Pac-12 Football Power Rankings, Week 12: The end of the Mike Leach era?
By Kyle Grondin
. . . Wildcats . 9. team. 835
Four losses in a row now coming off the bye week, this will be the first game the Wildcats have since changing their defensive coordinator, it’s just hard to see this team winning another game, going on the road to Oregon, then Utah and Arizona State. Is 4-8 enough to keep Kevin Sumlin around? The Arizona State game may be to save himself. Disappointing season for the Wildcats.
Just when I thought the Golden Bears were dead in the water, they rise and lay a beat down on Washington State. Sadly enough, this was the most complete performance from Berkeley all season, as Devon Modster looked good and the defense slowed down the Cougars as much as they could. Surrendering 20 points to a Mike Leach team is a success.
Through six conference games though, Cal has scored 94 points. 33 of those points came in last Saturday’s game. They’re a win away from bowl eligibility, but let’s see it again before we raise this team any higher.
. Beavers . 7. team. 832. .
Oregon State came into the game against Washington as heavy underdogs, but held their own in their best defensive performance of the season. For the Beavers, the little things are the goal this year, and they continue to check a lot of development boxes in my book.
They were able to stare down Jacob Eason, a future NFL quarterback, and intercept him twice. The pass defense was terrific in this one. The rest of the team was the problem.
The Huskies torched Oregon State on the ground, and the Beavers were held to 119 total yards of offense and 1-13 third down conversions. That can’t happen, especially when offense is the team’s strong suit. But baby steps Beaver fans. The process is working.
. Sun Devils . 6. team. 854. .
Losing three in a row is never a good thing, but this is another team that needs to trust their process. Herm Edwards isn’t the best coach, but this team just plays really hard.
USC jumped Arizona State early, but they fought and clawed their way back into this one, and kept it close at the end without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels.
I like this team and their prowess, and I think Edwards will keep them in the Pac-12 discussion in a few years time, but they’re just taking their lumps now.