Pac-12 Football Monday Team Weekly: Week 1
By Josh Davis
Week by week we’ll keep tabs on the Pac!
Arizona Wildcats: Won 24-17 over Toledo (OT). Grade B+
Arizona played well enough to beat a Toledo team that is pretty confident in their ability to challenge for a MAC title. It’s always a good thing to win a football game in the coach’s (Rich Rodriguez) debut and quarterback Matt Scott played well. Now they get ready to face a much more talented Oklahoma State team at home.
Arizona State Sun Devils: Won 63-6 over N. Arizona. Grade A
ASU did what they were supposed to do, now it’s time to face a play a real football game. Illinois will come in and give it to them, fresh off of their win over Western Michigan.
Cal Golden Bears: Lost 31-24 to Nevada. Grade D+
Memorial Stadium re-opening, a team supposedly ready to challenge for a Pac-12 North title, a chance for redemption against Nevada. Cal wasted all of it by losing in the closing seconds and may have put Coach Tedford’s job in jeopardy in the process. Better handle your business against S. Utah this weekend.
#20 Stanford Cardinal: Won 20-17 over San Jose State. Grade C+
SJSU continues to give Pac-12 teams a scare, Stanford failed to silence any critics. Another chance against Duke this week.
UCLA Bruins: Won 49-24 over Rice. Grade A+
Franklins 214 yards, as well as a terrific day from their Freshman qb gave UCLA a shot in the arm and a spike in expectations. Nebraska’s a whole different monster though, even in the Rose Bowl.
#1 USC Trojans: Won 49-20 over Hawaii. Grade A+
Marquise Lee is in the house, 3 times in fact. 191 receiving yards and a 100 yard kickoff return for a td gives the Trojans 3 legitimate Heisman candidates. Poor Syracuse is in the way this week.
Colorado Buffs: Lost 22-17 to Colorado State. Grade C+
The bad news is that they lost to the in state rival and Buffs fans will tell you that should never happen. The good news is they played better than expected, held a lead into the 3rd and had a chance to win. Kansas transfer Webb made a huge difference and may keep them competitive in a few games that they probably shouldn’t be. Sacramento State tries to come in and spoil their chance at a seemingly rare win this season.
#5 Oregon Ducks: Won 57-34 over Arkansas State. Grade A+
Don’t be fooled by the final. 50-3 halfway through the 2nd. ASU should be commended just for coming out for the second half. Interesting test from Fresno State coming up.
Oregon State Beavers: Postponed vs Nicholls State
Utah Utes: Won 41-0 over N. Colorado. Grade A+
The Ute defense starts off with a bang. Shutting out anybody is impressive. Now for the rivalry game against a game Utah State.
Washington Huskies: Won 21-12 over San Diego State. Grade B
Not overly impressive, but they got a win with a decent defensive effort, which is new. LSU presents a real problem to their offense this week.
Washington State Cougars: Lost 30-6 to BYU. Grade C-
Opening night disaster for the Cougs. In all fairness, BYU is better than advertised and 2 WSU touchdowns came off the board by way of penalty, so it wasn’t as bad as it looks. Still, Cougs need to impress this weekend against Eastern Washington to win back their fan base.