Ranking the Pac-12: Early Projections and Power Rankings Through Week 5

Through the first five weeks of the season, we've been given a good look at what we can expect from each team going forward. We've witnessed previously respectable teams such as Arizona and Oregon State hit the bottom of the barrel.

 We've also witnessed past losers such as Washington State start off with a respectable 3-1 record, already surpassing their win total from last year.

And of course, teams such as Stanford, who were projected to be at the top of the pack, haven't disappointed so far with a 4-0 record. 

So as we move farther into the college football season, where does each team in the conference rank?

Pac-12 South: No. 6 Colorado Buffalos

As a first-year team in the Pac-12, the Buffalos were projected to be at the bottom of the Pac-12 and rightfully so. Currently at 1-4, the Buffalos rank towards the bottom of the nation in most major categories besides passing offense.

Now, although they have played teams with a combined record of 14-6, it doesn't get much easier with road games against No. 6 Stanford and Washington, and then finally a home game against Oregon. Look for the Buffalos to end the season at the bottom of the conference.

Pac-12 North: No. 6 Oregon State Beavers

Practically no team in the Pac-12 has been more disappointing this year than the Oregon State Beavers. This started with a September 3rd loss to Division 2A Sacramento State—at home. They are 0-4 after their most recent loss to a rising Arizona State team, but don't get me wrong, they have the talent and coaching to have won at least two of those games.

Under Mike Riley, nothing has been consistent this year, starting with the quarterback situation. Riley opted to pull his preseason starter Ryan Katz two quarters into the season, and the freshman backup, Sean Mannion, has been sub-par. With a struggling Arizona team coming to Corvallis next week, the Beavers have a good chance of picking up its first win of the season. But if the Beavers fail to pick up winnable games, it's going to be a long season for Beaver fans.

Pac-12 South: No. 5 Arizona Wildcats

The Wildcats had arguably the hardest schedule in the nation to start the season, playing three top-10 teams. Over these first five games, one problem shined through more than any other: defense. Also, after their last loss to Oregon in Week 4 and an equally poor defensive showing this weekend versus USC (48 points allowed), it's obvious the Arizona coaching staff needs to make adjustments here fast. 

Arizona currently ranks 106th in points against, a stat that needs to change if the Wildcats want to see any type of bowl game. Offensively, the Cats have struggled to find balance, ranking second to last in rush offense.

It does get better, however, with only one significantly tough game at Arizona State. If the proper changes are made on both sides of the ball, the Wildcats have the talent offensively to turn this season around.

Pac-12 North: No. 5 Washington State Cougars

Just 2-10. That was the measly record of the Cougars in 2010. After that rough season, WSU looked forward to 2011, for with a new season comes a fresh start. The Cougars got what they needed to get done in the first two games and by week 4, they'd already surpassed their win total for last year. Although they had a very light preseason schedule, they've won the games in which they were favored, something that Cougar teams of the last two years failed to do.

Major questions include whether they run the ball effectively, and whether they can keep scoring at the rate they have so far (fifth in the nation in points). 

If the Cougars can come through and win consistently against the weaker opponents in the conference, they could easily see themselves in a bowl game for the first time under head coach Paul Wullf.

Pac-12 South: No. 4 UCLA Bruins

Sitting at 2-3, the UCLA Bruins look like their old selves, a middle-of-the-road team, unable to capitalize on considerable talent. Their week 3 matchup against Texas at home was a good opportunity to show everyone that they are for real this year, but they fell short, 49-20.

It is evident the Bruins need to make some improvements offensively in order to succeed. This starts with the quarterback position. The Bruins really need Richard Brehaut to grow into a leader and a solid bet week in and week out. 

After a solid win against the Beavers in Corvallis two weeks ago, the Bruins faced Stanford in Palo Alto but after all was said and done, the Cardinal were too much, topping the Bruins 45-19.

Looking forward, UCLA has a chance to improve in all facets of their game. If nothing changes, however, coach Rick Neuheisel may be forced to look for work elsewhere.

Pac-12 North: No. 4 California Golden Bears

Under Jeff Tedford, the California Golden Bears have experienced some forms of success—for instance, making a bowl game in 2009. Last year, however, despite playing well in certain games (such as against Oregon at home), they failed to make a bowl game with a record of 5-7. 

Early season projections have had the Bears at the middle of the conference with the Washingtons and Arizonas of the league. After a 3-1 start, Cal fans have something to cheer about, as they won the games they needed to against lesser opponents, and although they lost, played respectably against the rising Huskies as well.

Good stats to look at include their ranking of 22nd nationally in passing and 17th in points per game. Unfortunitely for Cal fans, they face all three of the top teams in the conference on the road in ASU, Stanford and Oregon. But if Cal can find a way to pull a few quality wins together against the weaker opponents in the conference, we could see Cal in a bowl game come December.

Pac-12 South: No. 3 Utah Utes

At 2-2, the jury is still out on whether Utah can be a successful team in the Pac-12 South. The Utes, however, have the advantage of an ineligible USC, so at this point, it looks like their only competition on their road to the Pac-12 title game will be the Devils of ASU. 

Utah has had quality wins over opponents such as BYU, but also have had setbacks like their loss to Washington at home this past week.

For Utah to be successful, they need to become a better passing team to balance the offense. They have strength in their run game and that is a great basis for an successful offense. Looking forward, the Utes have a favorable schedule—they don't face either Stanford or Oregon and they play ASU at home.

Look for Utah to contend in the weaker Pac-12 South.

Pac-12 North: No. 3 Washington Huskies

Through five games, the Huskies stand tall at 4-1, this week defeating Utah in Salt Lake City. With their only loss coming to top-10 team Nebraska, the Huskies have put that rather poor showing behind them, excelling on both sides of the ball the past two weeks. So far, the Huskies look like not only a bowl-bound team, but an opportunistic team who may give Oregon and Stanford a run for their money in the Pac-12 North.

The Huskies have the luxury of having a veteran running back in Chris Polk, and so far a consistent QB running the offense in Keith Price. Together, they already have 17 touchdowns and with such a balanced offense, the Huskies are ready to make some noise the rest of the season.

Pac-12 South: No. 2 USC Trojans

Under Lane Kiffin, the USC Trojans have looked good at times, lost most big games, and been really hammered by NCAA sanctions in the first year of his tenure. Yet somehow they still acquire some of the best recruits in the nation yearly.

So far this year, they've had quality wins against Utah and Arizona, but suffered a tough loss at Arizona State. And although they are right around the top of the Pac-12 South, this is all irrelevant for they are ineligible for the Pac-12 Championship game due to those previously noted sanctions.

Nevertheless, I see USC ending up placing second in the Pac-12 South, because their considerable talent on both sides of the ball will get them at least a few more wins.

Pac-12 North: No. 2 Stanford Cardinal

Projected to contend for the Pac-12 title, it seems all the Cardinal needs to worry about is a November 12th clash with the Oregon Ducks. And although they haven't been tested yet this season, it's obvious the Stanford Cardinal are for real with their No. 6 national ranking. 

Behind Andrew Luck, the Cardinal are poised to keep winning without cease anytime soon. So far they've played no one significant, so its hard to take anything away from these statistics, BUT they have averaged just 11.5 points allowed while scoring 46 points per game, good for fourth and ninth rankings, respectively.

We should note, however, the loss of linebacker Shayne Skov, a huge part of the Cardinal defense. He is out for the season with a knee injury suffered versus Arizona. Luckily for Cardinal fans, they are deep at all positions and are generally a favorite to win the Pac-12 North.

Pac-12 South: No. 1 Arizona State Sun Devils

After a disappointing loss at Illinois, we really saw what the Sun Devils were made of two weeks ago with a formidable victory over USC at home. With this past victory, it seems as if the Devils are the favorite to win the South. They have a great quarterback in Brock Osweiler as well as a talented defense.

Looking forward, they have only two tough tests: on the road in Eugene versus the Ducks of Oregon, and in Salt Lake City against Utah, in a game that will most likely decide the South champion.

With a very experienced head coach in Dennis Erickson, the Devils of Tempe look poised to not only compete for the South title, but after a bad Utah loss to Washington this weekend, the Devils may have less competition than originally expected.

Pac-12 North: No. 1 Oregon Ducks

Standing at 3-1, the Ducks are on the rise again after a tough Week 1 loss to LSU, the current No. 1 team in the nation. We saw this high-powered offense at top form two weeks ago scoring 56 points versus Arizona. The talented Oregon offense currently ranks second in the nation in scoring offense, and sixth in rushing offense.

The Ducks are deep at running back with Kenjon Barner and of course LaMichael James. They have an experienced QB in Darron Thomas, and with an offensive line showing big signs of improvement, the offense of Oregon is once again a force to be reckoned with.

The major questions for the Ducks and coach Chip Kelly though lie in the defense, primarily in the secondary. The Ducks have returning starters at safety, but lack consistent play at defensive back, especially with the suspension of speed demon Cliff Harris, still working his way into the lineup. 

It'll come down to the Ducks and the Cardinal in the Pac-12 North, just as everyone thought. Although right now the popular pick may be Stanford for that November 12th tilt, I believe the Ducks have the big-game experience, coaching, and talent on offense to edge the Cardinal in the end.

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