Pac-12 schools had a great weekend, winning nine out of 11 games and boosting the conference’s overall record to 30-6 in the first three weeks of the college football season. The teams put up some impressive performances, with several players standing out. In total, Pac-12 teams outscored their opponents 404-182, and six teams managed to hold their opponents to 10 points or less. With non-conference play now over, the focus shifts to conference games for the rest of the season.
Arizona (2-1):
Arizona 31 – UTEP 10
The Arizona football team had a dominant win over the University of Texas at El Paso, 31-10, picking up their second win of the season. Quarterback Jayden de Laura threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns, while Tetairoa McMillan had six receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown. The Wildcats’ defense has improved significantly, allowing only 44 points in the first three games, the lowest since 2013. Arizona (2-1) travels to play Stanford to kick off Pac-12 play next Saturday, Sept. 23, at 4 p.m.
ASU (1-2):
Fresno State 29 – ASU 0
Arizona State University lost 29-0 against California State University Fresno, committing eight turnovers and being shut out for the first time since 2008. The Sun Devils (1-2) averaged only 13 points per game through their first three games, ranking 131 out of 133 teams in Football Bowl Subdivision. Additionally, ASU’s freshman starting quarterback Jaden Rashada expected to miss four to six weeks due to an injury that has bothered him since high school. ASU opens Pac-12 play next weekend when they host the No. 5 USC on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m.
Cal (2-1):
Cal 31 – Idaho 17
The University of California Berkeley rallied to defeat the University of Idaho 31-17 after trailing 17-0 early in the first half. The Golden Bears (2-1) avoided their first loss against a Football Championship Subdivision opponent after a sluggish start put them down early. Cal running back Isaiah Ifanse finished with a season-high 137 yards on 22 carries while rushing for one touchdown. The Golden Bears needed a solid second half to pull away from the Vandals to pick up their second win of the season. Cal travels to Seattle to face the No. 8 University of Washington to open Pac-12 play on Saturday, Sept 23, at 7:30 p.m.
No. 19 Colorado (3-0):
No. 19 Colorado 43 – Colorado State 35 after 2OT
The University of Colorado Boulder beat their rival Colorado State University 43-35 in double overtime. Despite trailing for most of the game, the Buffaloes (3-0) under first-year head coach Deion Sanders rallied late, with quarterback Shedeur Sanders throwing for 348 yards and four touchdowns. Unfortunately, star player Travis Hunter was injured in the first quarter and will be out for a few weeks. The Buffaloes travel to face the No. 10 University of Oregon on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 12:30 p.m. in Eugene, Oregon, in a top-25 matchup.
No. 10 Oregon (3-0):
No. 13 Oregon 55 – Hawaii 10
The University of Oregon jumped out early and never looked back as they routed the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa 55-10. The Ducks’ offense has been dominant through the first three weeks, averaging 58 points per game, ranking second behind Pac-12 rival USC. Oregon quarterback Bo Nix threw for 247 yards and three touchdowns while improving his completion percentage to 77.6%, which ranks sixth in the nation. Oregon opens Pac-12 play next weekend when they host the No. 19 Colorado on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 12:30 p.m.
No. 14 Oregon State (3-0):
No. 16 Oregon State 26 – San Diego State 9
Oregon State University defeated San Diego State University 26-9, as the Beavers remained unbeaten. Oregon State handled business after getting off to a slow start. Beaver quarterback DJ Uiagalelei threw for 284 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions while running back Damien Martinez rushed for 102 yards on 15 carries, increasing his season totals to 351 yards, which ranks eighth in the nation. The Beavers travel to Pullman, Washington, to face No. 21 Washington State University in a top-25 matchup on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 4 p.m.
Stanford (1-2):
Sacramento State 30 – Stanford 23
Stanford University was stunned by California State University Sacramento 30-23. The Cardinal entered the game as favorites and lost to an FCS opponent for the first time since 2005 after blowing a late game lead to drop their second straight game. Stanford jumped out to an early 14-3 lead, but the Hornets rallied to take a 17-14 lead into halftime. Stanford would retake the lead in the fourth quarter, but the Hornets would land the final blow in the closing minutes, stunning the Cardinal on their home field. Stanford looks to turn things around when they host Arizona next Saturday, Sept. 23, at 4 p.m.
No. 22 UCLA (3-0):
No. 24 UCLA 59 – NC Central 7
UCLA handled business, beating North Carolina Central University 59-7. The Bruins jumped out early, scoring a season-high 35 points in the first quarter. UCLA’s offense dominated, putting up 614 total yards, as five Bruins rushed for over 60 yards. Freshman quarterback Dante Moore threw for 182 yards and two touchdowns. The Bruins will be tested next weekend when they face the No. 11 University of Utah on the road on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 12:30 p.m.
No. 11 Utah (3-0):
No. 12 Utah 31 – Weber State 7
Utah dominated its in-state neighbor Weber State University 31-6, holding the Wildcats to only 127 yards. Freshman quarterback Nate Johnson showed an impressive performance for the Utes, throwing for 192 yards and a touchdown. He also used his legs effectively, rushing for 71 yards on 16 carries and scoring another touchdown. Utah hosts No. 22 UCLA next Saturday, Sept. 23, at 12:30 p.m.
No. 8 Washington (3-0):
No. 8 Washington 41 – Michigan State 7
The University of Washington dominated on the road against Michigan State University, winning 41-7. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had an outstanding game, throwing 473 yards and four touchdowns. Penix Jr. leads the nation with 1,332 passing yards, and the Huskies’ offense has been impressive, averaging 493 yards per game, the highest in the country. The Huskies’ offense outperformed the Spartans’ offense by more than 450 yards, proving they are a formidable title contender. Washington will begin Pac-12 play this weekend when they host Cal on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m.
No. 21 Washington State (3-0):
No. 23 Washington State 64 – Northern Colorado 21
Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward led the Cougars to a 64-21 victory over the University of Northern Colorado, throwing for 327 yards and four touchdowns. Freshman quarterback John Mateer also contributed with 138 yards and two touchdowns. The Cougars collected a season-high 718 yards, dominating the game. Next, they host No. 14 Oregon State in their Pac-12 opener on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 4 p.m.
Pac-12 Power Rankings:
- No. 5 USC (3-0)
- No. 8 Washington (3-0)
- No. 10 Oregon (3-0)
- No. 11 Utah (3-0)
- No. 14 Oregon State (3-0)
- No. 19 Colorado (3-0)
- No. 21 Washington State (3-0)
- No. 22 UCLA (3-0)
- Arizona (2-1)
- California (2-1)
- Arizona State (1-2)
- Stanford (1-2)
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