Pac-12 Football Power Rankings, Week 7: Down goes Washington

If any team could’ve used a bye week, it was the Cougars. They have not looked themselves lately, having lost two games in a row. Coach Mike Leach had some interesting words for his team, and lamented them for their performance.

I think this team is capable of being much better, but an 0-2 start to conference play is not what they were looking for. They’ve given up 105 points their last two games.

The Trojans knew this stretch was coming, with three difficult games against Utah, Washington and Notre Dame that’ll be finished this weekend, and they got at least one win under their belt, but lost to Washington in a game that didn’t feel that close.

I think this team is good, and probably even a top 25 team, but I don’t think this team can truly challenge the best of the best. This may be Clay Helton’s ceiling. Getting Kedon Slovis will help, but if they can’t handle Washington’s defense, Notre Dame will give the Trojans fits.

Man, this team continues to just frustrate the heck out of me. They look awesome against BYU, but then look awful against Stanford and Cal, and struggle to put away USC with a third-string quarterback. The Huskies just seem to lack a killer instinct sort of mentality needed, and it could derail an incredibly talented roster overall.

These next three weeks will really test the character of Washington, traveling to Arizona before playing Oregon and Utah at home. This month will decide if this season is a success or failure.

This team continues to creep up my power rankings, now winning its fourth game in a row. Maybe I’ve still got a sour taste from that Hawaii opener in my mouth, but it’s still hard to see this defense winning a Pac-12 championship. But I can see Khalil Tate being the difference.

They’ve certainly improved, but Saturday will be the big test for this team, playing the Huskies.