BN Pac-10 Power Poll: Week 3
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Sep 21, 2009 12:00 PM PDT
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Another wild week of Pac-10 play that saw a major upset (Washington), a couple lost opportunities (Oregon St., Arizona) and a solid win that answered some questions (Oregon). This week, conference play begins in earnest as there are four games between conference foes, including one on Versus thanks to our crack conference office.
Player of the Week: Jake Locker, Washington- Locker's numbers were solid (21-35, 237 yards), but his impact could not be measured in numbers anyways. Anyone who watched Washington's upset of USC knew who the best player on the field was and the final drive was perfectly orchestrated by Locker.
Stat of the Week: 15- Utah had a 15 game win streak entering last week, which was tops in the nation. That win streak came to a end as Oregon beat the Utes by a pair of touchdowns as they showed flashes of being the team everyone hoped they would be in the preseason.
Game to Watch: Cal at Oregon, 12:30 pm PDT, ABC- Some people are already talking about USC's trip to Strawberry Canyon in two weeks for a matchup that could determine the conference champion, but Cal has themselves a major test on their hands this week as they visit Autzen Stadium and a rejuvenated Ducks squad.
Pac-10 Power Poll
1) California Golden Bears, 3-0 (four first place votes)- For reasons unknown to anyone but himself, Jeff Tedford put the man who would eventually score five touchdowns, Jahvid Best, on the bench for stretches of the second half. It wasn't enough to give Minnesota the game though as the Bears prevailed on the road by two scores. A trip to hostile Autzen Stadium awaits. Last week: 1
2) USC Trojans, 2-1- There's not much to say about their loss to Washington that hasn't already been said, but the loss has put the Trojans' back against the wall. If they want to win another Pac-10 title, they may have to win out and with road games at Cal, Oregon and Arizona St., that won't be easy. Last week: 2
3) UCLA Bruins, 3-0- It wasn't the prettiest of wins, but what does it say about the strides this program has taken that parts of their fanbase is now complaining wins? Does any team in the conference instill confidence in being able to win any game, but the same fear that they could just as easily lose any game? Such is the mindset of a rebuilding program.Last week: 4
4) Oregon Ducks, 2-1- After their embarrassing showing in Boise to open the season, this weekend's win over Utah meant a lot to the Ducks. Now, this Ducks team carries plenty of momentum into conference play, which opens with a visit from a top ten team in Cal. Oregon has their chance to make a statement. Last week: 6
5) Washington Huskies, 2-1- Steve Sarkisian and the Huskies have themselves a win they can hang their hats on for quite some time, but anyone who has seen this team knows that they're not a one week wonder. They probably wouldn't beat USC every week, but they're a solid team led by the conference's best QB and will give everyone they play problems, including this weekend's opponent, Stanford. Last week: 9
6) Stanford Cardinal, 2-1- A comfortable win over San Jose St. last week was important for a program on the way up that needed to prove they can take care of the minnows. Now, with their eyes set on a top half Pac-10 finish, the real season begins for Jim Harbaugh and Co. Last week: 7
7) Oregon St. Beavers, 2-1- Surprisingly, it was their running game that failed the Beavers in their loss to Cincinnati last week. 240 yards passing would usually be enough for this team, but 2.9 yards per rush is not for a team which leans on their running game. The loss to Cincy was an opportunity to make a statement, but they better rebound because Arizona is coming to town. Last week: 3
8) Arizona St. Sun Devils, 2-1- No one is quite sure what to make of this team. After all, what can you make of wins over Idaho St. and Louisiana Monroe, but this week they go to Georgia to take on the Dawgs. That one will answer a lot of questions. Last week: 5
9) Arizona Wildcats, 2-1- The danger of scheduling the way Arizona does is that one game can make or break your image. That game for them was last week at Iowa, where they hung around, but were never really in control as they fell to the Hawkeyes. The Wildcats look okay, but nothing special and Pac-10 play could be a rough one for them as they open at Oregon St. Last week: 8
10) Washington St. Cougars, 1-2- They won a game! Down 24-7 to SMU, the Cougs fought back to tie the game at 27's, thanks to a pair of interceptions returned for touchdowns. It then took a second overtime, but I don't think Wazzu is complaining about the style with which they won. A trip to USC this week will be a bit different than a visit from SMU though. Last week: 10
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3rd seems high
I agree that we can win or lose almost any game on the schedule. But that is also an improvement over previous years where you knew deep down that there were games that we had very little chance to win.
greg in denver - UCLA guy for life
3 is a wee bit high...
with all UCLA’s youth on the offensive side. Move UW and Oregon up to 3 and 4 with UCLA in the 5 slot.
by GogetemBruins on Sep 21, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed
we can’t go simply based off wins vs. losses. Udub beat U$C & lost to a top opponent in LSU. Pretty impressive. Same with Oregon. They lost to a still underrated Boise St. squad. until we have some sort of consistency at the QB spot, its pretty difficult for me to say that we are 3rd. 3.UW, 4. Oregon, 5.UCLA
My votes
Agree. 3 spot is too high for us (at least for now):
1. California
2. Southern Cal
3. Stanford
4. UCLA
5. Washington
6. Oregon
7. Arizona State
8. Arizona
9. Oregon State
10. Washington State
Maybe OSU a little higher
N, your 10 looks almost identical to what I would have right now. My only change would be to move OSU above Arizona since they did play Cincy (they only Big East team that is any good) pretty tough this week . However, it seems that their offense is way too dependent on the Rogers’ brothers and their D isnt as good as previous years, so you might be right on this.
You might be right about Oregon State
I am just not sure enough about ASU, Arizona or Oregon State. We will know a little more after next 2 weeks.
Stanford #3?
Maybe they are the eventual real #3 team in the Pac 10, but for now I don’t see it. They lost at unranked Wake Forest. Meanwhile Oregon lost at ranked Boise St. and Washingtons only loss againt #7 LSU at home. For that matter OSU lost to #15 Cincinnati. So how is Stanford ahead of these teams? They can improve their stock in the next two weeks, but until then….I would push them down to #7, just ahead of ASU, and Arizona.
The thing that is clear…#3-7 is up for grabs at this point.
by 84 on Sep 21, 2009 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed
I voted for us at #4, but I can’t really complain with ranking any of those teams 3-7. It’s too easy to make an argument for and against each of them in each of those spots to have any major issues with any of them in any of those spots.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Sep 21, 2009 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions
...but not even IN the National Rankings?
What gives? 3-0, a solid win ON THE ROAD at Tennessee (who gave No.1 Florida somewhat of a run for their money AT the swamp), and UCLA’s not even CLOSE to being ranked in the top 25!?! (30th & 33rd in voting in the AP & USA Today polls, respectively). My past experience, 3-0 for any Pac-10 team is usually an automatic entry to the rankings, even against 3 patsies.
we've got a lot to prove
I’m glad we’re not ranked. We don’t deserve it yet. But I like our direction and hope we keep playing well so that we do get there soon enough.
by RealisticBruinFan on Sep 21, 2009 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions
flying under the radar
I kind of like flying under the radar. I still think we are a team whose offense lacks a “killer mind set”. We’ve really not scored that many points by touchdown. When we get to the red zone and score more touchdowns than field goals I’ll feel a whole lot better about this team. We have too many penalties that do one of two things, kill our drives or keeps the opposing team’s drives alive. Right now the only bad thing about not being ranked, the east coast isn’t paying too much attention to us.
We're still
paying for last years jump into the top 25 after the Tennessee game. We made the AP look bad by losing 50whatever-0 the following week.
AP + BCS = Gator Crap
I agree. I like being under the radar. Solid performances outside the SEC, Big10, ACC, & The Irish are always neglected by East Coast bias anyway. The vast majority of Pac-10, WAC, BigXII, & MWC fans I know agree these polls & the BCS in general are sad jokes, because they never reflect reality. Latest examples: Ute’s going undefeated & then trashing Bama last year or a 1 loss Texas team losing a nail bitter to TT & still falling off the radar. At least Texas & USC lost road games, but Florida lost to Ole’Miss in the swamp & still went to the title game. “Strength of schedule”, please. We’ll never know till we have a play-off. This year Florida is still number 1 after 2 tune-up games & beating the Vols by only 10 at home— we all know the East & ESPN is in love with Meyer & Tebow, but this system has gone beyond obvious bias. It’s a NATIONAL JOKE.
Anyway, if I’m not mistaken, the last time UCLA was 3-0, they finished 10-2 in 05, losing ugly road games to Arizona & USC, but still finished in the top 20 & went bowling (Sun Bowl UCLA 50, Northwestern 38). I dare say this squad’s D & leadership is better then that team. Now if they can elevate their offensive play to match M. Jones-Drew/Mercedes Lewis/Drew Olson “cardiac kid 4th Qtr miracle level” :) they’d have a shot at matching or even besting that 05 record. Will it happen with the weapons they have now? Well, the potential is there, and the running game is starting to gel behind a much improved O-Line, but QB play is still a work in progress. So no not yet, & their play calling reflects D performance right now- example: CRN was planning to take a safety anyway in the Vol game. Who knows folks, stranger things have happened. Who’d have thought U-Dub would best USC, or UCLA would beat the Vols in Knoxville?- RIGHT?
BTW: You can't spell Trojan without OJ. UCLA GO FIGHT WIN BABY!
by Bruin4ver on Sep 21, 2009 1:53 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
This is a lot
better than my fanshot. I’ll delete it to prevent confusion.
My question for the day
and it will be next week too, if we win. Is 8 wins still delusional?
In no way is it delusional
I said it before the year started that this team could win 8 games if it got a few breaks. They’d have to play above their heads at times, but that it was possible. I still stand by that comment. Now, in no way should 8 wins be the expectation, but it’s possible.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Sep 21, 2009 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Looking at the rest
of the PAC-10. I’d say 7 wins before the bowl game should be fairly attainable. We’re measuring up pretty well to the rest of the PAC right now. We’d even look a lot stronger without the huge number of penalties we’re getting, and that can be reduced quickly. I certainly don’t foresee that problem getting worse in future match ups.
delusional, no, but still ahead of ourselves
i am intrigued at the potential we have this year to do amazing things. i’d like to note we get Cal at HOME this year, which we’ve done pretty well :) we haven’t lost since 2000 I believe? Tedford has never won here in LA :D
hence with that in mind, I’m starting to indeed hope for more than simply a “bowl game” this year. if the bruins can put together a legit offense and stop getting penalties x_x then the team would indeed be a force to be reckoned with. unless USC steps up on offense, i’m looking forward to this year’s game; 13-9 anyone? :)
I'd like to get to SC with a bowl game secured
if that’s the case I’ll really be looked forward to it. If we needed to beat them to make a bowl, I’d be concerned and not nearly as giddy.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Sep 21, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions
SC will be tougher
at the end of the year this year. They are stacked with young talent on defense and will improve faster than most other teams, assuming they haven’t had too much coaching talent running off for prime jobs in other parts of the country and leaving them without capable teachers. The coaching didn’t look too hot against Washington…
I think 3 is a bit high. And UW is a little too high.
My power rankings would go like this:
Cal – Duh
Oregon – For beating a good team with the nation’s longest win streak, and for losing (however embarrassing) to a ranked team
USC – Yeah, I know. But they were missing Taylor Mays. And I have to believe it would have made a difference.
UCLA – As geeked as I am about our 3-0 start, We really have to settle for fewer field goals and punch it in with greater determination.
Stanford – Who we have to prove we can beat.
Washington – Their game against LSU was all the proof I needed they were headed in the right direction.
Oregon State
Arizona State
Arizona
Washington State
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
we should be...
in the top 25. Reading the WWL pac blog and ted miller made a great point. Nebraska is in the T-25 and they are 2-1 with the wins being over Arkansas St and Florida Atlantic.
That of course doesn’t mean I think we are one of the top 25 teams in the country…yet. the potential is there but the team will need to keep working and keep improving for that to happen.
CRN was on the Harman & Myers show and when asked about the rankings CRN said it’s more important to be randed at the end of the season. I would have to agree with that.
I think it's safe to say
our current record should put us in the top 25 in terms of performance and quality wins thus far. Hell, we have more quality wins than Florida at this point! However, we probably aren’t in the 25 best teams. If we beat Stanford and Oregon, I’ll amend that statement.
Bruin TD's
I’m comfortable w/ 3, then again I say we will go beyond 8 wins! However, the offense is going to have to start scoring TD’s & the only way I see us doing that is by creating mis-matches — particularly with Presley, Carroll, & Thigpen. Those red-shirts are being burnt for a reason.
As for SC, yeah they will get tougher, but their days of dominance are finished. Pete was ultra-pissed losing Sanchez knowing what he had in reserve wasn’t even close. Also their D is a shadow of what it was last year, & their offense (despite all the talent) has been inconsistent at best & inept in crucial situations. Resent SC loses have been single digit ones because their formula for success has been solid D & spurts of 5 star O play making ability. The talent is there, but the minds behind it are not. Obviously losing Sark & Holt to U-Dub was more serious then the pundits thought.
BTW: You can't spell Trojan without OJ. UCLA GO FIGHT WIN BABY!
We'd have several more
touchdowns if it weren’t for all the penalties we’re getting near the end of our drives.
Yeah,
we’ve been our own worst enemy in the red zone, but were not exactly punching it in with the speed we have either. I hope that KC-to-TA bomb vs. KSU isn’t lost on the coaching staff in the run-up to the Stanford game.
BTW: You can't spell Trojan without OJ. UCLA GO FIGHT WIN BABY!
I know this is not big of me
but on a weekend that saw our Bruins go to 3-0 and $c lose to a Pac-10 team, I couldn’t help myself. I read all the articles I could find on both games. And, I enjoyed every one of them thoroughly.
We’re familiar with Fox’s sobering and dead-on $c epithets:
You can’t spell “SCandal” without “SC.”
You can’t spell “trOJan” without “OJ.”
Following a weekend of delight in Cheatey and company’s egg-laying visit to the Northwest, I submit a possible addition to the list:
You can’t spell “SChadenfreude” without “SC.”
by Bruinut on Sep 21, 2009 6:25 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I enjoyed
listening to espn radio this evening. Don’t know the guys name but he was basically admiting to being on suicide watch after the game. I have relatives that decided not to come watch the mayweather vs. marquez fight because they were so bummed out. It really was a great weekend.
You're right
spell To name or write in order the letters constituting (a word or part of a word).
Is there anything more gratifying, on the $chadenfreude side, than seeing Cheatey’s smarmy, half-grin, look of pain following a loss?
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