Every week in the Pac-12 is seemingly crazier than the previous week.
This week was no different.
Between upsets, come-from-behind wins and elite performances, I have you covered in my Week 8 edition of “Unpack The Pac.”
USC (6-1, Week 8 result: Bye Week)
Utah (5-2, Week 8 result: Bye Week)
Oregon (6-1, Week 8 Result: 45-30 win vs. UCLA)
Oregon developed one of the most alluring offenses in all of college football over the past month and a half. With a 45-30 statement win over UCLA, the Ducks prolonged their winning streak to six games, scoring 40+ points in six straight. Transfer senior quarterback Bo Nix continued his spectacular play as he had 283 passing yards and five passing touchdowns. Nix has also rushed for 50+ rushing yards in his last three outings.
First-year head coach Dan Lanning was fantastic, and vastly out coached by UCLA’s Chip Kelly. The keenest example of Lanning’s brilliance in this game was after the Ducks went up 17-10, Lanning called for an onside kick which the Ducks recovered. That particular play shifted the momentum. While the playoff is looking improbable for the Pac-12 this year, the Ducks could sneak in with a few miracles.
Oregon State (6-2, Week 8 Result: 42-9 win vs. Colorado)
In his three games as the team’s starter, redshirt freshman quarterback Ben Gulbranson has gone 3-0 and was outstanding. There were many question marks around Gulbranson after he replaced junior quarterback Chance Nolan, who was in concussion protocol after being injured on Oct. 1. Gulbranson has erased those question marks by going out the past three weeks and finding a way to win. Oregon State has impressed these past few weeks and if they keep up this winning formula, expect the Beavers to play in a high-quality bowl game.
Stanford (3-4, Week 8 result: 15-14 win vs. Arizona State)
With a 15-14 comeback win over Arizona State, Stanford had its first two-game winning streak since last September. Stanford has impressed me these last two weeks. After a humiliating 1-4 start, the Cardinal now sit at 3-4 and have a decent shot at making a bowl game this season. If Stanford can find a way to slow down UCLA’s running attack as Oregon did last weekend, the Cardinal may be able to play UCLA down to the wire.
Washington (6-2, Week 8 Result: 28-21 win vs. Cal)
Despite a 28-21 win over Cal, Washington put up a lousy performance. The Huskies had numerous opportunities to seal the game in the fourth quarter but kept giving Cal chances to win. The Huskies defense, which has been below average for most of the season, finally showed up and bailed the offense out. One noteworthy stat, the Huskies committed nine penalties compared to Cal’s two. The Huskies now face a talented Oregon State team in a game where they won’t be able to make the same mistakes they did against Cal.
Colorado (1-6, Week 8 Result: 42-9 loss vs. Oregon State)
After a fluke win against Cal last weekend, Colorado returned to its old ways and was embarrassed by Oregon State. You can’t find many positives in the Buffaloes’ miserable performance. At this point, they should focus on finding a head coach who can change the entire culture of this program.
Arizona (3-4, Week 8 Result: Bye Week)
Arizona State (2-5, Week 8 Result: 15-14 loss vs. Stanford)
Arizona State had many opportunities to win but couldn’t get the job done as the Sun Devils lost 15-14 to Stanford. The most eye-opening stat from this game was that Arizona State was 4-of-13 on third downs. Games are won and lost on third down; if you can’t convert, you limit your ability to win. After this challenging loss, Arizona State now prepares to face Colorado on the road next weekend.
UCLA (6-1, Week 8 Result: 45-30 loss vs. Oregon)
UCLA was dominated in every aspect. From the start, UCLA’s run defense got exposed as it allowed Oregon to rush for 262 yards. On the other side of the ball, UCLA was never able to establish a consistent running game which has been the Bruins’ bread and butter this season. This loss stings for UCLA as it looked like going undefeated was a legitimate possibility for the team after beating two ranked opponents prior to facing Oregon. UCLA will look to get back on track against a lowly Stanford team next week.
Cal (3-4, Week 8 Result: 28-21 loss vs. Washington)
Cal had multiple opportunities to come back and potentially win against Washington but ended up losing 28-21. Like Arizona State, struggling to convert on third downs was the most prominent reason Cal lost. The Golden Bears were 6-of-15 on third downs. Cal was also dominated in time of possession as the Golden Bears had the ball for over 24 minutes compared to Washington, who had it for more than 35 minutes. Looking at the rest of Cal’s schedule, I expect the Golden Bears to win only one or two more games in what has become a lost season.
Washington State (4-3, Week 8 Result: Bye Week)
“Unpack the Pac” runs every Wednesday.