Where do the Pac-12 Programs stand after an exciting opening weekend?
Photo: Sean Meagher/ The Oregonian
1. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks opened the season with an extremely impressive 35-14 win over Stanford. The Oregon offense exceeded expectations, especially the offensive line. The Ducks steamrolled the Cardinal up front on their way to 269 rushing yards. The only worry for Oregon was a surprisingly shaky defense that gave up 413 yards of offense but that can happen in week 1 while adjusting to live tackling at full speed. Oregon will face a sneaky good WSU team this Saturday.
2. USC Trojans
The Trojans looked like they were headed to a disappointing 27-14 loss to the Sun Devils when all of a sudden they kicked it into gear and scored 14 points in the final 3 minutes to stun ASU. USC and Oregon look destined for a Pac-12 Title matchup but the Trojans need to start quicker going forward to avoid an upset along the way.
3. Washington Huskies
The Huskies weren't able to play Cal due to Covid and now have just 5 games on their schedule. The Huskies will be favored in their next 4 games against OSU, Arizona, WSU and Stanford and could be undefeated heading into a pivotal game against Oregon with the Pac-12 North title on the line.
4. ASU Sun Devils
A heartbreaking loss to the Trojans drops the Sun Devils to 4th and another tough test awaits with a game against Cal looming. ASU is currently a 4 point favorite against the Cal Bears and a win is a must to stay in the race for the Pac-12 South.
5. Cal Bears
The Golden Bears remain a dark horse contender for the Pac-12 Title and will look to make a statement this weekend in Tempe.
6. Utah Utes
The Utes were unable to play this week due to Covid and instead will open their season against UCLA. Utah's new defensive starters could struggle early and be tested by DTR but expect the Utes to find a way to win in Pasadena.
7. WSU Cougars
WSU may have been the most impressive Pac-12 team in Week 1 given the circumstances. The Cougs were without 32 players including Max Borghi and were breaking in a new coach and a freshman QB. That didn't stop the Cougs from putting together a dominant performance against the Beavers. Travell Harris led the Cougs with 156 yards of offense and Deon McIntosh contributed 147 yards on the ground.
8. Stanford Cardinal
The Cardinal offense flashed some potential against what should be a stout Oregon defense. 4 missed field goals and an inability to finish drives created a lopsided score but the Cardinal kept it closer than the score indicated. Next for Stanford is a Colorado squad that looks improved.
9. Colorado Buffaloes
Karl Dorrell opened his Colorado tenure with a win over the program that fired him. The Buffs stunned UCLA 48-42 and ran for 264 yards on 59 carries. Colorado will look to prove their week 1 performance wasn't a fluke when they take on the Cardinal this weekend.
10. UCLA Bruins
Losing to Colorado in Chip Kelly's 3rd year is not what the Bruins expected when they hired the coach that dominated the college football world with the Ducks. Kelly's offense looks improved and DTR played very well with 303 passing yards and 109 rushing yards while totaling 5 combined touchdowns. UCLA will face a tougher defense this week and Chip Kelly needs a win to avoid the hot seat.
11. Arizona Wildcats
Arizona will open their season against USC this weekend and will pin their hopes on Grant Gunell to carry their offense. It would be a win for the Wildcats if they can keep it within 10 points of the Trojans.
12. Oregon State Beavers
Losing to an undermanned WSU squad was not a good look for the Beavers but there were a few bright spots. Gebbia threw for 329 yards and Jermar Jefferson rushed for 120 in leading what should be a good Beaver offense this season. Oregon State will need to shore up their defense if they want to hang close with the Huskies this weekend.