Pac-12 Week 9 Recap: Thrilling Contests and Underlying Challenges
Washington vs. Stanford: Huskies Maintain Winning Streak
In a rollercoaster of a game, the Washington Huskies managed to preserve their undefeated streak, but questions about their performance still linger. Facing off against Stanford, Michael Penix Jr. guided the Huskies to a hard-fought 42-33 victory, marking their 15th consecutive win and reaffirming their status among the nation's top contenders.
As the game entered the fourth quarter with the outcome hanging in the balance, Washington confronted a pivotal third-and-8 situation, holding a slender two-point lead. Penix's clutch playmaking led to a 15-yard pass to Germie Bernard, followed by a 24-yard touchdown to Devin Culp, extending their advantage to 35-26.
While the Huskies had an opportunity to secure the game, a red-zone fumble and a subsequent interception in the end zone left the door ajar for Stanford's late surge. Washington's performance was marked by both successes and setbacks, including three three-and-outs in the first half and two costly red-zone turnovers in the fourth quarter. Despite these challenges, Penix and the passing game proved pivotal in securing the win.
Oregon vs. Utah: Bo Nix Shines
In a dominant display, Bo Nix led the No. 8-ranked Oregon Ducks to a resounding 35-6 victory over No. 13 Utah, ending the Utes' remarkable 18-game home winning streak. Nix exhibited surgical precision, completing 77% of his passes, extending his streak of achieving a 70% or better completion rate for an eighth consecutive game.
Nix's performance was defined by his ability to slice through Utah's formidable defense. The Ducks' offense benefited from his accurate passing, culminating in an 18-yard touchdown pass to Jordan James, a 3-yard strike to Troy Franklin, and a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Nix, establishing an early 21-3 lead in the second quarter. Oregon's offense maintained an impressive average of 9.0 yards per play on their first three scoring drives.
On the other side, Utah's offense struggled to find its footing, particularly in the face of a relentless Oregon pass rush. Nix's poised performance led the Ducks to victory, making it their first triumph in Salt Lake City since 2016.
USC vs. Cal: A Win, But Questions Remain
The USC Trojans secured a crucial win, pushing their record to 6-1 in the Pac-12 and keeping their conference title hopes alive. However, there's a palpable air of skepticism surrounding the Trojans' overall quality as a team. Many doubt their chances in the Pac-12 Championship Game and question their ability to overcome impending challenges.
The Trojans' offense has struggled, and expectations are low that their defensive woes will be miraculously resolved. Despite their victory over Cal, the outcome was significantly influenced by the numerous mistakes made by their opponents. The Trojans have work to do to meet the expectations of a program with their storied history.
Colorado Buffs vs. UCLA: Defense Shines, Offense Struggles
In a hard-fought game, the Colorado Buffaloes' defense exhibited tenacity and resilience. However, their offense failed to find its rhythm, leading to a 28-16 loss against the No. 23-ranked UCLA Bruins.
CU's defense forced four turnovers from UCLA in the first half, showcasing commendable efforts that kept them in the game. Nevertheless, their offensive struggles against a relentless UCLA pass rush proved decisive. The Buffaloes look ahead, searching for solutions to their offensive challenges while relying on their strong defensive core to navigate the season's challenges.
In Week 9 of the Pac-12, thrilling contests and underlying challenges highlighted the diverse journeys of these football programs. As the season progresses, each team grapples with its unique set of questions and opportunities on the path to their respective goals.
