Week Five Pac-12 North power rankings

Stanford dethroned by Washington after loss to Notre Dame

SHAWN P. O'CONNOR, Evergreen reporter

Here is how the Pac-12 North teams stack up after week four.

1. No. 10 University of Washington (Last: 2)

The Huskies came alive Saturday night, beating the then-No. 20 Brigham Young University Cougars 35-7. UW punished the Cougars on the ground, rushing for 187 yards and four touchdowns.

Washington’s offense could not be stopped, accumulating 464 total yards while only punting once. The defense was equally dominant, forcing two turnovers and five punts while only allowing 194 total yards.

The Huskies have established themselves as the favorites in the North and the Pac-12 as a whole. Washington (4-1, 2-0) hits the road to face University of California, Los Angeles this weekend.

2. No. 14 Stanford University (Last: 1)

The Cardinal was humbled on Saturday as the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish handed Stanford its first loss of the season 38-17.

Stanford could not establish anything on offense, punting eight times and throwing an interception while only gaining 229 total yards. The Cardinal defense wasn’t much better, as the Irish put up 550 yards of offense while converting 9 of 17 third down attempts.

The Irish were dominant on the ground, rushing for 272 yards and a touchdown.

Stanford (4-1, 2-0) hosts University of Utah at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

3. No. 18 University of Oregon (Last: 3)

Oregon’s offense shone as the Ducks escaped Berkeley with a 42-24 victory. The Ducks’ offense was impressive, accumulating 485 total yards, including 260 on the ground.

Oregon’s defense was the key in this one as it picked off the University of California, Berkeley Golden Bears four times, including a pick-six to ice the game.

Oregon’s defense put itself in a few tough spots but always bailed itself out, including a red zone interception and a goal line stand.

Oregon (4-1, 1-1) hosts UW on Saturday in a battle of top-20 teams.

4. WSU (Last: 4)

Graduate transfer quarterback Gardner Minshew II was spectacular as the Cougs came back and defeated the Utah 28-24.

After a 21-21 score line at halftime, the defenses took over as both sides were held to a combined 10 points in the second half. Redshirt junior wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. had quite a night, catching the game-winning touchdown pass, an 89-yarder down the right sideline.

After a tough first half, the Cougs buckled down on defense, allowing their struggling offense to stay within striking defense before locking things down in the final minutes.

WSU (4-1, 1-1) travels to Corvallis to take on Oregon State 6 p.m. Saturday.

5. University of California, Berkeley (Last: 5)

The Golden Bears threw four picks as the Ducks flew by, defeating Cal 42-24. Despite trailing 28-10 at the half, Cal kept in contact with the Ducks, giving itself opportunities to climb back into the game.

Unfortunately, Cal’s quarterbacks combined for four interceptions, ending any hope of a comeback. Cal’s defense also looked soft, allowing 485 yards while only forcing four punts and one turnover.

Cal (3-1, 0-1) heads to the desert to take on University of Arizona on Saturday looking to earn its first conference victory.

6. Oregon State University (Last: 6)

The Beavers continue to disappoint as they were blown out by the Arizona State University Sun Devils 52-24.

Oregon State’s offense moved the ball well, rushing for 261 of their 406 total yards, but failed to keep up with the dynamic Sun Devils offense. ASU ran all over the Beavs, rushing for 396 of their 558 total yards.

Oregon State continues to hold down the basement of the North, a spot it will likely hold for the remainder of the season.

Oregon State (1-4, 0-2) hosts WSU this weekend.