Week 10 ATQ Pac-12 Power Rankings

1. Oregon (15-2, 4-0) Last week #2

After a solid stretch to start the conference slate, the Ducks are back up to the top spot in the Pac-12 power rankings. Of course the first week sweep over the ranked Southern California schools was impressive, but honestly I was equally impressed with the second week. After the early scare at Washington with Jordan Bell’s knee and Dillon Brooks foul trouble, the Ducks responded to an easy win. Of course we saw the similar situation on Saturday as the Ducks were left without Dillon Brooks following his ejection.

2. UCLA (16-1, 3-1) Last week #1

Honestly, it’s as close to a tie at the top as possible, but Oregon got the edge with the win. The Ducks also have a bigger margin of victory in the other contests. In games against Oregon State, California and Stanford the Bruins won by an average of 13.

3. Arizona (15-2, 4-0) Last week #3

A very solid stretch to start off the season for the Wildcats as they open up undefeated. However, take that with a grain of salt, as outside of the 39-point drubbing of Stanford, less than ten points decided each of the other games. There’s still no word on the Allonzo Trier situation, if the Wildcats somehow get him back it would ne a game changer.

4. California (11-5, 2-2) Last week #5

Thanks to a one-point victory, I have the Golden Bears hopping over the Bruins for the number four spot. They do already have two conference losses, but they’re by five points against Arizona and ten points against UCLA, so nothing wrong with that.

5. USC (15-2, 2-2) Last week #4

The Trojans drop one spot after losing two games this week, although they’re in a near dead heat with California after the one point loss. What really did the Trojans in was the blowout loss in Eugene, which followed up a less than stellar performance in Corvallis to start the year.

6. Utah (11-4, 2-1) Last week #6

Not a bad start for the Utes to start the conference, but I think there’s still a relatively large gap between Utah and the next group, starting with USC. The win over Colorado by 16 was a good one but what surprised me was the just six point win over Arizona State.

7. Arizona State (9-8, 2-2) Last week #9

Speaking of Arizona State, the Sun Devils are a team that I like in the early going. Sure, they’re 2-2 to start the year but they’ve been competitive in every game. This won’t be an easy win for anyone, especially when playing in Tempe.

8. Colorado (10-6, 0-3) Last week #7

One of the bigger disappointments to start the conference schedule as the Buffaloes have dropped all three games. Clearly the loss of Josh Scott and the interior toughness of last year’s team is still sorely missed.

9. Washington State (9-6, 2-1) Last week #11

Take away the loss to the Ducks, and the Cougars had a blemish free opening two weeks. The best game came as the pulled the upset on the road in the Apple Cup after being down five late. They have some solid players and will be tough at home, I just don’t see them competing in too many on the road.

10. Washington (8-7, 1-2) Last week #8

I really just don’t understand this team. There’s so much talent, but it just seems like they don’t have any interest in playing. The opening weekend loss to Washington State was a huge blow that was followed up with the Oregon loss. They finally got on the positive side with a double-digit win over Oregon State.

11. Stanford (8-8, 0-4) Last week #10

The Cardinal are one of two teams to start off the conference slate winless. The worst came in a blowout loss to Arizona by nearly 40 points. It might just be a “battle” here on out between Stanford and Oregon State for the bottom of the pack.

12. Oregon State (4-13, 0-4( Last week #12

The good news for the Beavers, is that star forward Tres Tinkle might return as early as this Saturday to play in the Civil War. The bad news is that Oregon State has started off the conference slate in an 0-4 hole. To be honest, they’ve actually been competitive in the losses but they just can’t pull out the victory.