Pac-10 Power Rankings - 11/10/08

The Pac-10 picture has come into clear view this week. USC, despite some struggles, took care of business against CAL and OSU looked solid in its win at UCLA. There are still 3 interesting story lines: (1) Can Oregon State win out? (2) If they can't, who will win the battle for 2nd place and go to the Holiday Day Bowl? (3) Who is worse, the Huskies or the Cougars?

Pac-10 Power Rankings

1. USC Trojans

The Trojan defense carried them against the Bears this past week while the offense struggled. Still, a solid victory for the class of the conference. Anyone could criticize the offense, but I doubt it will make a difference this year against Stanford, Notre Dame, UCLA, or even Penn State (if they play in the Rose Bowl). Of course, if somehow they get into the BCS title game against Florida....

2. OREGON STATE Beavers

Impressive win at UCLA is beginning to make me believe they just might win out and deny USC the Rose Bowl birth. Jacquizz Rodgers is the star of the conference this year. Of course, three tough games yet to go beginning with Cal this week.

3. ARIZONA Wildcats

Back from taking a week off (by playing WSU), they get back into action this week against Oregon. The remaining part of the schedule will determine whether this team is a good team or just a Bowl team.

4. CAL Golden Bears

Good effort against the Trojans, but injuries to running back Jahvid Best and poor QB play have limited the offense all season long. Can still finish 2nd in the Pac-10 with a strong finish beginning with a win at Oregon State. Last chance at a legitimate road victory too.

5. OREGON Ducks

Nice job of beating back the Stanford challenge at home. Now they need to win one decent game on the road. Ducks would like nothing better than to face OSU with Rose Bowl on the line for the Beavers.

6. STANFORD Cardinal

Tough road loss to Oregon, joining the ranks of every other Pac-10 team (except USC) in failing to pull off a road win against a team in the top-half of the conference. Next week, USC. Can lightning strike two years in a row?

7. UCLA Bruins

Defense was impressive in the first half against OSU. However, the second half meltdown was disturbing. Should beat Washington this week, but who cares? Now just playing for pride and the hope of the miracle upset against rival USC at the Rose Bowl.

8. ARIZONA STATE Sun Devils

They allowed Washington to stick around until midway through the 3rd quarter before putting the game away. Looking to end a disappointing season on a high note.

9. WASHINGTON Huskies

Played with the idea of getting a victory before crashing back to reality. Ty Willinghams seems like a nice guy, so I hope he doesn't end his career by losing to, gulp, Washington State.

10. WASHINGTON STATE Cougars

Actually played a little better last week. Perhaps beating the Huskies is possible.

By Manish Pandya
Staff Editor for TheDailySportsHerald.com