Pac-12 Power Ranking: Stanford solidifies top spot
Here's the CBSSports.com Rapid Reports Pac-12 power ranking:
1.Stanford (11-2, 8-1 Pac-12): It wasn't quite as pretty as the first time around, but Stanford's narrow Pac-12 title game win sent it to the Rose Bowl, and we're assuming the Cardinal would rather play in the Rose Bowl than look pretty. Stanford staked its claim to the top spot in the conference, and given the way their offensive line and powerful defense look going forward, maybe we should get used to this. Last week's ranking: 1. Next up: Rose Bowl vs. Wisconsin, Jan. 1, 2013, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN).
2. Oregon (11-1, 8-1): Given the fact that the Ducks had a chance -- maybe an expectation, even, at some point this year -- to make it to the national championship game, the Fiesta Bowl probably doesn't seem like a big party. But Bill Snyder's Kansas State Wildcats present an intriguing contrast in styles, so at least we know we'll have fun watching it. Last week's ranking: 2. Next up: Fiesta Bowl vs. No. 7 Kansas State, Jan. 3, 2013, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN).
3. Oregon State (9-3, 6-3): It took a while for the Beavers to finally play against Nicholls State, and then it was over in the first few minutes. But it should've been a nice little confidence-booster to close the year for the Beavers. Last week's ranking: 3. Next up: Alamo Bowl vs. Texas, Dec. 29, 6:45 p.m. ET (ESPN).
4. UCLA (9-4, 6-3): A valiant first season under Jim Mora will have UCLA fans thinking what could've been had the team had a veteran kicker instead of a fresh-faced newbie. But as Ka'imi Fairbairn's would-be game-tying field goal sailed wide left in the Pac-12 Championship Game, it was hard not to forget that just a year ago, the Bruins were completely embarrassed by Oregon in the title game. UCLA would rather be crushed than embarrassed. Last week's ranking: 4. Next up: Holiday Bowl vs. Baylor, Dec. 27, 9:45 p.m. ET (ESPN).
5. Arizona (7-5, 4-5): It was certainly a wild year for the Wildcats in the new Rich Rodriguez offense, and fans get one last chance to see something special -- a one-year wonder. QB Matt Scott excelled as the latest RichRod protege, and he's worth one last look. Last week's ranking: 5. Next up: New Mexico Bowl vs. Nevada, Dec. 15, 1 p.m. (ESPN).
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8. Washington (7-5, 5-4): Ever bit into a spoiled piece of cheese, and then you can't get the taste out of your mouth and your mind for the next few hours? That was Washington's loss to in-state rival Washington State in the Apple Cup. Luckily, the Las Vegas Bowl is a chance at redemption, and isn't that what Las Vegas is for? Last week's ranking: 8. Next up: MAACO Bowl Las Vegas vs. No. 20 Boise State, Dec. 22, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN).
9. Utah (5-7, 3-6): Ute fans who are used to the team's perennial placement near the top of the Mountain West Conference long for brighter days. Like when there was something to do in December or January. Last week's ranking: 9. Next up: Season complete.
10. Washington State (3-9, 1-8): It wasn't exactly a fairy-tale first season for the Cougars under Mike Leach, but it certainly was a once-upon-a-time ending. A win over the hated Huskies in the season finale sends the Cougars off on a good note. Last week's ranking: 10. Next up: Season complete.
11. Cal (3-9, 2-7): Well, at least the Bears are in the midst of a fun coaching search. So there's that. Last week's ranking: 10.Next up: Season complete.
12. Colorado (1-11, 1-8): In a season full of embarrassments, the jettisoning of coach Jon Embree might've been the low point. Not because he was fired, but because of how it was done. Last week's ranking: 12. Next up: Season complete.
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