Pac 12 Power Rankings Week 3: Can Stanford run the table?

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

Sep 17, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) rushes against USC Trojans defensive back Marvell Tell III (7) during the first half of a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Pac-12 football week three power rankings are now out and my question to you is can Stanford run the table? I will be taking a look at each team and rank them based on performance and their previous ranking.

Pac-12 showed their strength overall in week three. They only lost two out of ten conference games played. The only inner conference game occurred when the Stanford Cardinals (2-0) defeated the USC Trojans (1-2). #22 Oregon (2-1) and Colorado (2-1) were the only teams that were the victims. However, those were close games and tough opponents.

In a closer game that should have been Arizona State (2-1) defeated Texas-San Antonio 32-28. The Road Runners had a 28-15 lead going into the fourth quarter and lead all game up to that point. UCLA (2-1) defeated BYU 17-14 in the closest game of the day.

Oregon State (1-1) got their first victory of the season defeating Idaho State 37-7 and so did Washington State (1-2) as they closed off Idaho in brutal fashion 56-6. Now all teams in the Pac-12 have won at least one game.

Top 25 ranked games included:

I will be using my week two article Pac 12 Football: Week Two Power Rankings as a springboard for my Week 3 Power Rankings article.

Oregon State Beavers

(1-2)

Last week: W Idaho State 37-7Last rank: 12th

Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oregon State Beavers tight end Noah Togiai (81) celebrates with wide receiver Seth Collins (22) and wide receiver Victor Bolden Jr. (6) after scoring a touchdown int he first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Beavers cruise to victory and snap a 10-game losing streak

The Beavers have finally won a game which they hadn’t done in 10 straight games. They did it the old fashioned way by forcing five turnovers and destroying an FCS team 37-7. Oregon State had a 23-0 lead at one point.

”It’s good to get back in the win column, ” said Treston Decoud, who had a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown in Oregon State’s 37-7 victory over Idaho State on Saturday. ”But we’ve got a lot to work on.”

Oregon State has struggled with big plays over the last season up until last Saturday when Victor Bolden Jr. who usually plays wide receiver took a handoff and went 92-yards for the score.

Darell Garretson didn’t have the best day passing the football. He was only good on 50 percent of his passes as he completed 15 of 30 passes for 172 yards and rushed for a score.

The Beavers can now take a sigh of relief as they finally got the losing streak off their back. This should start the belief that they can win. Gaining the confidence now to take on Boise State that has a 2-0 record and took last week off. Then on to the Pac-12 games where they will first face Colorado.

Washington State Cougars

(1-2)

Last week: W Idaho 56-6Last rank: 11th

Sep 17, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Kyle Sweet (17) and Washington State Cougars wide receiver C.J. Dimry (88) celebrate a touchdown against the Idaho Vandals during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 56-6. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

The Cougars get their first win of the season by beating up on the Vandals ahead of the bye week.

It has not been the best of weeks’ for the Washington State Cougars. Several arrests, investigations, and accusations of Pullman police targeting the Cougar players.

“If the other guilty parties are not accused or charged, there needs to be an extensive investigation as to why,” head coach Mike Leach said Tuesday. “How in the world can only football parties be guilty in events depicted like this? It is irresponsible to this town, this community and everybody to have some kind of a double standard where we only focus on one demographic, one group of people, and then drag their name through the newspaper with a bunch of irresponsible comments.”

Idaho took a 3-0 lead before the Cougars finally got going. Washington State put up 21 straight points including a blocked field goal taken back for a touchdown before Idaho could score again. The Cougars then put up 35 straight points including an 11-yard fumble return by Gerard Wicks.

Luke Falk threw for 226 yards and three touchdowns and James Williams rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown, put perhaps it was more of a defensive effort as Leach pointed out.

”We played hard the whole game,” Leach said. ”Defense played better than offense.”

Washington State responded with the best way, by blowing out Idaho by 50 points. The Cougars get next week off before a tough stretch against Oregon, at Stanford and UCLA.

Colorado Buffaloes

(2-1)

Last week: 45-28 L MichiganLast rank: 8th

Sep 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Sefo Liufau (13) passes in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado Buffaloes lose to the #4 Michigan Wolverines in a fight

The Colorado Buffaloes played the #4 Michigan Wolverines as if they were the #7 team in the country and not out of the top-25. They had the lead at the end of the first quarter 21-7, but the Wolverines clawed their way back into the lead by halftime. Even though the Buffaloes were only down by ten heading into the fourth, they could never get any closer.

”The best way to deal with adversity is to not have it,” said Wilton Speight, who was 16 of 30 for 229 yards and a TD. ”We were hoping to not have any adversity. Is that realistic? Maybe not. But when you look at yourself as a good team, maybe a great team, you want to avoid it as much as possible.

”We really couldn’t do anything in the beginning, but we saw adversity in the eye and came back at it.”

Sefo Liufau threw for 246 yards and three TDs before leaving the game with an injury to his right ankle, that they are calling a sprain. As soon as he departed the team began to fall apart offensively. Unfortunately, they had to place the game on the shoulders of freshman quarterback Steven Montez who was nowhere near ready. He could not complete a pass in his seven attempts.

Liufau is listed day-to-day with the injury.

With scaring Michigan on the road in the “Big House.” Colorado has proven they can keep pace with any team while healthy. Their next test will be against Oregon, and if not taken serious enough could really put a damper on a team or two seasons.

*Colorado’s 23rd straight loss to a ranked team.

USC Trojans

(1-2)

Last week: 27-10 L StanfordLast rank: 7th

The Trojans, 1-2 for the first time since 2001

The Trojans will not have any chance of making the playoffs now that they have lost their second game of the season. They still have the potential to win the Pac-12 and go to the Rose Bowl, however.

USC was never really a threat to Stanford the whole game. The Cardinals had a 17-3 lead at halftime, and the Trojans scored their first and only touchdown in the third quarter. It just seems as though USC just can’t find their identity.

Two quarterbacks are being rotated in as both Max Browne and Sam Darnold each took a chance at doing some good. Browne was ineffective completing 18 of 28 passes for 191 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. While Darnold was 5 of 7 for 45 yards but threw an interception.

It seems as though either quarterback can find Ju Ju Smith-Schuster as his spotlight is getting dimmer at the moment. On the season Smith-Schuster only has 11 receptions 99 yards and two touchdowns on the year. USC just won’t win without establishing their star receiver or having consistency at quarterback.

The Trojans have a short week of preparation to get ready for another road game against a smash-mouth team. USC plays at Utah on Friday night.

California Golden Bears

(2-1)

Last week: 50-43 W TexasLast rank: 10th

Sep 17, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Davis Webb (7) passes against the Texas Longhorns in the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Cal won 50-43. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

California defeats #11 Texas in a wild shootout

Not to many gave Cal a chance to defeat the Texas Longhorns in Texas. But, that sure didn’t stop Davis Webb and his connection to Chad Hansen. It went down to the last minute, but after a bonehead by running back Vic Enwere the dust settled and the California Golden Bears were the victors.

”I had a lot of motivation for this game,” Webb said. ”We out-toughed them, we out-physicaled them.”

Webb lead the Bears with his ariel assault as he passed for 396 yards and four touchdowns and scored one on the ground as well. Even better, was that he didn’t turn the ball over once. He also connected with Chad Hansen 12 times for 196 yards and two touchdowns. One of those scores went for the game-winner in the final minutes of play.

This was the game that drew Webb’s attention. He grew up in Texas rooting for the Long Horns and went to Texas Tech for the past three years. The quarterback put the Texans defense in a bind the whole game, and there was nothing they could do to stop him.

”I wouldn’t say there was necessarily confusion, we just didn’t execute,” cornerback Sheroid Evans said. ”We knew what they were going to run, they ran what they were going to run and we just didn’t execute.”

There is no doubt that Cal’s offense has been the biggest part of their victories, but will happen when they face a tough defense. Teams such as Utah, Washington, and Stanford are coming up and they will need to shore up that defensive line especially against the run.

Now Cal will face Arizona State who is coming off a demolishing victory of their own.

Arizona Wildcats

(2-1)

Last week: 47-28 W HawaiiLast rank: 9th

Sep 17, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Brandon Dawkins (13) runs the ball under pressure from Hawaii Warriors defensive back Trayvon Henderson (39) during the second quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona State Sun Devils

(3-0)

Last week: 32-28 W Texas-San AntonioLast rank: 6th

Sep 16, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Dillon Sterling-Cole (7) carries the ball against the UTSA Roadrunners at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

The Sun Devils remain undefeated with an escape victory over Texas-San Antonio

The Sund Devils still roll on without a loss, but there was no doubt that the collective let out a sigh of relief as they beat a team far less talented in Texas-San Antonio (UTSA) 32-28.

Just by looking at the 28 points they gave up to the Roadrunners should speak volumes. Their pass defense ranks last among the 128 teams in Division 1 as they allow 379.3 yards per game. Quarterback Dalton Sturm for UTSA completed 19 of his 37 attempts for 229 yards and no touchdowns, but Strum also put 82-yards on the ground as well.

Arizona found themselves down the entire game, as UTSA took them into the fourth quarter leading 28-15. Somehow the Wildcats found their scoring shoes and put up 17 points to win the game. Kalen Ballage scored on a 2-yard run with 3:15 to play to finally take the lead over UTSA.

Manny Wilkins passed for 264 yards and two touchdowns for the Sun Devils. His first score was a 27-yard pass to N’Keal Harry with 3 seconds left in the first half. Then Wilkins connected with Frederick Gammage for a 45-yard play in the fourth quarter to cut the UTSA lead to 28-25.

With Arizona State kicker Zane Gonzalez hitting two 54 yard field goals, one from 45-yards out, and the other chippy at 26 was the main difference in this game. Gonzalez also became the leading scorer in Pac-12.

This week Cal will take a visit to Arizona, and if the Bears do what they did to Texas this game could get ugly real quick. California, which is second in the nation averaging 453 passing yards per game.

UCLA Bruins

(2-1)

Last week: 17-14 W BYULast rank: 5th

Sep 17, 2016; Provo, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Brandon Burton (15) and linebacker Cameron Judge (4) react after making a tackle at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

UCLA gets the best in a defensive battle against BYU.

UCLA is on their way to fixing their issues they lost to Texas A&M in week one. Their offense is still not where it should be, however, but the defense is getting much better. They proved this when they held BYU to only 23 yards rushing thanks to Jayon Brown who played a large part in it. The linebacker came down with nine tackles in the game.

As for the offense, Josh Rosen has not been the standout he was his freshman season. He hasn’t tanked but the numbers are just not there. For example, against BYU, he passed for 307 yards and two touchdowns but also tossed an interception for the second game this year. On the season Rosen has 917 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions.

”Josh has such high expectations for himself that, sometimes, he lets it get the best of him,” UCLA coach Jim Mora said. ”He has to realize he’s not going to play a perfect game. He just has to play up to his ability level and his capabilities.”

It also doesn’t help that running back Nate Starks isn’t performing well enough to keep the pressure off Rosen. Starks finished with just 39-yards on 15 carries. This shows the significance of Soso Jamabo. The sophomore has 343 yards on the ground with three touchdowns in just two games.

This week they will have their second strong test of the season as they will face Stanford. The same issues they had with BYU have to be gone before they hit the field or the Cardinals will put the hurt on them fast. They average 203.5 rushing per game and will be overwhelming if they can’t stop playmakers such as Christian McCaffrey.

Oregon Ducks

(2-1)

Last week: 35-32 L NebraskaLast rank: 2nd

Sep 17, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Josh Banderas (52) tackles Oregon Ducks running back Kani Benoit (29) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon Ducks defense falters when needed the most in loss to Nebraska

This is a game that Oregon should have won but didn’t because they deserved to lose. The Ducks were comfortably ahead 20-7 at one point in the second quarter, but somewhere in the process couldn’t keep the lead and by the end of the third quarter trailed 28-26. In the fourth, they claimed the lead once again with a touchdown run by running back Tony Brooks-James.

The loss could easily be attributed to the defense, but the offense became stagnant, and they failed to convert on two-point tries. Out of the five times, they went for two, they only made one. When you also throw in the penalties, its no surprise that the Ducks got their wings clipped.

In the fourth, they claimed the lead once again with a touchdown run by running back Tony Brooks-James. Nebraska came back two drives later and scored the go-ahead touchdown when quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. ran for a 34-yard score with just 2:29 seconds left to go in the game.

The new question now is what is the status of Royce Freeman who injured his leg in game action. Freeman is the most important cog in this offense and without him it will become sluggish. Quarterback Dakota Prukop has been solid (748 yards, 6 TDs, 0 INT) but he doesn’t command the attention that Freeman does. Reports suggest he could return in a week or two. Still, there are signs of duress in Eugene.

Reports suggest he could return in a week or two. Still, there are signs of duress in Eugene. Not only with how the offense will respond, but how is the defense going to react after blowing such a lead against an unranked team in Nebraska?

Answers will need to come soon and quick as they will face off against Colorado who have shown their grit by only losing once against a Michigan team ranked in the top five and they took the Wolverines down to the wire.

Utah Utes

(3-0)

Last week: 34-17 W San Jose StateLast rank: 4th

Sep 17, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Utah Utes defensive back Boobie Hobbs (1) runs with the ball against San Jose State at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Utah struggles but comes away with victory over San Jose State

It took a bit before the Utah Utes (3-0) could get things going against the San Jose Spartans. After they did it was basically all downhill from there. The Utah defense thanks to 10 sacks of quarterbacks of Josh Love and Kenny Potter. The defense also turned three turnovers into 17 points and that was the final difference in the score 34-17.

”It’s contagious,” said defensive end, Hunter Dimick. ”As an identity, we’re still trying to build that. This was a step in the right direction.”

Both Dimick and Filipo Mokofisi registered two sacks while eight different Utes collected the remaining. With all the pressure they eventually knocked Potter out of the game with five sacks before the first half could end.

On Offense wide receiver Tim Patrick has looked strong. He gives the Utes a vertical threat and is 19th in the nation in yards with 285, has collected 14 receptions, and all four of Utah’s touchdowns.

Quarterback Troy Williams has been using both his feet and his arm to produce points. Against the Spartans, he threw for 20-28-257-1 and had 28 yards on three carries. On the season, Williams has thrown for 723 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions.

This week the Utes will take on the USC Trojans (1-2) in a critical game for both teams. Utah doesn’t want to slip down the Pac-12 ladder and USC is looking to keep their Rose Bowl hopes alive.

Washington Huskies

(3-0)

Last week: 41-3 W Portland StateLast rank: 3rd

Sep 17, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) throws a touchdown pass against the Portland State Vikings during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Huskies remain undefeated regardless of light non-conference schedule

One cannot be overly impressed with the fact that the Washington Huskies (3-0) remain undefeated. After all, they took down teams such as Rutgers, Idaho, and Portland State. However, they did win all three in impressive fashion outscoring their opponents 148-30.

Washington basically put the game out of reach for Portland State Vikings (1-2) by halftime as the Huskies lead 28-0. The Huskies scored 14 points in each quarter. They added another 13 points in the second half, and the Vikings could only muster three the whole game (41-3).

This offense revolves around sophomore quarterback Jake Browning. He picked apart the Vikings defense by throwing three touchdown passes in the first 16 minutes. He connected with Chico McClatcher twice while Darrell Daniels and Myles Gaskin caught one each.

Browning finished 12 of 19 for 163 yards. However, his low yardage totals were more correlated with Portland State turning the ball over close to their own territory giving Browning a short field to work with.

Jake Browning, who has 744 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and one interception while completing 72 percent of his throws.

As for the running game, Gaskin rushed for 93 yards on 13 carries and scored two touchdowns. While McClatcher caught four passes for 69-yards and two scores.

The Huskies are on the road for the first time next week at Arizona; then, a two-week stretch with Stanford and Oregon.

*UW has scored at least 40 points in the past six games.

Stanford Cardinals

(2-0)

Last week: 27-10 W USCLast rank: 1st

Sep 17, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) carries the ball against the USC Trojans during a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Christian McCaffrey gains 260 yards from scrimmage in dominating win over USC

Christian McCaffrey is beginning to look like either the Heisman Trophy winner or the first running back off the NFL board. Ask anyone on that USC defense they will be sure to tell you after they catch their breath and bleach out the tire tracks left by the junior running back.

It probably helped that he took a week off before starting conference play, but to the Trojans, it didn’t matter. His 260 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns tell that story well enough. According to ESPN’s David Lombardi, McCaffrey has 200 all-purpose yards in 8 straight games, the longest streak by an FBS player over the last 10 seasons.

The game first scoring was a quick strike from quarterback Ryan Burns to McCaffrey which he took 56-yards for the touchdown. With a little over two minutes in the half, McCaffrey scored his second touchdown of the game on a one-yard run.

Looked at Stanford’s offense in its entirety, McCaffrey finished with 30 carries and 165 yards and a touchdown. He also added four receptions for 73-yards and a score. Quarterback Ryan Burns was quiet with connecting on nine of his 15 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown to go along with one interception.