Around the Pac-12: Week 12 (Football)

Story posted November 19, 2020 in CommRadio, Sports by Cole Koffler

Ten of the 12 teams in the Pac-12 were in action over the weekend.

USC gutted out a win versus Arizona by a score of 34-30. USC quarterback Kedon Slovis had a good day statistically, but if you were watching the game the gunslinger looked off.

The offense for the Trojans did not look disciplined in the red zone and had a total of 11 penalties versus the Wildcats. Even though Slovis had a slow day at the office, he proved that he is a great quarterback in the clutch.

A completely new look USC team has looked to ditch its trademark running style. Fans of the team have expressed their displeasure, but this is the kind of offense the fans are going to need to get used to. Welcome to the air raid offense.

Grant Gunnell had a great day for the Wildcats and has shown that he is the future of this program. After starting slow in the first half, Gunnell put on a show for the WIldcats by commanding his team into a competitive game. An Arizona team that needed an identity change has found its identity after a disappointing last season.

Oregon struggled with Washington State but flexed its muscles and overpowered the Cougars in the end, winning by a score of 43-29. Tyler Shough, the quarterback for the Ducks had another good game going 21-30 and throwing for 314 yards. The defending conference champions still look like the favorites for the title and maybe even a playoff spot.

The defense, led by sophomore Kayvon Thibodeaux stopped the Cougars run and shoot offense. Thibodeaux had six tackles and three assists and was a force on the defensive line. The Ducks are flying high into their game versus UCLA.

Washington State quarterback Jayden de Laura continues to impress the college football world and has found his number one target in Renard Bell. Bell had 10 receptions for 158 yards and one touchdown.

This young Cougars team is developing into a squad that could stun the rest of the conference. There is a party getting ready at the Palouse.

Washington kicked off its season with a 27-21 win over the Oregon State Beavers.

Washington finally named Dylan Morris their starting quarterback, and he threw for 141 yards and also ran for a touchdown. The Huskies had two additional rushing touchdowns by California natives, Sean McGrew and Kamari Pleasant. The running game is the Huskies stronghold this season as they rotate the two backs

The defense also stood up in the winning effort. Linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio had nine tackles and one assist versus the Beavers and led the defense on some big stops. Even without fans in the stands, the greatest setting in college football is still the hardest place to play in the Pac-12.

Oregon State had the same situation as last week versus Washington State. It was almost like one was watching the same exact game versus the Huskies.

Quarterback Tristan Gebbia spread the ball evenly between the wide receivers and running backs. Jermar Jefferson had 23 carries.

This was almost a copy and paste game by the Beavers. This team just needs to learn how to finish games.

An exciting game between Colorado and Stanford ended in a score of 35-32, with the Buffalo coming out on top.

Colorado played a good game led by quarterback Sam Noyer and looked like a different team than it did last year. Colorado also looks more explosive and that is what killed Stanford.

For the Cardinals, their leading rusher was quarterback Davis Mills. This is very concerning considering that Stanford is known for having a good rushing attack.

A battle between two UC schools ended with a dominating win for UCLA over Cal.

The Golden Bears came out flat versus the Bruins and could not stop the run. UCLA did what it needed to do as the Bruins eliminated turnovers and took advantage of opportunities that Cal gave them.

It was a tale of two quarterbacks in this game as Dorian Thompson-Robinson went 14-26 and had three touchdowns, while Chase Garbers went 18-33 and had an interception. The Bruins clicked on all cylinders in this game and have a massive game coming up versus Oregon on Saturday.

 

Cole Koffler is a freshman majoring in communications. To contact him, email colekoff13@gmail.com.