Pac-12 Football Power Rankings, Week 8: Washington State makes big jump
By Dana Becker
Needing a big play from senior quarterback Jake Browning, Washington received just that, as Browning hit Aaron Fuller for the go-ahead points in a 27-13 win over Colorado.
Now, with Stanford and Washington State still to come, the Huskies are in control of their own destiny starting this week at California. Win out, and Washington will claim the North division title.
Browning, who had thrown for at least 200 yards in his previous four games, was held to just 150. That, though, was enough for the win thanks in large part to a 201-yard rushing performance spearheaded by Salvon Ahmed‘s 73 on just nine carries.
The Huskies also flexed their defensive might, limiting Colorado to 144 yards passing.
Why does it always seem as if Stanford winds up on top even when they don’t impress? The Cardinal struggled with Arizona State this past week, but thanks to a pair of big early season wins and a loss by Oregon, here we are with David Shaw‘s bunch at No. 1.
It’s been a difficult season for Bryce Love, as the former Heisman runner-up was limited to just 21 yards vs. Arizona State. Injuries have hindered what was supposed to be another breakout season for Love, as he has just 348 yards this year and three touchdowns.
Last year, Love had three rushing touchdowns in two separate games, including a 301-yard, three-score performance vs. the Sun Devils. He has cracked the 100-yard mark just once this season, running for 136 vs. USC back in early September.
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K.J. Costello has kept Stanford afloat, as he threw for 231 yards this past week and completed 22-of-29 passes in the process. Others have stepped up as well, including Cameron Scarlett and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside.
The Cardinal will welcome in a red-hot Washington State team this Saturday in another key Pac-12 North showdown.