Around the Pac-12: Week 7
In an arguably surprising turn of events, the two teams from Los Angeles have dominated the Pac-12 this season. Four teams are currently ranked, while others are looking to get back into the AP Top-25 Poll in the weeks to come.
Do the four ranked teams have what it takes to not just stay ranked, but perhaps make the College Football Playoff or one of the New Year’s Six bowls? Let’s discuss the current situation out west.
The Pac-12 Could Expand
Yes, you read that correctly.
According to an article by Sports Illustrated, the future of the Pac-12 actually looks promising instead of bleak. Conference insider John Canzano, who is quoted in the article, believes no more schools will leave the Pac-12 in the near future amid reports that the Big Ten conference has stopped looking to expand for the time being. Instead, Canzano believes San Diego State could join the Pac-12 from the Mountain West Conference.
“I think San Diego State will eventually land in the Pac-12 conference,” Canzano said.
Canzano also does not believe any Pac-12 schools will leave for the Big 12, either, with four supposedly targeted schools reportedly desiring to stay put.
“Utah, Colorado, Arizona and Arizona State aren’t going anywhere,” Canzano said.
Stanford beats Notre Dame 16-14
Stanford has yet to win a conference matchup, but the Cardinals pulled off a 16-14 win on the road against Notre Dame on Saturday. The win improves Stanford to 2-4 overall, while Notre Dame is now 3-3.
Stanford’s lone touchdown of the game was scored by running back Casey Filkins in the first quarter, while Joshua Karty’s three field goals kept the foot on the gas pedal. Stanford kept the lead the entire game, although Notre Dame attempted a comeback with two touchdowns in the second half.
The rough start continues for Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman, who suffers yet another home loss.
Can UCLA make the College Football Playoff?
Well, it’s possible. Likely? It’s hard to tell.
Currently, UCLA is the highest-ranked Pac-12 team at No. 9 in the AP Poll. The Bruins are 6-0 and coming off a 42-32 win over No. 15 Utah, but this week’s game at No. 10 Oregon will be a massive test. If UCLA wins, its College Football Playoff chances will probably increase significantly depending on what happens to the other top 10 teams.
In order for the Bruins to make the College Football Playoff, their remaining undefeated will be critical. Oregon and USC are the only currently ranked opponents left on the schedule, and both teams have shown weaknesses.
If UCLA handily wins those games and remains undefeated, the Bruins should make the Rose Bowl at the very least.
Nolan Wick is a second-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email nhw5046@psu.edu.
