While it was challenging to keep up with all the crazy upsets from this past weekend, don’t worry — I have you covered in my Week 11 edition of “Unpack The Pac.”
Utah 42, Stanford 7
On paper, this was one of the most jaw-dropping box score differences we have seen in the Pac-12 this season. Utah flat out embarrassed Stanford in every category of the game. Utah junior running back Tavion Thomas, who was about to lose his starting role a couple of weeks ago, was the game’s best player. Thomas rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns, helping Utah accumulate a total of 279 rushing yards.
On the other side of the ball, Utah’s defensive line gave Stanford’s offensive line all it could handle, recording seven sacks and forcing Stanford junior quarterback Tanner McKee out of his comfort zone the entire game. McKee gave a dreadful performance on Saturday, as he was 11-of-23 passing for 155 yards. It didn’t help that Stanford’s collective rushing attack only mustered 22 yards the entire game.
It was indeed an awful performance for Stanford all around the board, as the Cardinal are now unable to make a bowl game. Meanwhile, Utah prepares for a massive game against Oregon next weekend, as the Utes’ slim Pac-12 title hopes are still alive.
USC 55, Colorado 17
After a sluggish start in the first quarter, USC got off to the races and never slowed down. Sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams continued his promising Heisman campaign with 268 passing yards and five total touchdowns. After redshirt senior Travis Dye went down with a season-ending leg injury, senior running back Austin Jones stepped up in a big way for USC. He had over 100 yards from scrimmage and a receiving touchdown against the Buffaloes, but it will be a formidable challenge to replace Dye’s leadership for the rest of the season.
On the flip side of the ball, USC’s defense finally showed up after an extended string of inadequate performances. They allowed 17 points to Colorado and only 124 passing yards. After Oregon and UCLA both lost, USC is now in sole possession of first place in the Pac-12. The Trojans will need their defense to hold up on their side of the field if they want any chance at a Pac-12 title, or even a College Football Playoff appearance.
Washington 37, Oregon 34
It would be ridiculous not to label this as the game of the season for the Pac-12. Oregon and Washington continued to trade punches the entire game, as the lead changed six times in the second half. Washington won the game mostly because of its offensive line, which has been astounding the whole season. That unit gave junior quarterback Michael Penix Jr. all the time he needed in the pocket to deliver a sensational performance. Penix threw for 408 yards and two touchdowns to outduel Oregon senior quarterback Bo Nix amid his unprecedented surge.
Nix played his heart out, as he threw for 279 yards and had three total touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough for the Ducks to beat the Huskies. This is a gut-wrenching loss for Oregon, as the Ducks’ once-hopeful College Football Playoff chances are now thrown out the window. As for Washington, this is the Huskies’ most impressive win of the year, as it came on the road while doing all of the little things right.
Arizona 34, UCLA 28
In potentially the most unexpected upset the Pac-12 will see the entire season, Arizona found a way to steal a win in Pasadena.
UCLA was fortunate to have senior running back Zach Charbonnet return after missing last week’s contest against Arizona State with an injury. This week, Charbonnet had over 200 yards from the line of scrimmage and three rushing touchdowns. Regardless of Charbonnet’s performance, it just wasn’t enough for UCLA’s offense, as the Bruins committed way too many mistakes to beat Arizona’s high-powered offense. UCLA was 2-for-5 on fourth down, and the Bruins lost the turnover battle.
In prior articles, I expressed worries about UCLA’s defense, and Arizona exposed UCLA’s abysmal pass defense. Arizona sophomore quarterback Jayden de Laura was fabulous, as he threw for 315 yards and had three total touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Jacob Cowing was also unguardable, making nine catches for 118 yards. The duo of de Laura and Cowing gave the Bruins too much trouble and ultimately destroyed their slim chances of a College Football Playoff appearance.
Washington State 28, Arizona State 18
After dominating 28-0 in the first half, Washington State permitted Arizona State to score 18 unanswered points. But, Arizona State was too inefficient on third down to win this game, going 3-of-14.
Both starting quarterbacks produced mediocre performances, while the running backs stole the show. Washington State redshirt junior running back Nakia Watson had 158 yards from scrimmage and three rushing touchdowns. On the other sideline, Arizona State graduate running back Xazavian Valladay had 189 scrimmage yards and one rushing touchdown. Yet, Watson’s three touchdowns were just too much for Arizona State to overcome despite a serious comeback attempt.
Oregon State 38, Cal 10
After narrowly losing to USC last weekend, Cal was embarrassed by Oregon State on Saturday. Cal redshirt senior quarterback Jack Plummer, who threw for over 400 yards last week, wasn’t able to move the ball downfield. The rushing attack supplied no help to Plummer, as the Golden Bears rushed for a laughable nine yards on 16 carries.
On the other side of the ball, Cal’s defense gave another horrid performance, allowing 362 yards with zero sacks. With its seventh loss, Cal can no longer make a bowl game; with Oregon State’s win, the Beavers make a stronger push toward a New Year’s Six bowl game.
“Unpack the Pac” runs every Wednesday.