Week 6 was one of the most exhilarating and unforgettable weeks in college football this season. With prominent upsets, eye-opening performances and a plethora of close games, it’s challenging to keep up with everything going on in college football. But don’t worry, I have you covered with my Week 6 recap of Pac-12 results.
USC (6-0, Week 6 Result: 30-14 win vs. Washington State)
USC had an impressive outing in a 30-14 win over a very talented Washington State team. Sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense have been the main reason USC is unbeaten. This week, however, the defense stepped up and lifted USC over WSU. Junior defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu was sensational, as he had three sacks and four tackles for a loss. USC now prepares to take on a Utah team that is coming off a loss to UCLA and should come out very motivated to avoid dropping to 4-3.
Utah (4-2, Week 6 Result: 42-32 loss vs. UCLA)
If you look at the box score, you might walk away stumped at how Utah lost 42-32 in a game where they had more first downs, committed six fewer penalties and trumped UCLA in time of possession. However, redshirt senior quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson made these stats irrelevant as he was able to walk all over Utah’s highly touted defense. He completed 78% of his passes and had five total touchdowns on the day. This is a gut-wrenching loss for a team many believed could make a College Football Playoff appearance. Now with two losses, it looks like the Utes will be fighting for a chance to play in a decent bowl game.
Oregon (5-1, Week 6 Result: 49-22 win vs. Arizona)
Oregon has now won five consecutive games as the Ducks dominated Arizona in a 49-22 win. Transfer senior quarterback Bo Nix was fantastic, as he had three rushing touchdowns and a 96.3 QBR – his highest QBR of the season. The Ducks ran for 306 yards and had seven rushing touchdowns. Oregon will face UCLA after a bye week at a time when the Ducks look like one of the best offenses in the country. It will be interesting to see if the bye week destroys their momentum.
Oregon State (4-2, Week 6 Result: 28-27 win vs. Stanford)
After two straight losses, Oregon State got back on track with a 28-27 win on the road against Stanford. Backup redshirt freshman quarterback Ben Gulbranson filled in nicely for injured redshirt junior quarterback Chance Nolan. Gulbranson was a game manager and finally got the offense off the ground late in the game after three miserable quarters. Oregon State now faces Washington State in a crucial matchup.
Stanford (1-4, Week 6 Result: 28-27 loss vs. Oregon State)
This was a heartbreaking loss for a team that hasn’t beaten an FBS opponent since October of last year. Despite having junior quarterback Tanner McKee, an NFL-caliber talent, Stanford has not found its identity on offense. This is a lost season for a team that now drops to 1-4.
Washington (4-2, Week 6 Result: 45-38 loss vs. Arizona State)
In the most surprising outcome of the weekend, Washington was upset by Arizona State. When junior quarterback Michael Penix Jr. throws over 41 passes, the Huskies are 0-2, compared to when he throws under that number, they are 4-0. Unfortunately for Washington, Penix threw 53 passes on the day. I don’t understand why the Huskies abandoned their successful game plan earlier in the season. The Huskies have a get-right game next week as they face a weak Arizona defense.
Colorado (0-5, Week 6 Result: Bye Week)
Good news, Colorado fans, your team didn’t lose this week.
Arizona (3-3, Week 6 Result: 49-22 loss vs. Arizona)
The most telling stat in Arizona’s 49-22 embarrassing loss was the zero sacks and quarterback hurries that the Wildcats had. They also allowed 306 rushing yards. Arizona has been decent on the offensive side, but its defense has put limitations on the team. I don’t see the Wildcats winning many more games with a difficult schedule in the future.
Arizona State (2-4, Week 6 Result: 45-38 win vs. Washington )
Sometimes in sports, you just need a bit of magic to win a game. Former walk-on and fifth-string quarterback, redshirt junior Trenton Bourguet, had the best feel-good story of the week. Thrown into action when redshirt junior quarterback Emory Jones got injured, Bourguet led ASU to a significant upset over Washington. Bourguet had three touchdowns and a 93.9 QBR. Maybe Bourguet is the spark ASU needed in what seemed like a season to forget.
UCLA (6-0, Week 6 Result: 42-32 win vs. Utah)
Not only did UCLA prove itself to be a serious Pac-12 contender this weekend, but the Bruins also catapulted themselves into the College Football Playoff conversation. Not only that, but Thompson-Robinson also put his name in the Heisman race with a brilliant performance. UCLA will now take on its third ranked opponent in three games as the Bruins face red-hot Oregon next week.
Cal (3-2, Week 6 Result: Bye Week)
Washington State (4-2, Week 6 Result: 30-14 loss vs. USC)
Washington State couldn’t find any offensive rhythm in a 30-14 loss to USC. The Cougars’ offensive line was abysmal in the contest, which didn’t give sophomore quarterback Cameron Ward any time to throw. No one expected them to beat USC on the road, but fans didn’t expect to see their high-powered offense collapse. Washington State has a tough matchup coming up as the Cougs prepare to face Oregon State on the road this week.
“Unpack the Pac” typically runs every Wednesday.