Pac-12 Football Power Rankings Week 2

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The Pac-12 came out of college football's Week 1 with an 8-3 record. Respectable, but there is much room for improvement for many teams.

While there were no big games, there were plenty of storylines to follow.

From the return of the bowl-eligible USC Trojans to Marcus Mariota making his debut for the Oregon Ducks, many Pac-12 games this past week were thrilling to watch just to see teams back in action.

With Week 1 in the books, many are already beginning to separate the contenders from the bottom-dwellers as analysts now have a basis. 

Though there are disparities between various power rankings, similarities can be found between these two: Eugene Daily News and ESPN.

In an effort to further the Pac-12 football analysis around the nation, here are your Week 2 Pac-12 football power rankings.

12. Colorado Buffaloes

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Record: 0-1

Previous game: 22-17 loss to Colorado State

The Colorado Buffaloes did little to show the college football nation that they were any different from the struggling team last season.

Though they did make it a close game and had the opportunity to put crucial points on the board late, the Buffaloes failed to put anything together in a losing effort to in-state rival Colorado State.

11. Washington State Cougars

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Record: 0-1

Previous game: 30-6 loss to BYU

The Washington State Cougars fell flat on their face in the Week 1 opener as they were humiliated by a decent BYU team that could turn out to be one of the better college football storylines of the season.

Though the Cougars appeared rejuvenated during the offseason with the hiring of Mike Leach as head coach, they looked distraught and inept on both sides of the ball.

10. Oregon State Beavers

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Record: 0-0

Previous game: No game (rescheduled due to inclement weather)

The Oregon State Beavers had their game postponed due to inclement weather in the state of Louisiana. They will now face off the Wisconsin Badgers at Reser Stadium in Week 2.

As for now, the Beavers rest here as there is nothing to evaluate them on.

9. Stanford Cardinal

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Record: 1-0

Previous game: 20-17 win over San Jose State

The Stanford Cardinal showed they will definitely miss Andrew Luck this season as they failed to really put anything together against a lackluster San Jose State team.

Though there were definitely some transitional pains, Stepfan Taylor will be a bright spot throughout the year for a Stanford team that may struggle in the years to come.

8. Arizona Wildcats

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Record: 1-0

Previous game: 24-17 win over Toledo

Quarterback Matt Scott looked impressive against a Toledo team that played the Arizona Wildcats fairly competitively throughout the game.

Though they did come out with a victory, there are some clear questions surrounding this Arizona team that must be answered before they start its Pac-12 rankings ascension.

7. California Golden Bears

Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Record: 0-1

Previous game: 31-24 loss to Nevada

The California Golden Bears unfortunately opened their newly renovated stadium with a 31-24 loss to Nevada that saw their touted defense struggle immensely.

Despite their lack of defensive prowess, the Golden Bears' offense looks like an efficient unit that could possibly bring the Bears back to Pac-12 relevance.

6. UCLA Bruins

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Record: 1-0

Previous game: 49-24 win over Rice

The UCLA Bruins looked the part of a vastly improved team as new starting quarterback Brett Hundley and the offense took charge against an overpowered Rice team.

Though the game was fairly close early on, the Bruins showcased their talent and surged past the Owls in marvelous fashion.

5. Washington Huskies

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Record: 1-0

Previous game: 21-12 win over San Diego State

The Washington Huskies and quarterback Keith Price did manufacture a win over San Diego State but it came at quite the price. They lost two running backs for the season and will need nothing short of a miracle to come out of the North with a conference title.

Though the Huskies find themselves depleted due to injury, Price still looks the form of a Heisman Trophy contender and should keep them in many games.

4. Arizona State Sun Devils

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Record: 1-0

Previous game: 63-6 win over Northern Arizona

Although it was against Northern Arizona, the Arizona State Sun Devils looked the part of a Pac-12 contender as their offense and defense shined bright during their Week 1 contest.

For at least one game, the Sun Devils looked like they may contend in the Pac-12 South.

3. Utah Utes

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Record: 1-0

Previous game: 41-0 win over Northern Colorado

The Utah Utes looked like the team they are supposed to be this year, manhandling an overmatched Northern Colorado team.

John White looks the part of a great running back and the Utes look to have the firepower to contend with USC in the South.

2. Oregon Ducks

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Record: 1-0

Previous game: 57-34 win over Arkansas State

The Oregon Ducks dazzled in their home opener as they blew the roof off Autzen Stadium with an astonishing 57-34 victory over Arkansas State.

Though the starters played just a quarter-and-a-half, the Ducks still managed to lead 50-3 and look to be more potent than ever offensively.

1. USC Trojans

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Record: 1-0

Previous game: 49-10 win over Hawaii

The USC Trojans looked nearly flawless in their opening game with a blowout victory over a talented Hawaii squad.

USC used an impressive effort from Marqise Lee and Matt Barkley to cement itself atop the Pac-12 and strike fear into every college football fan not in support of the Trojans.

The Men of Troy are back and seeking a national championship.