Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 3: Huskies and Ducks dominate at home

3. Washington Huskies (3-0)

The Washington Huskies are one of the country’s quietest 3-0 teams. While many thought that the Huskies should go after a big-named head coach after Jimmy Lake was fired, they decided to go after Kalen DeBoer, former Fresno State head coach. That move has had positive early returns.

The Huskies have one of the more explosive offenses in the Pac-12 this side of SoCal, and Indiana transfer quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. has resurrected his career. If he stays healthy, the Huskies- who still have a great defense- will be dangerous in the Pac-12. “U-Dubb” opens its conference schedule against Stanford this weekend.

2. Oregon State Beavers (3-0)

Beavers’ head coach Jonathan Smith is out to prove that Oregon State is not a one-hit-wonder in the Pac-12. So far, so good after wins against two solid Mountain West teams in Boise and Fresno State. This weekend, however, is the test for the Beavs.

Oregon State travels to Los Angeles to take on Lincoln Riley and the explosive USC offense. The Beavers can only hope to keep pace with the Trojans in this game.

1. #7 USC Trojans (3-0, 1-0)

Speaking of those Trojans, it is okay to talk about them as a legitimate playoff contender. If the Trojans can play the way they’ve played against Stanford and Fresno State, they will be nearly impossible to beat in the Pac-12. The offense has been both explosive and efficient. The running game has been productive with little volume.

Defensively, they’ve created turnovers to give that offense more possessions. It’s hard to see a Pac-12 football team beating them when firing on all cylinders. The Trojans might not get tested until they play Utah in October.