I think it is fair to say that if the conferences were in the power rankings the PAC 12 would be top three. Most of the schools in this conference are either going to make a bowl or right on the cusp of making a bowl. It is clear to say that the PAC 12 top to bottom is better than the Big 10 and ACC, right there with the SEC and Big 12.
Tier 1 Power Rankings: Playoff Contenders
#1 Oregon
This is not a shocking reveal at number one in the power rankings. I am honestly shocked that Bo Nix didn’t Bo Nix and screw everything up. He played phenomenal against the Bruin defense. The best game he has ever played running the ball, throwing the ball, making every right read. If this is how the Ducks are going to look the rest of the year, maybe they get revenge on the Bulldogs in the playoff. The Bruins could not stop the Ducks in the second half. The play calling was perfect, keeping UCLA off balance the whole time. I never thought I would say this, this year watch out for the Ducks!
#2 UCLA
Now, everything I said in the above paragraph is true. The defense just could not stop the Ducks, but the Bruins offense was also played very well. If they didn’t settle for field goals in the first half and if the onside kick went their way, it is a tie game. DTR played a great game and Charbonnet had over 150 yards on the ground. The Bruins just ran out of time. I really want to see a rematch of this game in the conference title game. If the Bruins win and other things around the country fall their way, the playoff is not out of the question for this UCLA team.
#3 USC
This team may be third in the power rankings this week, but they control their own destiny. If the Trojans win out, beating UCLA in the process, they can play the Ducks for the PAC 12 title. If that happens and the Ducks are undefeated and the Trojans are too, that is a play in for the playoff, I think. You can not turn down a one-loss PAC 12 champion this year. The conference is too strong for that. Caleb Williams and the offense needs to realize this and also that everything they want is still right out ahead of them.
Tier 2 Power Rankings: Good Teams
#4 Utah
The Utes are in this spot in the power rankings because while they can win the PAC 12, they can not make the playoff. Unless everyone loses every game and pigs fly, the Utes can not be one of the four, because of the bad loss to SEC bottom feeder Florida. They can however win the title in this conference and play for a very good New Years Six Bowl game. Cam Rising is playing very well for the Utes, even though I talked trash about this team on twitter, I think they are good.
#5 Washington
I am only putting the Huskies ahead of the Beavers for motivation. Now I don’t think my articles make it all the way to Corvallis, but a guy can dream. Both teams have losses to PAC 12 teams, and while the losses that Oregon State have look a little better, I want Washington here. I want the Beavers to be the underdog in two weeks to beat this team. I am still not sold on Micheal Penix Jr. even though he has great numbers; he will screw it up in a big game for the Huskies. So, yeah, I am hedging this power rankings. Fight me.
#6 Oregon State
Yes, I know Chance Nolan’s stats are not the best. Football is a team game and this team is why I love college football. They are a hard nose, blue collar defense that can compete with any team. The offense can make big plays if put in the right spot. The only two losses the Beavers have this year are to teams in the top four of the PAC 12 power rankings, one being a very close loss to USC. If they beat Washington in two weeks, they could win out until they see the Ducks for the Civil War. Everyone knows things get weird when playing a rival and they could dismantle Oregon’s playoff chances.
Tier 3 Power Rankings: Bowl Teams
#7 Washington State
The Cougs have had an up and down year, but always competing. They should have beaten number one in the power rankings, Oregon. They beat a Big 10 team and have been in every game all year. This team, with Cameron Ward leading them is dangerous. No one will want to see WSU in the final third of the year, or in a bowl game. The offense can absolutely erupt out of nowhere, while the defense can lock up your best players. If this team can put together 60 minutes of their best football, they can beat anyone.
Tier 4 Power Rankings: Arizona Schools & The Rest Of Cali
#8 Cal, Stanford, Arizona, Arizona State
Look, I usually group teams up to bash them for being bad. The thing is, all of these teams while under .500 play hard. They all compete and rarely aren’t in a game. Cal almost beat Notre Dame, while Stanford did. The Wildcats hung with Washington and the Sun Devils beat the Huskies. The bottom of the PAC 12 is the best bottom of any conference in football in my opinion. Each of these teams for one Saturday can hang with the top of the conference.
Tier 5 Power Rankings: Just Bad
#9 Colorado
This team is just bad. Sorry, Buffalo fans, this year just ain’t it. Get a new coach, new scheme and some play makers and you can move up in the power rankings. This team scares no one, absolute doormat. Will finish the year with one win.
This one was actually fun to write, minus the last team. Like I said, top to bottom this league is tough. They still have three teams that can make the playoff, and the middle to lower can compete with teams nationally in the same spot. SpikedJohnnyB is never wrong. Come check out the podcast and tell me I am.
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