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Pac 12 Power Rankings Week 5: The conference has a new king

By Michael Valverde

Sep 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) celebrates with wide receiver Aaron Fuller (12) after a three-yard touchdown pass from Browning to Fuller during the second half at Husky Stadium. Washington won 44-6. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) celebrates with wide receiver Aaron Fuller (12) after a three-yard touchdown pass from Browning to Fuller during the second half at Husky Stadium. Washington won 44-6. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dakota Prukop (9) talks on the phone against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 51-33. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dakota Prukop (9) talks on the phone against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 51-33. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

The Oregon Ducks started the season well. The Ducks knocked off UC Davis 53-28 and then Virginia 44-26. They were even the 24th-ranked team after two weeks. Three weeks later they still haven’t won a game.

They lost their next two games (Nebraska and Colorado) by a combined six points and then they visited Washington State and the Cougars rushed for six touchdowns.

The running game wasn’t the only positive for Washington State as quarterback Luke Falk took advantage of the defensive sieve of Oregon. Falk finished with 371-yards and one touchdown. “The biggest thing was the passing was real effective,” head coach Mike Leach said. “We got them off balance with the pass.”

The passing game was a low point as Dakota Prukop only passed for 132-yards and added an interception but didn’t throw for a touchdown. Royce Freeman did return from injury and made an impact. He rushed for 138 yards and three touchdowns, but one player can’t win the game, especially when the defense shows no signs of stopping the opposing team.

For instance, with just over three minutes left in the third quarter, Freeman busted loose for a 75-yard touchdown. The run pulled the Ducks within 10 points, but the defense gave up another 21 points to end the game.

Things are not going to get easier for Oregon either, Next week they face #5 Washington at home then travel to play a Cal team that has shown they can beat everyone or no one.

Next: Number 10. Arizona

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