After twelve weeks of Pac-12 football, one of the division races has finally been decided. After overcoming multiple injuries, Utah is the champion of the Pac-12 South! The North division comes down to the Apple Cup where Washington State will play host to Washington. It is officially rivalry week in college football so expect the unexpected!
Pac-12 North
This past weekend saw both Washington schools take care of business against inferior opponents. Washington State put 55 on Arizona in the first half and won 69-28. Gardner Minshew once again proved he should be in consideration for the Heisman trophy. He completed 43 passes for 473 yards and SEVEN touchdowns. The win also keeps the Cougar’s playoff hopes alive and this is a performance that definitely helps their style points for their resume. Washington defeated Oregon State 42-23 in a must win game for the Huskies. As mentioned earlier, this means the winner of the Apple Cup will be the Pac-12 North champion. In Eugene, Oregon outlasted an ASU comeback attempt, winning 31-29. Oregon’s offense continues to look anemic at times, but they were able to sneak by with a win. Lastly, the Cal and Stanford game was postponed because of the wildfires. All thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by the recent tragedies in California. This is more proof that some things are bigger than sports.
Pac-12 South
The division with no clear front runner the entire season finally has a champion. Utah defeated Colorado in a snow game in Boulder on Saturday 30-7, and with ASU’s loss to Oregon, the Utes became the Pac-12 South champion! Utah handled business against Colorado, and a strong second half performance was the key to their victory. ASU almost mounted a comeback against Oregon, but a strip sack of Manny Wilkins in the closing minutes was the nail in the coffin. Elsewhere, the Battle for Los Angeles took place, and UCLA was able to upset USC 34-27. Joshua Kelley had himself a day rushing for 289 yards and two touchdowns on 40 carries. With the loss, USC is in danger of not even making a bowl game meaning Clay Helton’s hot seat is now on fire. Lastly, Arizona’s defense just gave up another touchdown to Gardner Minshew and Washington State.
Best Performance of the Week: Washington State Cougars
Putting up 55 points in the first half and scoring 69 in total is one hell of a performance. Washington State put on a clinic against Arizona in every facet of the game. Their offense was the most impressive however with the amount of points they were able to put up. Half of that performance against Washington would earn the Cougars the Pac-12 North title.
Worst Performance of the Week: USC Trojans
USC earned the worst performance of the week because they lost to a 2-8 UCLA team and pretty much squandered their bowl game chances since they play Notre Dame this weekend. The Trojans could not stop Joshua Kelley on the ground. JT Daniels also did not have a good game and has looked shaky this entire season. While everyone knew he would not be Sam Darnold, he has not lived up to the hype of highly recruited quarterback. USC needs to figure a lot of things out to turn things around next season.
Upcoming Game of the Week: Washington at Washington State
This game has everything this weekend. Washington against Washington State will determine the Pac-12 North champion, has Rose Bowl implications, and is a rivalry game. Sign me up.