Pac-12 play this week was book-ended by a thrilling offensive battle, a war of words between two head coaches, and a couple of teams challenging the top of the standings that nobody saw coming. These are the takeaways from this week’s slate of conference play.
Oregon (49) vs. California (52) 2OT
Oregon (2-5) continues to slip and slide down the Pac-12 North’s standings, this time dropping a double overtime shootout to Cal (4-3) on Friday night. In this game, 203 plays were ran, setting an FBS record. There was only one turnover, and it was the game’s final play. Jordan Kunaszyk intercepted Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert in the final overtime to give the Golden Bears the win.
The Takeaways:
In terms of the Pac-12 North, this game did not threaten those at the top of the standings, but what this game did do is solidify Oregon’s monumental collapse. Forget competing for the conference championship, this team now has to go (4-1) to finish bowl eligible, and has to win-out to finish above .500. The Ducks are (0-4) in Pac-12 conference play this year and have dropped five straight games. The rest of 2016 does not look easy for Oregon either, as they still have to play Utah, Stanford, and a USC team that was won three straight.
Colorado (10) vs. Stanford (5)
In what was the ugliest game to watch, Colorado (6-2) got the five-point win over the Cardinal (4-3). Buffaloes running back Phillip Lindsay rushed for 113 yards, but that is the only impressing offensive stat. Despite the win, Colorado missed three field goals and two chip shots from 28 and 31. At one point the Buffaloes called in their punter Alex Kinney to kick a field goal; he missed from 31. Stanford got one last chance with the ball after an intentional Colorado safety, but one failed hook-and-ladder play later, triple zeros read across the scoreboard.
The Takeaways:
If it was not for how Washington is dominating, Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre would be, without a doubt, the Pac-12 Coach of the Year. The Buffaloes have slingshotted themselves right to the top of the south division out of nowhere this season. This team has gone from winning one conference game in 2015 to only losing one so far in 2016. Colorado has their sights set high on taking home the Pac-12 title.
On the flip side, what has happened to this Stanford team? After starting the season (3-0), the Cardinal have dropped four out of their last five games. Their offensive engine has stalled, averaging less than 20 points a game, which is bottom of the conference. Their biggest weapon, Christian McCaffrey has gone missing, not scoring a touchdown since September 17th. It seems defenses have figured out how to stop McCaffrey, and that has the Cardinal offense scrambling for answers they have not found yet.
Utah (52) vs. UCLA (45)
There was 97 combined points scored between theses two teams, and it still was not enough to be the highest scoring game in the conference this week. The Utes (7-1) got the huge win at the Rose Bowl over the Bruins (3-5) cementing their lead in the south. There was over 1,000 yards of offense between these two teams, but only 179 of Utah’s 539 came through the air.
The Takeaways:
A star has been born in Utah. Running back Joe Williams went off against the Bruins, going for 332 yards on 29 carries and four scores. Since coming out of retirement, Williams has rushed for 511 yards and five touchdowns, in just two games. The plan seems to be simple for the Utes going forward this season. If Williams is on the field, get him the ball. He is averaging about eight yards per carry in the last two weeks. The Utes will need him going into the showdown of the season next week against Washington.
Mike Fafaul seems to be the biggest “swing for the fences” quarterback in the entire conference. Fafaul threw for 464 yards and five touchdowns, which is nothing to overlook, but the key stat is he also threw four interceptions. At the same time, he had four passes go for more than 25 yards, two of which being a 50 and 75 yard touchdown. So, over the past two starts, Fafaul is averaging two scores per every interception, showing he can score the ball with ease but will give some free possessions away.
Oregon State (17) vs. Washington (41)
The Huskies (7-0) got the big win over the Beavers (2-5) Saturday in Seattle. Led by 100+ yard days by running back Myles Gaskin and John Ross, Washington did not have to battle hard to get the 24 point victory over Oregon State. Washington quarterback tossed for nearly 300 yards and three scores in the victory. This game was never in any sort of doubt for the Huskies.
The Takeaway:
This season, Washington has been the pride of the Pac-12 nationally, and this week was no exception. The Huskies are a top-five team in the nation and are eyeing up a chance to get in to the College Football Playoff. In fact, if they can manage to run the table, they might be in the conversation for top-two team in the nation. The Huskies have dominated virtually everyone they have played against this season, including a 49-point thrashing of Oregon, at Autzen Stadium. That being said however, the Huskies face their toughest challenge next week. In what could be a preview to the Pac-12 Championship game, Washington will face Utah in Salt Lake City in what is sure to be the national game of the week.
Washington State (37) vs. Arizona State (32)
Mike Leach got the upper-hand over Todd Graham in the battle of the head coaches late Saturday night. Leach was fined earlier in the week for bringing up comments from last season about ASU stealing signs from opposing offenses. The Cougars (5-2), led behind quarterback Luke Falk, threw for 398 yards en route to the five-point win over the sliding Sun Devils (5-3).
The Takeaways:
Washington State have done a full 180 after opening the season with a three point loss against Eastern Washington. The Cougars seemed to be all but finished, losing two straight out of the gate. They have now won five in a row, including huge blowout wins against Oregon and the top-20 ranked Stanford. Thanks in no small part to Falk who looks like perhaps the most “pro-ready” quarterback in the conference, maybe except for Davis Webb. The Cougars are tied for the Pac-12 North lead, and seem primed to take on Washington on the last game of the season for the North crown.
All the injuries have finally caught up with Arizona State. The Sun Devils were without four starters at the beginning of the game. During the game, linebacker and leader Salamo Fiso sustained a knee injury, getting hurt again this year. Most notably, quarterback Manny Wilkins went down again this week, forcing the Sun Devils to their fourth-string quarterback. Somehow, the Devils nearly came back from a 16-point deficit, but came up just short. With Oregon, Utah, and Washington in their next three games, if the Devils are still banged up, the future does not look bright for Arizona State.
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