Pac-12 Power Rankings Week Eight

Oct 12, 2013; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Vince Mayle (1) makes a catch against Oregon State Beavers cornerback Malcolm Marable (22) during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Beavers beat the Cougars 52-24. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Yeah, that seems about right. Week Seven, where the wheels unexpectedly come off for some programs. This is the week where things that seemed to be cruising along just fine seem to hit a bump. Whether this bump is a pot hole or a crevasse has yet to be seen, but the power rankings have been rearranged to meet this weeks new layout.

12. California (6) (1-5, 0-3)

Berkeley, tough season, but hopes hold out that you are not the worst team in the BCS conferences. AAC aside (I am not sure how they talked the BCS conferences into accepting these teams to be on caliber with the SEC), Purdue and Kentucky might be worse than the Bears. Consolation, you get to shove your way past Colorado later this season. This weekend will not be fun hosting the Beavs, just ask the folks in Pullman.

11. Colorado (9) (0-3, 2-3)

The athletic department in Boulder made a wise move in quickly throwing an extra FCS opponent in to replace Fresno on their schedule. God had pity on Boulder on the football field. Charleston Southern is not a cupcake, however, so play wisely, this is your chance for win number three, shockingly bringing the Buffalos to .500.

10. Arizona (18) 3-2, 0-2)

The chance to prove Wildcat validity fell by the wayside last Thursday against USC. A chance to muddy the Pac-12 waters continues in Tuscon, however, with a confident Utah visiting. For now, we expect Zona to wander into the desert sunset wondering when basketball season begins.

9. USC (22) (4-2, 1-2)

Another victory propelled USC to number nine on this list. An opportunity for a signature victory on the season looms in South Bend this week. The long week to prepare and a suspect Irish team give Pac-12 homers a chance at hope.

8. Washington State (23) (4-3, 2-2)

The Oregon schools are taking turns with the boys from Pullman. Oregon State left the Palouse happy, and the journey to Eugene does not seem likely to provide relief. Advice to the Cougs, burn the clock, burn the hell out of the clock, it is the only way to keep this game close.

7. Utah (30) (4-2, 1-2)

The league’s collective hats are off to the Utes (apparently Utes are birds, or so ESPNU told informed us on Saturday). Lady’s and gentleman of the University of Utah, welcome to the Pac-12. Sending Stanford home in shock. The South is wide open, and Utah’s schedule is relatively favorable. A win this week and some lucky breaks could send Utah to the Conference Championship.

Oct 12, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Byron Marshall (9) breaks a tackle by Washington Huskies linebacker Shaq Thompson (7) during the 2nd half at Husky Stadium. Oregon defeated Washington 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

6. Arizona State (37) (4-2, 2-1)

Okay, Devils, remember how amped you were last weekend, ready for revenge but unfortunately Colorado was sitting in front of you instead of Notre Dame? Washington is thinking the same thing, but Oregon is back in Eugene. This will likely get ugly quickly.

5. Oregon State (39) (5-1, 3-0)

Opportunists. Good teams take the chance when their opponents inexplicably (I wish I could find a stronger word) collapsed in a most peculiar fashion. Connor Halliday would have welcomed being swallowed by the earth as the OSU offense seemed to gripe, “dang it, another turn over. I didn’t get any water yet.” Beavers, enjoy bowl eligibility after your visit to the Bay.

4. Washington (42) (4-2, 1-2)

Dawg fans, take solace that you can take your anger out in Tempe after the black out at Montlake manifested in your defense disappearing. If you successfully dispatch the Sun Devils, you can basically coast until mid-November. UCLA remains as the most obvious obstacle remaining. If the top three beat up on each other, you could hold a promising fate in your own hands. You will have know your ceiling when you march into Pasadena.

3. Stanford (51) (5-1, 3-1)

Teams from the Evergreen State will confirm that a motivated and focused Cardinal is formidable. Bruin faithful, be prepared, Stanford will be playing angry. Though UCLA is ranked higher, when Stanford wins, it will not be an upset.

2. UCLA (54) (5-0, 2-0)

Baby bears, with the exception of a Nebraska team that may also be a pretender, your record should not fill you with confidence. You have done your job thus far, now is the chance to prove your merit. Are you worthy of the second spot? Then prove it.

1. Oregon (60) (6-0, 3-0)

Yes, the Ducks had not played anyone of consequence. They needed to prove something, and they did. 50 points were within reach, but amazingly Oregon put the breaks on, surprisingly. Maybe Washington is not as good as we thought, maybe games against Stanford and UCLA will bring the Ducks down to Earth. Maybe Wazzu will march into Eugene and ruin their season. Maybe . . . well, we can dream.

Last weeks rankings are here.