Pac-12 Football Power Rankings, Week 8: Washington State makes big jump
By Dana Becker
When you open the season like UCLA did, even a modest two-game win streak is something to be proud of. The Bruins evened their Pac-12 mark with a 31-30 victory over Arizona this past weekend.
Wilton Speight, the transfer from Michigan who won the starting job in the spring before an injury sidelined him, completed 17 of 27 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a talented freshman, added 103 yards passing and a score to give UCLA a 307-yard passing day as a team.
Joshua Kelley continues to look like the featured back, gaining 136 yards on 31 carries with a score. The junior has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in four consecutive games, scoring five touchdowns during that time.
UCLA welcomes in Utah this Friday night for a pivotal contest in the Pac-12 North division.
Just two short weeks ago, some were wondering if Colorado could run the table and get into the College Football Playoff. Now, after back-to-back losses, the Buffaloes are in trouble just to make the league title game.
Washington’s Jake Browning found Aaron Fuller in the final minutes of Saturday’s 27-13 loss by Colorado, which was without star receiver Laviska Shenault, Jr. due to injury. Shenault leads the conference at 130 yards receiving per game.
In his absence, Steven Montez struggled to go downfield, completing 17 of 28 but for just 144 yards. No Colorado receiver had over 37 yards for the game, with Travon McMillian rushing for a high of 86 yards.
The Buffaloes should get the chance to snap their losing ways as they host conference cellar dweller Oregon State Saturday afternoon.
It’s a good thing that USC can recruit multiple star quarterbacks, because as we enter Week 8, the Trojans might be on their third signal caller of the season.
JT Daniels is in the concussion protocol after getting knocked out during a 41-28 loss to Utah this past week. His backup, Matt Fink, was also injured, leaving freshman Jack Sears to potentially attempt his first pass this week.
USC welcomes Arizona State to town and if they want to earn the win, they’ll need more from running backs Stephen Carr and Vavae Malepeai, who were held to just 67 yards rushing.
Despite losing star Porter Gustin to the year two weeks ago, the Trojan defense did record five sacks vs. Utah. They also surrendered 541 total yards, including 341 through the air and four touchdowns.
As long as Utah doesn’t have to play schools from Washington, they have looked as legit conference title contenders this year. Both losses by the Utes came in back-to-back weeks, as they fell at home to Washington, 21-7, and were topped at Washington State, 28-24.
Since that defeat to the Cougars, Utah has surpassed the 40-point mark in three consecutive games, highlighted by the Week 7 win over USC, 41-28. Tyler Huntley completed 22 of 29 for 341 with four touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 33 yards and another score on the ground.
Zack Moss, a junior from Florida, recorded his fourth 100-year rushing game of the season, going for 136 on 25 carries. He now ranks tied for second in the league in yards per game with Arizona State’s Eno Benjmain.
The Utes play their next two on the road at UCLA and Arizona State before returning home in November to meet Oregon.