Pac-12 Football Power Rankings, Week 11: Mike Leach, Wazzu in front

The season hasn’t quite went like Washington wanted or hoped, but with two games left, the Huskies can still play for the conference title and a spot in a big-time bowl game. That’s assuming they can get past Oregon State this week ahead of the Apple Cup and Washington State.

Washington was off this past Saturday, enjoying the fruits of its 27-23 win over Stanford from earlier in the month. Jake Browning has found his rhythm as of late, with senior Myles Gaskin returning to form.

Gaskin ran for 148 yards vs. Stanford, his third 100-yard game of the season. All three losses by Washington have come by a combined 10 points, and Gaskin did not reach triple digits rushing in any of those games.

It’s been nothing short of a perfect storm for the Cougars as of late, as Mike Leach’s bunch have proven they can win close games and defensive battles.

After scoring a 19-13 victory two weeks ago at home over California, Washington State put up 31 points in a convincing victory vs. Colorado this past week. The Cougars have now surpassed the 30-point mark in eight games this year.

Led by Gardner Minshew, Washington State remains atop the Pac-12 North with games vs. Arizona and Washington remaining on the docket. The Cougars are unbeaten at home, earning wins over San Jose State, Eastern Washington, Utah, Oregon and California so far this year.

Minshew, a graduate transfer from East Carolina who briefly flirted with attending Alabama, threw for 335 yards vs. Colorado. He has 10 games this year with at least 319 yards, including five over the 400-yard mark.