EnGn Pac 12 week 5 power rankings
Posted by
Eric Bell on Mon, Oct 17, 2011 @ 05:20 PM
Posted on September 29, 2011
We are now 4 weeks into the College Football season and it is time to revise our Pac 12 Power rankings, as EnGn was a bit off on our pre-season predictions. Let’s start out by talking about the obvious; Oregon and Stanford remain the strongest teams in the Pac 12. Oregon suffered an expected loss going up against the mighty SEC. However, can we all just agree that LSU’s defense looked like it could compete on Sundays? The LSU Tiger defense was large, physical, fast, and intelligent and they now hold the #1 ranking in the AP poll. Enough about that game, let’s talk about the Cardinal out of Palo Alto. We believe they have the top QB in the land and also have a very decent running attack to compliment Mr. Luck. They don’t appear to be missing Coach Harbaugh as they are undefeated thus far, but it is early.
The winner of the Oregon v. Stanford game will win the Pac-12 North with ease. Now on to the rest of the Pac-12.
#1. Oregon Ducks- As a Portland, Oregon based Technical full service recruiting firm we may be a bit bias on this pick but it looks like the team from Eugene is gaining steam and momentum (www.goducks.com). LaMichael James rushed for 288 yards against UofA and is now the nation’s leading rusher. Offensive line, our biggest concern in our first blog, is taking shape. A lot of work needs to be done on the defensive side of the ball, but getting Cliff Harris back after his suspension for impersonating a NASCAR event on I-5, should help.
#2. Stanford Cardinal – Steady coach, power game, and the best QB in the land helps the “tree” get our #2 slot. Oregon has to visit Palo Alto this year, which will be interesting.
#3. ASU Sun Devils – After a slaughter of the once mighty USC Trojans, we must pay our respects to Coach Erickson and probably the scariest linebacker in the Pac-12; We aren’t ready to jump on this bandwagon just quite yet as ASU is still up to their usual tricks (penalties and turnovers), which will ultimately cost them a key victory in 2011.
#4. UW Huskies – This “high” power ranking pained me, but UW looks to have playmakers on both side of the ball. Polk is a monster in the backfield and their receiving corp. has major speed and possession type talents. I look for the Huskies to hold onto the #4 spot with their remaining schedule and some big matchups in Husky Stadium.
#5. USC Trojans – Despite a brutal loss to ASU and a weak defense (compared to their title teams), we like the Trojans to end the year strong with heavy gun slinging by Matt Barkley. USC is at risk with Kiffen at the helm, he has called some very questionable games and this will continue to hamper USC’s development.
#6. Cal Bears – Tedford has a very young and inexperienced team on his hands, but he has playmakers and a strong running game again. I see Cal as an up and comer and don’t expect them to rise above #5 on our Power Rankings.
#7. Utah Utes – Don’t know much about them yet as they have yet to play anyone of any significance. This #7 ranking was a complete assumption. However, Utah is led by one of the nation’s top coach’s and we have to respect that.
#8. UCLA Bruins– If you read our first blog, we had UCLA as our #3 surprise. Surprise and joke is on us, the team is absolutely lost at QB and their Coach is on the hot seat – not a good combination in the “League of QB’s”.
#9. Arizona Wildcats– Stoops, need I say more? But I will! Bad defense, horrible defense, and small defense. However, in the Wildcats “defense” they have played three straight top ten teams.
#10. WSU Cougars – Getting better, but a weak non-conference schedule has taught us nothing. Star QB is out with injury, but upon his return I can predict that WSU will pull off some upsets. Watch out Kiffen.
#11. Colorado Buffaloes – Soft, should have moved to the WAC.
#12. OSU Beavers – Winless and lost at QB. Riley on the hot seat, nope, he signed a 10 year contract. I wonder what the buy-out is.
Michael "Cosell" Korn, VP of Sales