Since there’s no point in rehashing Stanford’s I-want-to-vomit-just-thinking-about-it loss to Oregon last week, I’ve decided not to dwell on things that I cannot change. Instead, I’ll look forward to this Saturday’s most intriguing PAC-12 matchups, because there are some meaningful games on the docket this weekend.
PAC-12 Week 11: The Most Meaningful Matchups
Notre Dame v. Arizona State
Two months ago, if someone would’ve told me that this game would feature two 7-1 teams ranked in the top 10, I would’ve spit-laughed my coffee clear across the room. Yet here we are. The Sun Devils are favored by 2.5 points, and it will be a close one. The key to winning this game (well, most games, really) is solid play at the Quarterback position. This will be Taylor Kelly’s third game back since returning from a foot injury, and he needs to elevate his play this week. Everett Golson averages 289 yards per game (compared to Kelly’s 202), but he also makes more mistakes. Golson didn’t throw a single interception in the first three games of the year, but has thrown seven in the last five games. Kelly has just two interceptions through five games.
I can’t wait to see how this one plays out. Good luck, Arizona State! Beating the Irish is a relatively simple task; beating the Irish and the refs, however, is decidedly more difficult (unless you are Florida State).
Oregon v. Utah
Oregon is riding high after beating down PAC-12 North foe Stanford last week, while Utah’s feeling a little raw after a disappointing overtime loss in the desert. Oregon jumped up to #4 in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings this week, so they’re back in the CFP race once again. The loss to Arizona is all but forgotten at this point, and they can further demonstrate their worthiness to the committee by dominating #17 ranked Utah the same way they did Stanford last week. Rice-Eccles isn’t the easiest place to play, and the MUSS could be a factor, but with a mostly healthy offensive line and a guy like Marcus Mariota, I think the Ducks will be too much for the Utes. And they must! Because Alabama is hot on their heels and they’re going into Baton Rouge this weekend looking to do the same thing to LSU. When all is said and done, I’d bet on Oregon winning by at least two touchdowns.
Washington State v. Oregon State
In the battle for the PAC-12 North basement, the Cougars head to Corvallis to take on the Beavers. Both teams have only one PAC-12 win, though I imagine that Oregon State will be the team to change that this weekend. Washington State essentially lost their entire offense when Quarterback Connor Halliday suffered a broken ankle in the first quarter of the USC game last Saturday. This is a most unfortunate college career ending injury for Halliday, who leads the conference in passing yards and touchdowns. Best wishes to him as he recovers from surgery; he’s had a remarkable career at Washington State and he’s got a lot to be proud of. With Halliday out of the picture, Oregon State should roll. And how fortunate for them, because with just four wins this season, and matchups against Arizona State and Oregon looming, this game could prove critical to their bowl eligibility.
Stanford v. The Bye Week
Earlier in the season, Stanford was predicted to absolutely crush the Bye Week, but after seeing the Cardinal’s performance at Autzen last weekend, Vegas has changed its mind. Stanford is now favored by a field goal, but let’s see if the Bye Week can pull off the upset. It wouldn’t be the worst thing to happen to Stanford this year. Unfortunately.
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