PAC-10 Power Rankings 11/30/08

This past week the Ducks gleefully took away the Beavers' Rose Bowl birth with a 65-38 domination in Corvalis. Barring a miraculous upset of the Trojans next week by their rivals at UCLA, Mike Reilly and his bunch will be relgated to either the Holiday Bowl or the Sun Bowl. Don't expect anyone associated with Oregon Staet to be able to forget that game for some time. In the only other Pac-10 game, the Bruins offense found a way to defeat their defense in a 34-9 loss at ASU. Let's see what that did to the Power Rankings.

1. USC TROJANS

A comfortable 38-3 blowout of the pathetic Fighting Irish was just another reminder of the Trojans traditional dominance in November. As far as the Pac-10 is concerned, order has been restored. USC fans must be relieved to know that even if the don't play in the BCS Championship Game the Trojans will be assured of another Pac-10 crown with a win over their rivals.

2. OREGON DUCKS

The "Civil War" was more like a WWII blitzkrieg with the Ducks going up 37-10 in the first half. Oregon's 694 yards of offense reminded us once again of what their potential on offense is against mediocre defenses. The 65 points was the most ever scored on OSU and Ducks senior wideout Jaison Williams summed it up best, "To go out and ruin somebody's dream like that, it feels really good." Oregon's joy is the Pac-10's disappointment however, as now there is no hope of having 2 BCS teams.

3. OREGON STATE BEAVERS

Let me get this straight. The Beavers failed to show up for the 1st half of a game that would have put them into the Rose Bowl? Inexcusable. Okay, without star Jacquizz Rodgers out there, the offense could have struggled some. But that wasn't the real problem. In the end no team that gives up 694 total yards of offense deserves to go to the Rose Bowl.

4. CAL GOLDEN BEARS

A loss by Oregon State now means barring a disgraceful loss to the Huskies Cal will likely finish 4th in the Pac-10. Gone are dreams of any significant game in the Holiday Bowl against a high-profile Big 12 opponent. Expect Cal to play in the Emerald Bowl in San Francisco where they should blow out whoever they play.

5. ARIZONA WILDCATS

The Wildcats had a bye and are pretty secure here regardless of what happens, although a loss to ASU would bring a bitter end to their regular season.

6. STANFORD CARDINAL

Did not play. Could drop further if ASU pull off the upset next week.

7. ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS

Rudy Carpenter looked awful in his final home game as did the entire ASU offense. Luckily, they were playing the Bruins and their ultra generous quarterback Kevin Craft whose fumble and 3 interceptions led to 28 points. A win next week would begin the process of rebuilding.

8. UCLA BRUINS

The Bruins gave up only 122 yards to ASU while gaining 306 yards. The defense under Dwayne Walker has basically done a solid job once again. However, the turnover prone Craft has probably lost several games all on his own. Will things get any better next year? Only if returning medical redshirt QB Patrick Cowan can stay healthy. Despite all of this, if the Bruins beat the Trojans next week I'll move them up to #5.

9. WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS

Must still be basking in the glow of their Apple Cup win.

10. WASHINGTON HUSKIES

Their is no way they should beat Cal, but maybe they'll get fired up Ty Willingham's last game? Don't expect it. They play with as much overt enthusiasm as their coach. If they do win though, I'll move them all the way up....to #9.

Manish Pandya
Staff Editor of The Daily Sports Herald