Washington did what they were supposed to do on Saturday, posting a convincing win over a Syracuse program picked to finish last in the Big East. Though the scoreboard didn't show it, the Orange are a better team than they were three years ago. Unfortunately for Syracuse, the Huskies look like they are a season or two ahead of them in the rebuilding process.
Up next is #7 Nebraska, who beat Idaho 38-17 on Saturday. What won the game for the Huskers was their defense, who picked off five passes from Idaho QB Nathan Enderle, and sacked him seven times to add insult to injury. Nebraska converted three second-quarter picks into touchdowns to go up 31-3 at half.
Despite the win coach Bo Pellini wasn't happy with the performance of his offense despite the fact that they picked up 471 yards. The Huskers turned the ball over four times and had 10 penalties for 123 yards. Pellini thinks his team could be headed for trouble if his offense isn't more consistent in Seattle next weekend.
"Our attention to detail needs to pick up. Our attitude needs to pick up, and our standards need to pick up," he said. "We'll get that fixed. We'll be fully ready as a football team to go to Seattle. I promise you that."
"We have high standards around this place," Pelini said. "It was pretty obvious that we were careless with the ball, we were undisciplined, we had too many penalties.
"When we're hitting, we're a pretty good football team. We lost our focus and something happened in there. That won't happen again."
Honor Roll
Jermaine Kearse had nine receptions for 189 yards and three touchdowns.
Jake Locker was 23/33 for 289 yards and four touchdown passes.
Chris Polk had 20 carries for 117 yards, 52 coming on a long touchdown run.
Devin Aguilar had seven catches for 81 yards and some very solid downfield blocks.
Erik Folk kicked two FG's and recovered a fumble on a kickoff return.
Mason Foster had 10 tackles and a sack.
Pac 10 Power Ratings
1. Oregon...The Ducks started slow against the Volunteers, but pulled away in the third quarter to rack up an impressive win on the road. Nobody in the Pac 10 is close to Oregon right now. Up next is Portland State...my condolences ahead of time to Nigel Burton.
2. Arizona...The Wildcats roll over the Citadel with an offense continuing to put up great numbers. It will be interesting to see what they can do against #9 Iowa at home.
3. Oregon State...The Beavers had the week off and return to face Louisville at home.
4. Stanford...The Cardinal dominated UCLA in every phase of the game. The Cards get scrappy Wake Forest this week at home.
5. Washington...Good win over Syracuse, but the true measuring stick will be next week against Nebraska. If Washington can avoid special team mistakes they just may upset the Cornhuskers. Yes...I think Washington can beat USC when they face off in LA in three weeks.
6. USC...Two questionable performances in a row from the Trojans make them look extremely vulnerable once conference play starts. Virginia should have beaten USC on Saturday night. USC faces Minnesota on the road next week, who were Gophers upset over the weekend by South Dakota.
7. California...The Bears blew a shaky Colorado squad off the field on Saturday. Next up is Nevada, who beat the snot out of Colorado State (who was beaten handily by Colorado). The Bears may have some challenges with the Wolfpack.
8. Arizona State...The Devils are 2-0 in the Big Sky. NAU gave them more problems than expected. They finally face a real opponent this week when they travel to face #11 Wisconsin in the inhospitable confines of Camp Randall Stadium.
9. UCLA...This team is in trouble right out of the gate. The offensive line can't block, the QB is gimpy, and the defense is rebuilding. The Bruins draw Houston at home and better get that offense cranked up in a hurry or they will be staring down an oh-and-three record.
10. Washington State...A win is a win...even if it's Montana State and you look hideous in the process. This may well be the only win WSU gets this year, so enjoy the moment, Cougs. The Cougars are not getting better. I don't believe in Paul Wulff. Next up is an SMU team they somehow beat last season. This time the game is in Dallas and I am not predicting a win.