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

By George Wrighster III

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)
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) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 09: Steven Mitchell Jr. #4 of the USC Trojans makes a reception to score a fourth quarter touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 09: Steven Mitchell Jr. #4 of the USC Trojans makes a reception to score a fourth quarter touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

USC beat Stanford 42-24. This game was a good news, bad news game for the Cardinal. The good news is: Stanford picked off Sam Darnold twice, ran the football well, and didn’t turn the football over. The bad news is: Stanford allowed fout touchdown passes by Darnold, barely completed over 50 percent of their own passes, and gave up 307 yards rushing. I am totally rethinking what I believed about the Stanford defense. They didn’t look as physical and stout as years past. David Shaw’s team may tumble down the power rankings if they do not play better next week.

Week 3 opponent: vs. San Diego State

Congratulations Washington, you beat Montana 63-7. There is literally nothing to say about the Huskies right now. We have not learned much in their first two games. First, they played Rutgers, followed that up with Montana, and have Fresno State in Week 3. Starting the season 3-0 is important but it sucks for fans when top teams have no competitive non-conference games. The Huskies will remain flapping in the Power Rankings wind until Week 4 when they play a decent football team.

Week 3 opponent: vs. Fresno State

UCLA smashed Hawaii 56-23. Following up that thrilling comeback against Texas A&M with a good performance was important for the Bruins. Teams often have huge emotional let downs after games like that. However, the Bruins did not. They were able to dominate. Josh Rosen put on a scintillating performance against Hawaii. He only had three incompletions while passing for 329 yards and five touchdowns. UCLA has a chance to give USC a run for their money for the No. 1 spot in the power rankings over the next few weeks.

Week 3 opponent: at Memphis

USC dominated Stanford 42-24. I was truly impressed with the Trojans offensive line against Stanford. They controlled the line of scrimmage and opened up nice holes for the running backs. Both Carr and Jones II rushed for over 100 yards. USC’s pass defense was also impressive versus the Cardinal.

Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

Their run game still needs a little cleaning up, but that’s just nit picking. The only real area of concern is turnovers. Sam Darnold has thrown two interceptions in each of the Trojans first two game. He will need to protect the football better if the Trojans want to be in the top four of the College Football Playoff.

Week 3 opponent: vs. Texas

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