The Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies could both move up the rankings when the new AP and Coaches' polls are released after the Labor Day weekend. Both teams picked up season-opening wins that may have not been the most impressive, but they were wins and some teams in front of them struggled over the weekend.
Oregon put a 57-34 beatdown on Arkansas St., a score that looks a lot closer than it was. The Ducks jumped out early and led 50-3 in the second quarter before taking their foot off the gas pedal. And vitally important when it comes to voters, they dominated early in a game that started at 10:30 p.m. on the east coast so many voters probably went to sleep after Oregon put on their early show.
Earlier in the day, Oklahoma had an unimpressive game versus UTEP. The Sooners won 24-7, but it was 7-7 at halftime and Oklahoma never really got into a rhythm. With the Sooners only just barely ahead of the Ducks in the polls as is, Oregon could very well jump Oklahoma for fourth in the national rankings.
Further up north, Washington beat San Diego St. 21-12. It wasn't the offensive show that some thought the Huskies would put on, but it was a massive improvement on the defensive side of the ball, where they were awful a year ago.
While the Huskies didn't wow anybody, they did get a win, which is something that Boise St. can't say. Florida also just barely managed to squeak past Bowling Green. With Washington just barely on the outside of the rankings looking in, they could jump the Broncos and Gators to get into the top 25 this week.
Follow along with the Ducks at Addicted to Quack and stay up to date on the Huskies at UW Dawg Pound.