Pac 12 week review
Usc
In spite of their impressive 6-0 start, the Trojans have encountered significant hurdles within their conference play, narrowly avoiding an upset in a recent match against Arizona. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Caleb Williams, emerged as the hero to ensure the preservation of their impeccable season. Looking ahead, USC's schedule looms as a formidable challenge, with five of their remaining six games pitting them against teams currently ranked in the AP Top 25.
To maintain their pristine record against Arizona, USC had to fight back from a daunting 17-point deficit, executing critical plays in the late stages to compensate for earlier mistakes. Their quest to overcome fourth-quarter struggles has yielded inconsistent progress. Over the past three weeks, they've repeatedly found themselves in one-possession games that extended deep into the fourth quarter, facing challenges from Arizona State, Colorado, and Arizona. Notably, in the case of the Colorado matchup, they nearly mounted a comeback from a 41-14 deficit, during which the Trojans were outscored 14-0 in the final quarter.
While it may have been one of Williams' more demanding games as a Trojan, it culminated in a defining moment. Williams undoubtedly remains a strong contender for a repeat Heisman win, emerging as one of the sport's most valuable players within an offense capable of competing with any opponent. However, a different narrative emerges when assessing USC's defense, which has been the primary reason for their recent close encounters. Without a prompt and effective turnaround, this could potentially threaten their aspirations of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. Apart from their early-season victory over Nevada, one of the weakest FBS teams, the Trojans have yet to produce a complete and dominant performance.
WU
Washington's college football journey in the Pac-12 has been nothing short of impressive this season. Their ascent to the No. 1 spot in the FBS for offensive yards per game has garnered well-deserved attention. This remarkable offensive prowess can be largely attributed to the progress made by their talented quarterback, Penix. His exceptional playmaking abilities and decision-making on the field have significantly contributed to the team's offensive fireworks.
However, Washington's success isn't just a one-sided affair. It's not just about the offense; their defense is an integral part of the equation. The defense ranks near the pinnacle of the conference, and this balance between offensive firepower and defensive resilience is what sets the Huskies apart.
What's particularly noteworthy is Washington's consistency in delivering a complete performance, week in and week out. While many teams might occasionally falter or face the threat of an upset, the Huskies have demonstrated a remarkable level of reliability. Their nearly flawless track record, with the exception of a nail-biting encounter against Arizona, underscores their position as the most well-rounded and formidable team in the Pac-12.
In a conference known for its competitive edge and unpredictable outcomes, Washington's ability to combine a top-tier offense with a defense that can hold its ground is a testament to their preparedness and adaptability. As they continue to march through the season, it will be fascinating to see if they can maintain this exceptional level of performance and potentially make a run at the Pac-12 championship, and perhaps more.
Wsu
One of Washington State's most compelling narratives this season centers around the growth and development of their quarterback, Cameron Ward. Although he faced a challenging Week 6, marking his least stellar performance of the season in a loss to UCLA, it's important to note his commendable strides in improving his decision-making skills and reducing turnovers. His presence has injected a surge of excitement into the football scene across the state of Washington, bolstering the already electrifying offense.
Looking ahead, Washington State's schedule appears to be in their favor. With a slate of games on the horizon that align well with their strengths, the Cougars have a promising opportunity to reposition themselves as contenders in the race for the Pac-12 Championship Game. Despite the setback, the trajectory suggests they could bounce back strongly and remain a formidable force in the conference.
Oregon
The Ducks firmly stand as a top-tier team within the Pac-12, undoubtedly holding a Tier 1 status. Barring a close call against Texas Tech in Week 2, Oregon has showcased its dominance throughout the season, boasting an impressive average margin of victory of nearly 48 points. The team's quarterback, Bo Nix, has emerged as a formidable candidate in the Heisman race, and their pass rush has already surpassed the total number of sacks achieved in the entire previous season, accomplishing this feat in just five games.
As the season progresses, significant challenges loom on the horizon, with matchups against Washington and USC awaiting the Ducks in the second half of their campaign. These contests are poised to be pivotal tests that will truly gauge the mettle of this Pac-12 powerhouse.
Buffs
When we reflect on Colorado's preseason expectations, which were initially set at a modest 3.5 wins, it's clear that the team has already exceeded all odds, marking this season as a monumental success. Coach Sanders took on the monumental challenge of rebuilding this roster essentially from scratch, and managing the integration of over 50 new transfers is no small feat.
Amidst the demanding circumstances, quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been nothing short of outstanding. Despite facing relentless pressure, he's showcased his prowess on the field. Additionally, the two-way star, Travis Hunter, promises to be a game-changer when he makes his return from injury. The prospect of a bowl appearance, a milestone the team hasn't achieved since 2016, remains a tangible goal that's well within reach. Colorado's resurgence in the college football scene is a testament to their resilience and the vision of their coaching staff.
STAN 1-4
Fri - Oct 13
7:00 PM PT
COLO 4-2
Football
Folsom FieldBoulder, CO
Saturday, October 14, 2023
CAL 3-3
Sat - Oct 14
12:00 PM PT
Pac-12 Networks
16UTAH 4-1
Footbal
Rice-Eccles StadiumSalt Lake City, UT
8ORE 5-0
Sat - Oct 14
12:30 PM PT
7WASH 5-0
Football
Husky StadiumSeattle, WA
ARIZ 3-3
Sat - Oct 14
4:00 PM PT
Pac-12 Networks
19WSU 4-1
Football
Gesa FieldPullman, WA
10USC 6-0
Sat - Oct 14
4:30 PM PT
21ND 5-2
Notre Dame StadiumNotre Dame, IN
18UCLA 4-1
Sat - Oct 14
5:00 PM PT
15ORST 5-1
Football
