Who snags the final top spot in our 2020-21 Power Ranking?
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Article by WestCoastCFB
1. Washington
The Washington Huskies won the Pac-12 North but were unable to play in the Conference Title due to Covid issues within the program. With only 4 games played, it's difficult to fully judge the UW season but the final record of 3-1 was relatively impressive and gives UW the top spot in our final Pac-12 Power Ranking of the season. The Huskies are currently set to return 20/22 starters next season and will likely be the conference favorites in 2021-22.
2. USC
The Trojans finish off another season on a disappointing note, seeing the Ducks celebrating on their home field. This might not be what USC fans want to hear, but this was a semi-successful year for USC. The Trojans have had 5 players announce they will be leaving early which isn't ideal but the Trojans should be strong again in 2021.
3. Oregon
The Ducks suffered a disappointing 34-17 loss to Iowa State and their season at 4-3. Oregon ends 2020 as Pac-12 champions but losses to Cal and Oregon state combined with a 17 point loss to Iowa State make it impossible to give them the top spot in the Pac-12 Power Rankings when they didn't win their own division within the Pac-12.
4. Stanford
The Cardinal had the most difficult year of any team in the country and they ended on a four game winning streak with each of the games on the road. David Shaw deserves credit for an amazing coaching job.
5. ASU
Arizona State may have been the most impressive Pac-12 program over the final 2 games of the season with dominant wins over Arizona and Oregon State. ASU was just a play away from beating both USC and UCLA and could find themselves at the top of conference in 2021. ASU finished the regular season #1 in both scoring offense and defense in the Pac-12.
6. Utah
Kyle Whittingham had his team playing their best football of the season in December. Expect the Utes to contend for the South once again in 2021. The Utes will always be a tough out for anyone with Whittingham leading the program.
7. Colorado
Colorado ends their season with back to back blow out losses after falling to Utah by 17 and then Texas by 32. Those losses drop Colorado to 7th in our rankings but it was still a successful first season for the Buffs under Dorrell.
8. UCLA
Even with the 3-4 final record, UCLA is in a great spot to be a real contender in 2021 as they have great QB play and are building up their lines of scrimmage well to compete with anyone in the conference.
9. OSU
A 2-5 season for OSU didn't live up to expectations for a resurgent program but the Beavers lost close games and should turn those close losses into wins in 2021. Jonathan Smith continues to do an outstanding job landing 4 star transfers to bolster his roster.
10. WSU
A 1-3 record for WSU was disappointing but they laid the groundwork for 2021 while getting experience for their freshman QB.
11. Cal
Even though Cal didn’t come close to expectations of competing for the Pac-12 North, the 2020 season was so unique that there wasn't much that can be taken away from it for a team that was affected by the virus as much as Cal was. 2021 is still looking bright in Berkeley.
12. Arizona
The Jedd Fisch era begins in Tucson and Arizona fans will need to be patient during a rebuild. Fisch comes with plenty of experience working with some of the best coaches in football. The offensive side of the ball should be solid under Fisch so nailing the DC hire will be key to success.
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