Pac-12 Football Power Rankings, Week 7: New No. 1 emerges
By Dana Becker
Dreams of a run to the College Football Playoff were likely dashed for Washington after a second loss this season. The Huskies fell for the first time in conference play, dropping a 30-27 decision in overtime to Oregon.
While that might be the case, they can still reach the Pac-12 title game, but will need to be focused on Colorado this Saturday. Washington, led by quarterback Jake Browning, is averaging almost 29 points and 442 yards per game, with the defense surrendering 16 and 315.
The loss to Oregon snapped a four-game winning streak for Browning and company, which included victories over UCLA, BYU, Arizona State and Utah. Browning has 1,751 yards passing and 10 touchdowns this year, numbers that are still a far cry from his 3,430 yards and 43 scores two years ago.
Myles Gaskin leads the ground unit with 623 yards and five scores, but Salvon Ahmed has grabbed more and more carries by the passing week. Aaron Fuller is the leading receiver with 37 receptions for 589 yards and two touchdowns.
Just when you think USC might be done in the Pac-12, the Trojans find another gear. They picked up a convincing 31-20 victory over previously-unbeaten Colorado this past week, and now prepare for a key meeting with Utah Saturday.
J.T. Daniels tossed three touchdown passes, as Michael Pittman Jr. hauled in two of them for 144 yards. Tyler Vaughns had five receptions like Pittman and a score, as USC used the passing attack to offset a tough night running the football.
The win was a costly one for the Trojans, however, as Porter Gustin suffered a season-ending injury. Gustin, a senior, is currently the league leader with seven sacks this season. He fractured his ankle during the contest with Colorado.
With USC allowing over 360 yards and as many points as they are scoring this year, playing without Gustin will be difficult to overcome. But, the Trojans typically recruit very well, so it will be “next man in” at USC.