Around the PAC-12: Week 3
With four top 20 teams, the PAC-12 is rolling with more momentum than most analysts projected. Sure, not every team or coach had a great week, as Herm Edwards was handed his pink slip by Arizona State following a loss to Eastern Michigan. However, with two big upsets, the PAC-12 has found themselves back in the thick of the national conversation.
No. 18 Washington upsets Michigan State
Indiana transfer quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had his fair share of struggles at Indiana, but when he was at his best, he was one of the most eye-openingly talented players in the Big Ten. Now, finding a home in Washington, Penix Jr. is staking his claim as one of the most electrifying players in the country.
After a 397 yard, four touchdown performance that saw Penix Jr. put Mel Tucker’s Spartans into a blender alongside freshman wideout Ja’Lynn Polk, who hauled in six receptions for 153 yards and three scores, the Huskies were able to pull off a massive upset that surely put them on everyone’s radar.
No.15 Oregon gets a statement win over No.19 BYU
Even ater losing head coach Mario Cristobal to his alma mater, Miami, the Ducks don’t look like they’re going to slow down, winning back to back games by over 14 points under new head coach Dan Lanning.
Auburn transfer Bo Nix has always struggled in big games, with a record against ranked opponents of 6-11 prior to this weekend. Nix took care of business this time around though, posting a five touchdown performance, tallying three on the ground and two through the air, as the Ducks march on after taking down the Cougars.
UCLA and Arizona win nail-biters
Two programs looking to bounce back after a rough season prior were on opposite sides of close clashes this week. For Arizona, a 31-28 win over FCS powerhouse North Dakota State represents a big step forward for a young program. For UCLA, Brian Kelley and his squad nearly squandered victory, beating South Alabama 32-31.
No. 7 USC, No. 13 Utah, Washington State and Oregon State Dominate
All four teams tore it up this weekend, with Washington State and Oregon State posting dominant victories and the Utes getting back on track after the early season loss to the Gators and figuring to reenter the conference contender conversation.
For USC, its continued to climb the national rankings and with a comfortable win over Fresno State, the question continues to persist, who, if anyone in the PAC-12, can stop the revamped and revitalized Trojans?
New Era For ASU, Change Could Be Coming in Colorado
After a blowout loss to Minnesota, Colorado’s athletic director released a statement with a vote of confidence in head coach Karl Dorrell after an 0-3 start. For now, the Buffaloes are prepared to move forward with Dorrell at the helm, but for how long is the question.
For Arizona State, change is on the way as the Herm Edwards era ends following the team’s loss to Eastern Michigan, and interim head coach Shaun Aguano will look to take Arizona State through the remainder of the season.
Game of the Week: No. 15 Oregon (2-1) at Washington State (3-0)
Oregon is coming off a massive win over the top 20 ranked BYU Cougars, and they’ll now take on Cougars in back to back weeks, this time by way of Washington State. Washington State is no joke and this clash between two top tier PAC-12 teams should go down to the wire.
Dylan Price is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email dvp5625@psu.edu.
