Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 14: “Rivalry Week” Style
By George Means
Sep 21, 2013; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Tyler Gaffney (25) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
6. Washington State – (39.5) (6-5, 4-4)
Yes, Coug fans we are Bowl eligible, but we are currently number nine for seven automatic slots. Players, if you need that for motivation, we need to send you somewhere this week for reeducation, there are classrooms available. Get rabid, Cougs. The run game is clicking more than it has all season, and Halliday is looking like the last Coug starting QB from the Eastern part of the State. We will have a closer look at Halliday later in the week.
5. UCLA – (49) (8-3, 4-3)
Baby Blue is back. The little brother across town needs to remind SC that they are a broken down shell who doesn’t have a coach. The Bruins have not won in the Coliseum since 1997, but that could easily change on Saturday. Who will show up? The wise man predicts a collection of hard runs, marked with the excitement of home run plays, so pay attention.
4. USC – (58) (9-3, 6-2)
Who saw the Trojans’ resurgence this season? Yeah, right. Saturday night the Song Girls will be out and the USC band will be playing the only song it knows. Let’s just be happy these two teams are in the South.
3. Oregon – (59) (9-2, 6-2)
Class. Oregon just doesn’t have it. First you whined that Leach was scoring on your defense. Later, former Oregon players, when first introduced to an Autzen crowd, were appalled and embarrassed, and flat out said they hated their fans. Then you went and did it: You mocked the Granddad. A link between the Pac and history, the guaranteed place of national prominence every year. Oregon, you have always had this over Alabama and Oklahoma: You could go to the Rose Bowl.
The Football Gods basically said, “yeah, we’re not letting you get away with badmouthing the Rose Bowl.”
Note to Oregon players and fans: stop acting like entitled rubes, you are embarrassing us all.
(T) 1. Arizona State – (69) (9-2, 7-1)
So the Pac-12 Championship runs through Tempe. Strange that the North and South are locked up, and we cannot say this enough: It runs through Tempe. Four weeks ago we thought Eugene, Palo Alto, maybe even Los Angeles (Rose Bowl, not Coliseum). We tip our caps to a strong, balanced program that has parlayed some luck and timing into a steam roller of a team. The Wildcats will not lie down, but they will be fat and happy with duck feathers protruding from their jowls.
(T) 1. Stanford – (69) (9-2, 6-2)
For the 26th year in a row Stanford plays the Irish. This is the rivalry the Cardinal require to amp them up after the Bay Bears failed to arrive last week. Notre Dame will wander onto The Farm meeting a happy and focused Cardinal team. Notre Dame eeked out victories against SC and ASU, so stay awake, and remember that the only fans who feel more entitled than Oregon are at Notre Dame. Go out there and romp the leprechauns.