Week one is in the books, and it didn’t disappoint. Taking off from where “The Year of the Upset” left off, we saw one top 10 team fall to a ranked opponent, and three other top 25 squads get upset to unranked foes.
The Pac-10 is especially interesting, and after this weekends games a lot of questions that were up in the air were finally answered.
That is why I give you the Pac-10 Power Rankings:
1. USC
After what was a relatively close first half against Virginia (24-7), the Trojans pulled away for a big 52-7 win.
Mark Sanchez looked great, and didn’t appear to have any problems with the leg. He ended the game completing 26 of 35 passes for 338 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT. We also got to see the depth of the backfield, with six different backs getting touches.
The Trojans look really tough, they are not only the front runner in the Pac but a legitimate national contender as well.
Next Game: The Ohio State University, Sept. 13
2. Oregon
There was a lot of concern surrounding the Ducks QB situation with Costa out another season and Roper taking over a spread-style offense. After handling Washington 44-10, Oregon’s defense might have put some of those concerns to rest.
Roper, who was named the starter, ended up suffering a concussion early in the game, leaving Jeremiah Masoli at the helm. Masoli took over in the second quarter to complete 7 of 11 attempts for 126 yards and 2 TD.
The Ducks' D helped the cause tremendously by pitching a second half shutout. It will have to continue to play tough to stay on pace with the best in the Pac-10. For now, they are No. 2, but I don’t see that lasting very long.
Next Game: Utah State, Sept. 6
3. Cal
The Golden Bears debut at No. 3 because they played a tougher opponent than most everyone else in the conference. Cal took on Michigan State and took home the win 38-31.
The game was close, and it took an 81-yard run with a little over four minutes left in the game by Shane Vereen to secure the victory.
Cal still hasn’t broken into the Top 25 yet, but the Bears are on the bubble. A couple more W’s and I think we can pencil them in for the time being.
Next Game: @ Washington State, Sept. 6
4. Arizona
Granted, the Wildcats were going up against a bad Idaho team, but they did what any good team should do against a much more inferior squad. Tuitama’s Cats pitched a shutout en route to a 70-point romping of the Vandals.
Willie completed 17 of his 21 passes for 179 yards and 3 touchdowns. Willie now has 47 career touchdowns which sets a school record previously held by Tom Tunnicliffe. Big congratulations to our star.
In the backfield, Nic Grigsby also had a big game rushing for 169 yards on 19 carries and put the ball in the end zone twice.
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3 months ago
Hi Denny,
Good analysis. Like the way you do a thorough summary of each game, along with your forecast for what's coming up.
Think the Ducks will continue to improve and that their win over Washington was just taking care of business.
Agree that UCLA, Oregon State, Washington, Stanford and WSU all have their work cut out for themselves this year.
Keep up the good work.
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