Storyline: The Game of the Week is Washington at Utah. But don’t underestimate the importance of the Cal game for USC. The Trojans still have a chance to win the PAC-12 South.
Thursday, October 27th
(ESPN) California vs. USC- 10:30 – USC -14
Saturday, October 29th
(FS1) Washington vs. Utah- 3:30 – Utah +10.5
(PAC-12 Network) Arizona St. vs. Oregon- 5:00 – Oregon -7.5
(ESPN) Washington St. vs. Oregon St.- 10:45 – Oregon St. +15.5
(FS1) Stanford vs. Arizona – 11:00 – Arizona +7
Byes: Colorado, UCLA
Jordan Carrell celebrates CU’s win over Stanford (photo, Denver Post)
Three teams are beginning to separate themselves from the rest of the league: Colorado, Utah, and Washington St. And last week all three teams took care of business on the road.
On the flip side, there’s Oregon, Stanford, and UCLA. Those teams have cemented their respective fates, all losing at home. UCLA is now 1-4 in the PAC-12 and Oregon is 0-4. If you throw in Stanford’s 2-3 league record, these ‘powerhouse programs’ are a combined 3-11 in the conference.
In other PAC-12 action, Arena Football was played last Friday night as California defeated Oregon 52-49 in double OT. California continued its trend of winning one, losing one. And even though the Bears’ style isn’t overly impressive, Cal is still 4-3 overall and fighting for a bowl berth.
Washington quietly did what they had to do and took care of Oregon St. at home, 41-17. The Huskies are playing like a conference champion.
This week the PAC-12 features a marquee match-up: Washington travels to take on Utah in a battle of PAC-12 North and South leaders. USC is back in action on Thursday night at home against California. And Washington St. tries to stay perfect in the PAC-12 North in a road game at Oregon St.
Colorado and UCLA have byes this week. It’s a perfect time for UCLA and, maybe, not so much for the red hot Buffalo.
Baseball In Late October? Were Stanford and Colorado playing football or baseball this past week in Palo Alto? I wasn’t sure if I was watching college athletes in pads and helmets or wearing gloves and swinging bats. Colorado went into Palo Alto and walked out with a 10-5 victory. Yes, that final score isn’t a typo. It may have been ugly, but the bottom line is clear: Colorado picked up a huge win. The Buffs are 4-1 in the PAC-12 South and its schedule is workable down the stretch. After a bye week the Buffalo play three of four games at home, including a rivalry game to end the season against Utah. That game, believe it or not, could be for the PAC-12 South championship. Enjoy your bye week, CU. Get ready for a home game against underachieving UCLA.
Joe Williams ran wild at UCLA (photo, Salt Lake City Tribune)
I salute you, Joe: I don’t often dedicate a section to an individual player, but Ute RB Joe Williams had a lifetime day against UCLA last week. Williams rushed 29 times for a remarkable 332 yards and added four touchdowns to boot. His Utah defeated UCLA, 52-45, in a game that seemed as though the two teams wanted to be California and Oregon. If it were not for Mr. Williams’ heroics, then Utah would not have been able to survive in Pasadena. But because of his achievement, Utah gets to come back home to play nationally-ranked Washington. A win against Washington would vault the Utes into a solid Top 12 national ranking and give the Utes a leg up in a division race. Let’s see what you’re made of, Utah!
Take Advantage, Guys! When opportunity knocks you have to take advantage. That’s the challenge facing perennially middle-of-the-road PAC-12 teams. The league’s historically dominating programs have taken a major dip this year, all at the same time. But my take is that it won’t take long before Oregon, Stanford, and UCLA rebound. Those programs have way too much talent and recruit too well to be down for long. But the reality now is that 2016 is “The Year” for Colorado, Utah, and Washington St. Heaven forbid for the PAC-12 if these teams falter down the stretch.
Game Of The Week, Washington vs. Utah: This week’s GOW moves to Salt Lake City where two nationally- ranked teams–UW and Utah–take the field. The PAC-12’s CFP chances cling to the hope that Washington will go undefeated. The Huskies don’t have many games to earn brownie points and this weekend’s game is at the top of that list. And while I don’t believe Utah will roll over for the Huskies, I’m concerned about the 45 points the Utes gave up last week against UCLA. Are the Utes tiring? Is it a lack of overall depth? Was the defensive lapse a blip on the radar? I think we’ll know the answer on Saturday night. No matter, though, Washington has the talent edge. I see a close first half with the Huskies pulling away late. I say Washington, 34-21.
Luke Falk drives WSU (photo, The Seattle Times)
Underrated Game of The Week, Washington St. vs. Oregon St.: I like this match-up. Washington St. has proven me wrong all season and is now an incredible 4-0 in the league. But this is a game the Cougars can’t overlook. Oregon St. is playing better football this year, even more so at home. The Beavers would love nothing more than to be a spoiler this week, but the Cougars have experience winning on the road, including at ASU last week. WSU will do the same this week in Corvallis. It will be closer than people think, though. I say Washington St., 42-34.
Upset Of The Week, Stanford vs. Arizona: My UOW this week is more of a “Be Careful Pick!” than anything else. Stanford comes into the game after scoring only 5 points last week against Colorado. If Arizona can’t come up with a big-time effort this week at home–after a bye, too–then I don’t know when they will win again this season. Surprisingly Stanford has played better on the road than at home this season with wins against ND, USC, and UCLA. Even though Stanford is down this year, the Cardinal should still win in Tucson. Be careful, though, Cardinal: this may be the Wildcats last stand. I say Stanford, 24-21.
Trojans are back in the PAC-12 conversation (photo, wikipedia.com)
Lock Of The Week, California vs. USC: I’ve been confident about my Locks Of The Week over the last few weeks and I’m confident again this week–taking USC over California. USC is playing its best football. The offense has come together since a QB change and the defense has only given up an average of 17 points over that time. California, on the other hand, is going into a tough spot this week, having to play in LA on a Thursday night after playing a double OT game last Friday night. I give the Golden Bears credit for gutting out a victory, but I don’t believe Cal’s style of play matches up well against USC. UC won’t be able to outscore the Trojans and I don’t think the defense will be up to the task of holding down USC. With trips remaining to Washington and UCLA, USC still has a chance to win the PAC-12 South. I like the Trojans’ direction and I also like them to win big this week. I say USC, 48-20.
