Posted on November 8, 2022
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Without any upsets to dramatically alter the notion of the league, the Pac-12 survived one other week within the race for the Playoff.
Oregon continued to dominate, whereas UCLA, USC, and Utah did what they wanted to do.
The four-way race for the Championship Recreation is coming all the way down to the wire, with a de facto elimination weekend simply over the horizon.
The predictable outcomes despatched our Writers and Broadcasters again collectively to supply a brand new energy rating.
The checklist beneath is a composite of every voter’s lists, whereas the person rankings seem within the desk on the backside.
1. Oregon (8-1, 6-0) ◄►
The Geese dealt with Colorado in a dominant vogue that ought to increase their Faculty Soccer Playoff rating.
Margin of victory will stay pivotal all through the remainder of the yr, with the committee respecting bigger wins over shut victories.
And with Bo Nix rising as a Heisman favourite, the sky is the restrict in Eugene.
2. UCLA (8-1, 5-1) ◄►
Without Zach Charbonnet, the Bruins nonetheless put up 50 factors within the desert.
The highway victory is a constructive signal for the depth this system has constructed on offense and the interchangeable items inside Chip Kelly’s scheme.
UCLA has respectable wins within the Pac-12, however possible has too smooth of a nonconference resume to safe a Playoff look with out outdoors assist.
3. USC (8-1, 6-1) ◄►
Something isn’t proper in L.A.
The Trojans had been unable to place California to mattress, permitting the Bears to claw again into the sport with a 21-point fourth quarter.
Mixed with the 24 factors allowed within the second half to Arizona, USC doesn’t cross the attention take a look at.
And whereas the power of its model might proceed to maintain it within the Prime 10 of the CFP rankings, the Trojans don’t seem like a Playoff-caliber crew.
4. Utah (7-2, 5-1) ◄►
In chilly torrential rain, the Utes dominated Arizona.
Shutting down one of the vital explosive offenses within the nation, Morgan Scalley’s group has seemingly returned to type.
There are numerous eventualities remaining to find out the Pac-12 Championship sport matchup, however the Utes possible must win out to make it again.
5. Washington (7-2, 4-2) ▲1
Pac-12 After Darkish took on new that means at Husky Stadium after the lights when out within the fourth quarter on Friday evening.
After the delay, Michael Penix Jr. led the Dawgs on a 92-yard drive to kick the game-winning subject objective, changing three third downs within the course of.
The win put Washington again into the AP Prime 25 and units the expectation for a nine-win season, at minimal.
6. Oregon State (6-3, 3-3) ▼1
Ben Gulbranson threw for simply 87 yards and the Beaver protection couldn’t get a cease when it mattered.
The 262 yards of whole offense was underwhelming contemplating the struggles Washington’s protection has battled via this yr.
The defeat in Seattle opens the door for Likelihood Nolan to regain the beginning quarterback position transferring ahead.
And going through two difficult video games to finish the yr, a seven-win common season is a rising chance.
7. Washington State (5-4, 2-4) ◄►
Nakia Watson will be the key to your entire Coug Raid.
The working again returned to the sphere towards Stanford, placing collectively 166 yards dashing and 29 yards receiving with a landing.
The absence of his velocity and energy was felt within the two video games he missed, leading to an ineffective one-dimensional offense.
However Watson’s return revitalizes the WSU scheme and units the desk for a powerful end to the yr.
8. Cal (3-6, 1-5) ▲2
Despite having one of many worst offensive strains within the Pac-12 in entrance of him, Jack Plummer continues to battle to the tip.
The grad switch had one of the vital productive video games of his profession on Saturday, throwing for 406 yards and three touchdowns.
The shut defeat is arguably extra of a mirrored image on USC, however the Bears ought to take some momentum from the sport.
9. Arizona State (3-6, 2-4) ◄►
Falling quick in a late comeback try towards UCLA, the Solar Devils confirmed their benefit.
Trenton Bourguet took hit after hit, but nonetheless managed to place up 349 yards passing and two touchdowns.
Nonetheless, only a few groups can overcome conceding 50 factors and 402 yards dashing.
With three succesful opposing offenses remaining on the schedule, the ASU protection should step it up, or a three-win season may be unavoidable.
10. Arizona (3-6, 1-5) ▼2
The Wildcats took a step backward in Salt Lake Metropolis.
The poor climate at Rice Eccles Stadium performed a task, however 4 turnovers and plethora of fumbles is inexcusable.
To make issues worse, Jacob Cowing suffered an harm and his standing is questionable transferring ahead.
On the constructive aspect, Tetairoa McMillan as soon as once more proved why he is without doubt one of the high freshman receivers within the nation.
11. Stanford (3-5, 1-5) ◄►
At every other faculty, David Shaw can be proven the door.
However Stanford is a unique animal and Shaw has substantial accomplishments to his identify.
Accidents have performed a task as soon as once more, a relentless theme that has burdened this system over the previous few years. Nonetheless, the Cardinal offense is uninspiring and has been for nearly half a decade.
The query is: How far more can the administration tolerate earlier than making a transfer?
12. Colorado (1-7, 1-4) ◄►
Okicking off their brutal stretch to complete the yr, the Buffs had been taken to the shed by Oregon.
The ten factors scored was the third-fewest of the yr, whereas the 49 factors allowed tied for probably the most.
It’s a misplaced season for Colorado that’s on path to go down as one of many worst in program historical past.
How our Senior Soccer Writers and Broadcasters Voted
—Extra from Dane Miller—
