The Ranking Opinion

What was considered shameless is now insightful. UCLA’s opinion of the Anderson & Hester/Seattle Times computer rankings changed dramatically in a week.

Anderson & Hester, one of eight rating systems used to determine which teams will play for the national championship at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 3, boosted the Bruins to No. 1 this week.

Last week, Anderson & Hester had Washington ranked No. 1. Everywhere but in the most Northwestern reaches came the cry: Bias! Nepotism! What kind of Husky hardware is spitting out this drivel?

Sure, Washington was 3-0, but ranked 11th in the Associated Press poll.

This week, though, UCLA (4-0), No. 7 in the AP poll, is Anderson & Hester’s darling. Washington (4-0), No. 10 in the AP poll, dropped to No. 4.

Strength of schedule is the primary component of Anderson & Hester’s rankings. Three of UCLA’s opponents were ranked in the preseason top 25 and Ohio State--defeated by the Bruins Sept. 22--moved up to No. 21 this week after defeating Northwestern.

Meanwhile, Washington squeaked past USC and saw its strength of schedule drop.

“The rankings are important because of the BCS implications,” UCLA Coach Bob Toledo said. “But it will all change after Saturday.”

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Only fullback Matt Stanley (ankle sprain) and reserve receiver Cody Joyce (concussion) will miss the game because of injury for UCLA.

Linebacker Robert Thomas and receiver Tab Perry are recovered from concussions suffered against Oregon State.

For Washington, quarterback Cody Pickett is highly questionable with a separated shoulder and preseason All-American tight end Jerramy Stevens has a broken foot.