Upon Further Review: Sept. 8, 2007

After two weeks, the best team in the Pac-10 is … Washington?

In a conference where everyone keeps showing weakness, the Huskies have rolled up two impressive wins by running the football and stopping the run.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Jake Locker (61 percent completions, 6.64 yards per carry) has shown incredible poise, especially in dealing with the tremendous expectations placed upon him.

Louis Rankin is helping him out (84 yards, 2 touchdowns against Boise State) along with a defense that has shown more presence than more touted units like Arizona and UCLA.

And, oh by the way, it turns out that Ty Willingham can coach and recruit a little (66 points in two games against 13 for the Irish).

Add it all up and this could be the surprise team in all of college football.

UCLA 27, BYU 17

The Bruins surrendered 391 passing yards this week, after giving up 331 to Stanford last Saturday.

So, what’s the problem?

They did so against teams that absolutely, positively could not mount an effective rushing attack.

What happens when UCLA faces Cal or Oregon or Arizona State, all capable of spreading them out with multiple receivers and still present a credible tailback?

Karl Dorrell has two weeks to get ready for UW, then another month until hosting the Golden Bears at the Rose Bowl.

If it’s still a problem by Oct. 20, any hopes of a dream season and BCS bid will be for naught.

Cal 34, Colorado State 28

DeSean Jackson continues to impress. Ditto for true freshman Jahvid Best.

However, like last season when QB Nate Longshore struggled in key games (5.44 yards per attempt in losses to Tennessee, Arizona and USC), the Rams limited the Bears to a long pass play of only 25 yards.

Take away the deep ball and this is a completely different offense, one that can’t protect a defense still trying to develop its identity.

Arizona State 33, Colorado 14

Did Dirk Koetter install the game plan this week?

The Sun Devils committed 12 penalties for 136 yards, had three turnovers and looked lethargic and out of shape.

Fortunately, the Buffs slowed down and Rudy Carpenter showed great touch in the second half.

If ASU can harness a four quarter effort, they are still more than capable of vaulting into the upper echelon of the conference.

Oregon 39, Michigan 7

Who are you and what have you done with the real Dennis Dixon?

Remember, the guy who threw killer interceptions and lost his composure late last season.

Well it looks like hitting the Mendoza line in minor league ball sent him away.

Dixon has not thrown a pick or lost a fumble in consecutive starts, the only two times in his Ducks career he has done so.

If he can continue to do so, Oregon will determine the conference champion (host Cal and USC at Autzen Stadium).

Maybe even for themselves.

Washington State 45, San Diego State 17

Ho.

Arizona 45, Northern Arizona 23

Hum.

Cincinnati 34, Oregon State 3

Yeesh.

The Ten – a weekly power poll

1. USC

2. Cal

3. UCLA

4. Oregon

5. Washington

6. Arizona State

7. Washington State

8. Oregon State

9. Arizona

10. Stanford