Pac-12 Power Rankings 2017: UCLA on the rise in Week 3?

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EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 09: Running back Kani Benoit #29 of the Oregon Ducks runs in for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Autzen Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 42-35. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Colorado downed Texas State 37-3. The Buffaloes are still rolling to start the season. I was very concerned about the long-term prospects of their defense after losing defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt to Oregon. However, the Buffaloes have remained very stingy. Colorado sits in the eighth spot of the Pac-12 Power Rankings, because there is a logjam up in front of them. They will need to show more offensive firepower to be competitive it the pac-12 South.

Week 3 opponent: vs. Northern Colorado Bears

The Utes knocked the BYU Cougars off 19-13. The Utes are putting up pretty good-looking stats. Darren Carrington might very well end up the number one receiver in the Pac-12. Through the first two games he has amassed 17 receptions for 256 yards. Utah’s defense has been great through two games. The Utes will have to find the end zone more often if they want to have any chance at the Pac-12 south title.

Week 3 opponent: vs. San Jose State

It only took four hours for Washington State to finally beat Boise State 47-44 in double overtime. Knocking off the Broncos is a solid win for the Cougars. Even though they go the win, they now may have a quarterback controversy. Luke Falk came in the season with the potential to be a first round draft pick.

There is no way anyone would think he would be benched. However, he was. Mike Leach took him out after being ineffective, and replaced him with Tyler Hillinski. The Cougars will be hard pressed to move up the Power Rankings until their quarterback situation is settled.

Week 3 opponent: vs. Oregon State

The Ducks beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers 42-35. Oregon was up at halftime 42-14. They nearly let the Cornhuskers come all the way back and tie the game. This game is a clear indication that the Ducks are better, but still a huge work in progress. It was encouraging to see the offense be explosive and nearly unstoppable in the first half. The second half was discouraging because the offense was stagnant and turned the ball over twice. I was relatively pleased with the defense, because they held on to the lead despite the offense making it tough on them.

Also, big props to the Ducks who wore Stomp Out Cancer uniforms to benefit Portland’s OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

Week 3 opponent: vs. Wyoming

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