Pac-12 Football Power Rankings, Week 7: New No. 1 emerges

It’s been a tough season for Stanford, as the Cardinal suffered back-to-back losses to Utah and Notre Dame before taking last Saturday off. They’ll return Thursday for a showdown with Arizona State seeking a much-needed victory.

Prior to the string of setbacks, David Shaw’s team appeared set to compete for the league title and a possible spot in the College Football Playoff. But they were exposed in the two losses, allowing 78 points.

Stanford’s usually strong defense is surrendering almost 400 yards per game and 22 points, and will be tested vs. Eno Benjamin and company when the Sun Devils welcome them. Bryce Love, who was the runner-up for the Heisman last year, has battled injuries to the tune of running for just 327 yards and three scores.

When you take the No. 1 team down, you are almost guaranteed to find yourself atop the list. That’s what Oregon did this past week, knocking off Washington in overtime.

While the Ducks did fall to Stanford late last month in overtime, they have looked like the cream of the crop out west with wins over the Huskies and California since. Oregon, behind Justin Herbert, is averaging 43 points per game, with opposing offenses rushing for just 123 yards per contest.

Herbert, who might hear his name called as the top draft pick in the spring, has completed 106 of 168 passes for 1,613 yards with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions. Dillon Mitchell is his favorite target, hauling in 35 passes for 561 yards and five touchdowns.

Freshman CJ Verdell has placed himself atop the depth chart following three consecutive 100-yard performances. Verdell ran for 111 yards on a career-high 28 carries with two touchdowns this past week, as he has four 100-yard games this season.

The Ducks will find themselves in a tough environment, as ESPN’s “College Gameday” will be in Pullman, Washington for the game with Washington State for the first time ever.