Let’s begin with a public service announcement that targets a longstanding frustration throughout the Pac-12 footprint: Every group is required to make a minimal variety of appearances on the Pac-12 Networks; that minimal corresponds to the variety of non-conference residence video games on every group’s schedule.
The convention simply launched the published assignments for video games on Oct. 7, and it options three video games on the Pac-12 Networks.
That leaves seven Saturdays to be scheduled, and most groups will likely be off the hook for required appearances on the community no person watches.
Solely Colorado and Utah will enter the second half of the season (beginning Oct. 14) with obligations unfulfilled. Every group should seem on the Pac-12 Networks no less than as soon as down the stretch.
Our hunch: Utah’s date with Cal (Oct. 14) or maybe Arizona (Nov. 18) will likely be assigned to the networks.
Colorado’s choices are restricted as a result of the Buffaloes have two Friday video games within the second half — these belong to ESPN and Fox — however one matchup stands out as an apparent Pac-12 Networks telecast: The Nov. 11 affair with Arizona.
If CU is a contender at that time, there will likely be outrage. However that’s a mattress the Pac-12 made a dozen years in the past, people.
For everybody else, the necessities have been fulfilled.
To the facility scores …
(All instances Pacific)
1. Washington (4-0/1-0)
Final week: 1
Consequence: beat Cal 59-32
Subsequent up: at Arizona (7 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: The Huskies have extra factors (130) within the first half of their 4 video games than 78 groups have scored by 4 quarters of all video games. Additionally they lead the nation in yards per recreation (593.3), yards per play (9.23), passing yards per recreation (467.3) and wide-open receivers per play (5.6). (We simply made that final one up, nevertheless it feels proper.)
2. Utah (4-0/1-0)
Final week: 3
Consequence: beat UCLA 14-7
Subsequent up: at Oregon State (Friday, 6 p.m. on FS1)
Remark: The Huskies lead with their offense, the Utes with their protection. Solely 5 groups within the nation have allowed fewer factors than Utah (38): Michigan, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Penn State and Duke. However sooner or later — like, Friday night time — the Utes might want to play complementary soccer and string collectively some landing drives.
3. Oregon (4-0/1-0)
Final week: 4
Consequence: beat Colorado 42-6
Subsequent up: at Stanford (3:30 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: Stanford Stadium has been a home of horrors for a few of Oregon’s finest groups. Not this yr. The Geese are favored by 26.5 factors, and that’s not practically sufficient — even with a post-Colorado letdown.
4. Washington State (4-0/1-0)
Final week: 5
Consequence: beat Oregon State 38-35
Subsequent up: idle (then: at UCLA)
Remark: Sure, the Cougars are forward of USC in each these energy scores and my AP top-25 poll. August couldn’t have been worse for WSU off the sector. September couldn’t have been higher on it.
5. USC (4-0/2-0)
Final week: 2
Consequence: received at Arizona State 42-28
Subsequent up: at Colorado (9 a.m. on FOX)
Remark: The final time the Trojans performed at 9 a.m., within the 2020 opener, they wanted two touchdowns within the closing three minutes to beat Arizona State. Don’t be stunned if Breakfast in Boulder goes to the wire, as properly. Of notice: The Over/Beneath is a whopping 73.5 factors. That feels low.
6. Colorado (3-1/0-1)
Final week: 6
Consequence: misplaced at Oregon 42-6
Subsequent up: vs USC (9 a.m. on FOX)
Remark: The mismatch CU confronted on the line of scrimmage towards Oregon received’t be as pronounced towards USC, giving the Buffaloes an opportunity to hold round into the fourth quarter. When something can occur. And doubtless will.
7. UCLA (3-1/0-1)
Final week: 7
Consequence: misplaced at Utah 14-7
Subsequent up: idle (then: vs. WSU)
Remark: Do we actually know something extra concerning the Bruins than we did previous to Saturday? The protection seemed stout, however Utah performed with a backup quarterback. And the offense struggled, however Utah’s protection is a granite wall. Now comes per week off, so UCLA’s true identification received’t turn into clear till the center weeks of October.
8. Oregon State (3-1/0-1)
Final week: 8
Consequence: misplaced at Washington State 38-35
Subsequent up: vs. Utah (Friday, 6 p.m. on FS1)
Remark: The go protection was uncovered by Washington State’s Cam Ward (28-of-34, 404 yards). Good factor there aren’t some other first-rate quarterbacks on this convention, or the Beavers may be in a teeny little bit of bother down the street.
9. Arizona (3-1/1-0)
Final week: 9
Consequence: received at Stanford 21-20
Subsequent up: vs. Washington (7 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: Noah Fifita was spectacular in aid Saturday at Stanford, however let’s be clear: The Wildcats have one blueprint for taking down UW, and it requires 1) a wholesome Jayden de Laura and a pair of) a relaxed, cool and picked up Jayden de Laura. In any other case, the Huskies will play pinball.
10. Arizona State (1-3/0-1)
Final week: 12
Consequence: misplaced to USC 42-28
Subsequent up: at Cal (12 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: We’ve to confess, tailback Cam Skattebo wasn’t on our bingo card of Pac-12 Newcomer of the Yr candidates. Sure, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is the clear frontrunner, however Skattebo, a 225-pound switch from Sacramento State, is a brilliant gentle within the grim sky of ASU’s 2023 actuality.
11. Cal (2-2/0-1)
Final week: 10
Consequence: misplaced at Washington 59-32
Subsequent up: vs. Arizona State (12 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: Anybody else discover that former Cal quarterback Jack Plummer has the sixth-highest effectivity ranking within the nation after transferring to Louisville? And right here we’re, all these months later, with the Bears as soon as once more wobbly the place it issues most.
12. Stanford (1-3/0-2)
Final week: 11
Consequence: misplaced to Arizona 21-20
Subsequent up: vs. Oregon (3:30 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: When a one-point residence loss to a mediocre group is the most effective results of the season’s first month, it was a nasty first month. Spoiler alert: The following 4 weeks received’t be any higher.
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