated the Rainbow Warriors most of the time last week. Washington barely squeaked by Hawaii, so Oregon State jumps UW in the rankings.

Last week: fourth, W at Hawaii 38-30
This week: Bye

4. Washington (2-0)
The Huskies won again, and while Eastern Washington is No. 2 in the Football Conference Subdivision, they are still an FCS team. Washington, which was No. 25 in the preseason AP poll, should have breezed past Hawaii and EWU.

Last week: third, W vs. Eastern Washington 59-52
This week: Saturday vs. Illinois (2-0)

5. California (2-0)
The Golden Bears have already surpassed their 2013 win total through two games. You don’t have to be a UC Berkeley student to realize they’re off to a good start. Up next for Cal is a trip to Arizona.

Last week: fifth, W vs. Sacramento State 55-14
This week: Bye

6. Washington State (0-2)
Wazzu’s free fall continues. Cougar fans were expecting a 3-0 start before they host Oregon; instead, they’re hoping for 1-2.

Last week: sixth, L at Nevada 24-13
This week: Saturday vs. Portland State (1-1)

South
1 No. 9 USC (2-0)
The Men of Troy propelled themselves into the top-10 and playoff discussion with a win at Stanford. They also wouldn’t play Oregon until the Pac-12 Conference championship; could it be a playoff play-in game?

Last week: second, W at No. 13 Stanford 13-10
This week: Saturday at Boston College (1-1)

2. No. 12 UCLA (2-0)
The Bruins are undefeated, but should have better results than a couple close wins over average teams. UCLA has a chance to work out some kinks this week at struggling Texas before it travels to ASU.

Last week: first, W vs. Memphis 42-35
This week: Saturday at Texas (in Arlington, Texas) (1-1)

3. Arizona (2-0)
The Wildcats held on to beat a veteran UTSA side on the road. This week, we get to see if Nevada is better than expected or Washington State is that bad.

Last week: third, W at UTSA 26-23
This week: Saturday vs. Nevada (2-0)

4. No. 16 ASU (2-0)
Another week, another Sun Devil win over a cupcake. This week, ASU’s schedule gets a little tougher, but they should still cruise and set up a big match-up with UCLA.

Last week: fourth, W at New Mexico 58-23
This week: Saturday at Colorado (1-1)

5. Utah (2-0)
The Utes became the second Pac-12 team in a row to spank Fresno State. Up next is a trip to the Big House to face a Michigan side that’s struggling to cope with the loss of Rich Rodriguez’s players.

Last week: fifth, W vs. Fresno State 59-27
This week: Bye

6. Colorado (1-1)
The Buffaloes survived a scare at UMass last week. This week, they host ASU and get a chance to show they’re no long a Pac-12 cellar dweller.

Last week: sixth, W at Massachusetts 41-38
This week: Saturday vs. ASU (2-0)

—Follow James Kelley @jameskelley520

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