Pac-12 Football Power Rankings: #15 Utah upsets #9 USC in Salt Lake City

Pac-12 Football Power Rankings Week 8

 8. Washington State Cougars (4-3, 1-3)

The Cougars have struggled to find the endzone the last two games, averaging 12 points in its two losses against USC and Oregon State. Quarterback Cameron Ward has been good but has had issues throwing interceptions. Washington State ran the ball well against USC but had just 23 rushing yards against Oregon State.

7. California Golden Bears (3-3, 1-2)

The Golden Bears have been a difficult team to figure out. After scoring 49 points against Arizona, Cal has scored nine and 13 points respectively, both losses. What both Washington State and Colorado exposed was how one-dimensional the Bears are. If they cannot run the football, they cannot move the football.

6. Oregon State Beavers (5-2, 2-2) 

The Oregon State Beavers have an opportunity for their third consecutive Pac-12 win against the Colorado Buffaloes Saturday night. If they beat Colorado and become bowl eligible, it will be the first time in a decade the Beavers will go bowling twice in a row. The Beavers have returned to their winning ways by cutting down on turnovers and running the football.

5. #21 Washington Huskies (5-2, 2-2)

After two close losses, the Huskies bounced back with a 49-39 win against the Arizona Wildcats. For Washington, it is a regression to the mean. First-year head coach Kalen DeBoer has brought an exciting offense to Seattle, and quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. has had a resurgence in his career. However, there are some issues on the back end of the defense and that’s why the Huskies have allowed nearly 30 points per game this season.