The Pac-12 backed up a positive Week 2 with an even better one in Week 3. This week in the conference featured two Pac-12 programs beating AP Top 15 opponents. It’s first time it’s happened since 2013. Here are some other quick takeaways from all the conference action.
Okay Washington, You Have Our Attention
Is Washington back? Well, they certainly looked like it against the No. 11 Michigan State Spartans. The Huskies dominated from the very beginning as they jumped out to a 22-0 lead. Ultimately, they claimed the 39-28 victory.
For the third straight weekend, UW featured an explosive passing game. Michael Penix Jr. dazzled once again. He threw for 397 passing yards and four touchdowns with ease. Receivers Ja’Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillian constantly ran wild through the Spartans’ secondary.
If Penix remains healthy (which has been a concern in his past), Washington looks like a major threat for the Pac-12 Championship once again.
0-12 on the Table for Colorado?
The Colorado Buffaloes are now 0-3, and look like one of the worst programs in college football. The Buffaloes have been outscored 128-30 in their three contests so far this season. They’ve only registered 376 passing yards, 360 rushing yards and three offensive touchdowns total in those games. Sadly, there’s not a lot of hope they can turn it around.
CU had 22 scholarship players leave the program via the transfer portal this offseason. It has shown in all three contests as the Buffs haven’t had the talent or depth to compete against TCU, Air Force, or Minnesota for 60 minutes. Now they head into Pac-12 play, where they’ll likely be a underdog in all nine conference matchups. A 0-12 record is not out of the question.
UCLA’s a Wild Enigma
The UCLA Bruins are 3-0. However, they have played no one noteworthy. They have played Bowling Green, Alabama State, and South Alabama all at home. It is anyone’s guess how good the Bruins actually are heading into Pac-12 play. Plus, their recent 32-31 victory over the South Alabama Jaguars has opened them up to plenty of criticism.
The Bruins were well on their way to loss against Jaguars. Fortunately for the Bruins, Jaguars head coach Kane Wommack decided to call this disastrous play.
They got the look they wanted but South Alabama’s fake field goal fails!! pic.twitter.com/FFW1jVJYS8
— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) September 17, 2022
Afterwards, the Bruins offense drove down the field and scored the game-winning field goal with no time left. It was not an impressive victory, but the most important thing is they won. They’ve got some talent on both sides of the ball, but it’s fair to question if they’ll be able to put it altogether to make a Pac-12 Title run; especially after this performance.
Oregon’s Run Game Emerges
For the first two weeks of the season, the Ducks’ passing game, and specifically Bo Nix, has been a major talking point. However, Saturday’s 41-20 win over the No. 12 BYU Cougars proved that the run game is key to Oregon’s success.
The Ducks gashed the Cougars for 212 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. It was easily their best ground performance of the season, and it resulted in them getting the upset victory. In particular, sophomore running backs Noah Whittington and Mar’Keise Irving looked explosive. Also, Nix accounted for all three of the Ducks’ running TDs.
While most would like to see the Ducks’ passing game spearhead the offense, an effective run game will be the key indicator for the program’s offensive success.
Uh, A 20.5-Point Underdog Beats Herm
Arizona State fell to the Eastern Michigan 30-21. The Sun Devils were a 20.5-point favorite, and yet, they never led once during the game. How?
Well, EMU took the fight directly to the Sun Devils. Eagles running back Samson Evans had a career game with 259 rushing yards and one touchdown on 36 carries. The entire EMU football team ran for 316 yards. Almost 70% of their offensive plays were run calls.
Herm Edwards came into the season on the hot seat after an offseason filled with recruiting violations and multiple players and coaches departing. Now, he’s team’s 1-2 heading into Pac-12 play. Can he turn it around or is it a matter of time before he’s pushed out?
Pacific Northwest Big for Pac-12 Again
For the second straight week, the four Pacific Northwest schools go unbeaten while boosting the Pac-12’s profile in the process. As mentioned earlier, Oregon and Washington each notched huge wins over Top 15 opponents; continuing momentum from Oregon State’s and Washington State’s notable wins last week.
Through three weeks, OSU, UW and WSU are all 3-0 while UO is 2-1 but is the highest ranked team of the group. It’s been a long time since all four of these programs have looked good and posted solid records early in the season. These schools will beat up on each other once conference play begins next week. It’ll be interesting to see if anyone gets through unscathed.
For More Great Football Content
Follow us on Twitter at @GridironHeroics for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Football news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
