Teams continue to take each other out as in the end, Washington State still has a 2 game lead ahead of anybody else in the conference, as with a win this upcoming week, they’ll clinch a spot to go to the Pac 12 title game.
Arizona 42, Colorado 34
Khalil Tate came out and had his best performance of the year, throwing for 350 yards and 5 touchdowns in a big win for the Wildcats as they are now one win away from bowl eligibility. On 40 carries, JJ Taylor rushed for 192 yards to lead UA on the ground. The Arizona defense was able to get to Steven Montez early and often, creating 5 sacks and 10 tackles for losses as well as a couple turnovers. It was a back and forth affair as there were 69 points scored throughout the first 3 quarters of the game, but it was Khalil Tate that found Cedric Peterson for a 57 touchdown early in the 4th quarter as that would be the last score of the game as both defense stifled. Steven Montez played really well for Colorado and Trayvon McMillian played well going for 117 total yards and a receiving touchdown.
Washington 19, Cal 13
In a game where the Cougars struggled to find the end zone, Gardner Minshew finally got it done when it matters with 32 seconds left, he found Easop Winston in the end zone to put Wazzou up 6. Minshew threw for 334 yards and that touchdown with an interception on 68% completion percentage. Cal’s lack of a consistent passing game seems to be an achillies heel on a team that just played their best defensive game all year long (maybe not from a statistical perspective, but taking the opponent, they make a strong case), a poor passing game didn’t help. Connor Garbers went 15/26 for 127 yards and a touchdown with an interception, Brandon Mcilwain had 52 yards and an interception. Washington State is on the road next week against struggling Colorado. As Cal is back on the road to face USC.
Arizona State 38, Utah 20
Sometimes, College Football just doesn’t make any sense. Tyler Huntley had his worst game of the year throwing for 88 yards and a touchdown and 2 interceptions. The entire ASU offense was clicking all night as the big 3 of Wilkins, Benjamin, and Harry feasted on Utah’s defense all night long. Wilkins threw for 285 yards, 3 touchdowns and an 88.3 QBR. Eno Benjamin rushed for 175 yards and 2 touchdowns and N’Keal Harry caught 9 passes for 161 yards and all 3 of Wilkins touchdown throws. Although Zack Moss did get his in this game, for the most part ASU shut down Utah on offense, limiting them to below 300 total yards and forcing 3 turnovers. ASU is looking for bowl eligibility next week against UCLA as Utah will be at home against Oregon.
Oregon 42, UCLA 21
Chip Kelly’s return back to Autzen Stadium wasn’t so welcoming as Oregon hung 42 points and 492 yards on the Bruins. Dillon Mitchell broke out in this game as he had 8 catches for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns. Caleb Wilson and Theo Howard led the receiving core for the Bruins. UCLA decided to use a 2 QB system in this game as they combined for 49 pass attempts, 297 yards and 2 touchdowns. Oregon played discipline football throughout as they only got penalized once and was above 50% 3rd down completion percentage. With the Ducks improving to 6-3 after this impressive performance, they have a very limited chance of making the conference game, but they are looking to improve their bowl game. They will be on the hunt for that as they face Utah on the road as UCLA will be on the road again in Tempe, facing Arizona State.
Washington 27, Stanford 23
K.J. Costello uncharacteristically threw 3 interceptions as UW was able to feast on turnovers and held on for a big win. UW got out to a big lead early and heading into the break with control of the game, up 21-0. K.J would go on and lead the offense to score 17 straight and pull it within 7 with less than 9 minutes to go. UW would make a FG and Costello would then find Trenton Irwin for a 33 yard touchdown. Stanford had a chance to win the game, but Taylor Rupp came down with a game clinching interception on the final play of the game. One of the interceptions from Stanford came to DT Greg Gaines on an acrobatic catch falling to the ground off of a deflection. Usually productive, JJ Arcega-Whiteside was shut down all night long as he hauled in just one catch for 11 yards as the Huskies made it a priority to keep the ball out of his hands. With UW just one game back of the division lead, UW is on a bye this upcoming week. After that, Oregon State is their next opponent at home. Then a showdown with Washington State awaits them. Not only for the Apple Cup, but also a chance at the Pac 12 Title game. Stanford gets the Beavers gets this upcoming week, seeking bowl eligibility.
USC 38, Oregon State 21
Aca’Cedric Ware broke out in this game as he scored 3 touchdowns in USC’s win over Oregon State. Oregon State was able to get some success as Jake Luton had another 300 yard performance. But the Beavers only rushed for 31 yards. Isiah Hodgins once again led in receiving with 129 yards on 8 catches. USC was quite the opposite on offense. On only 14 completions, J.T. Daniels threw for 177 yards. But USC rushed for 332 yards. 205 of it coming from Aca’Cedric Ware and 101 coming from sophomore Vavae Malepeai. USC is back home and as many teams in the conference, is looking for win number 6. While Oregon State is on the road to face Stanford, looking for win number 2 in conference play.
Offensive POTW: Khalil Tate QB Arizona
Defensive POTW: Merlin Robertson LB Arizona State
Season Predictions: 49-24
