Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) -
ARIZONA: For the second straight week Arizona lost in heartbreaking fashion as
the Wildcats let a late lead slip away in a 54-48 overtime loss to Stanford.
Arizona led 48-34 midway through the fourth quarter but allowed two touchdowns
over the final six and a half minutes to suffer its third straight loss. The
two squads combined for 1,234 total yards of offense in the game with an even
split of 617 yards each. Matt Scott had 69 pass attempts in the game,
completing 45 of them for a career-high 491 yards and three touchdowns as well
as an interception. Ka'Deem Carey racked up 132 yards rushing and three
touchdowns on 29 carries. Two different receivers had at least 10 receptions
led by Austin Hill (11) who had 165 yards and two touchdowns. Johnny Jackson
caught 10 ball for 75 yards. Even in the loss, Arizona remains the top ranked
team in the Pac-12 in total offense (551.3 ypg). Arizona lost despite having
an edge in total first downs (38-27). Jourdon Grandon led the team with 12
total tackles, while Tra'Mayne Bondurant had eight stops, including a game-
high three for loss. Arizona will get a chance to put an end to its losing
streak at home in two weeks against Washington.
ARIZONA STATE: The Sun Devils had a week off after posting a 27-17 win on the
road over California. It was the second straight win of the season for Arizona
State, which is 2-0 in conference play and 4-1 overall. Arizona State will
battle Colorado in a Thursday night matchup looking to move to 3-0 in
conference play for the second straight season.
CALIFORNIA: It was California and not then No. 25 UCLA that looked like the
ranked squad when the Golden Bears posted a 43-17 win over the Bruins on
Saturday. The Golden Bears have not lost to UCLA at home since 1998 and have
now beaten a ranked team for the first time since 2009. The high point total
was indicative of a California win as the Golden Bears are 42-2 all-time when
scoring at lest 40 points. With his eight-catch, 79-yard effort, Keenan Allen
stretched his streak of games with a reception to 30. He also caught a pair of
touchdowns which were the 14th and 15th of his career, tying for seventh in
California history. Richard Rogers had one fewer catch than Allen but had his
first career 100-yard game (129) Throwing those passes was Zach Maynard, who
threw for 295 yards on 25-of-30 passing and was responsible for five
touchdowns (four passing and one rushing). The four passing touchdowns tied a
career-high. Although Brendan Bigelow got the start at running back it was
C.J. Anderson who had a team-high in carries (21) and yards (151) while also
scoring a touchdown. California's defense forced five turnovers, including
four interceptions, while holding UCLA to 381 yards. The Bruins had been
ranked fourth nationally in total offense (560.4 ypg) entering play. Jalen
Jefferson and Nick Forbes both tied for a team-high with 10 tackles each. Next
up California will ride the momentum of this win north to take on Washington
State.
COLORADO: After getting routed 42-14 by then No. 25 UCLA, Colorado had a bye
this past weekend. Colorado is just 1-4 overall this season but 1-1 against
Pac-12 competition. The Buffaloes will return to action on Thursday night
against Arizona State, which has yet to lose in conference play.
OREGON: Another week, another dominating performance from the No. 2 Ducks who
rolled to a 52-21 victory over a newly-ranked Washington Huskies squad. It was
the ninth straight win against Washington for Oregon, the longest such streak
against any conference opponent. Oregon put up five touchdowns in the first
half and has now scored at least 35 points in the first half of four of its
five home games this season. Oregon is the top scoring team in the Pac-12
(52.3 ppg) and the fourth overall nationally. The 497 total yards gained by
the Ducks was below the squad's season average (541.7 ypg) which is the second
best mark in the Pac-12. Kenjon Barner rushed for 122 yards on 20 carries to
become the sixth leading rusher in Oregon history with 2,583 career yards. It
was his third 100-yard game of the season. De'Anthony Thomas continued to find
his way into the end zone with a touchdown to go along with 122 all-purpose
yards. Marcus Mariota tied a career-high with four touchdown passes, while
completing 15-of-24 passes for 198 yards. Oregon surrendered 353 total yards
to the Huskies, but also forced five turnovers including a pair of
interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. It was the fourth
interception return for a touchdown this season by the Ducks, which ties a
school record. Kiko Alonso had team-highs in tackles (10), tackles for loss
(3.5) and sacks (one) while also forcing and recovering a fumble. Oregon will
be off next week before a Thursday night showdown in the desert against
Arizona State.
OREGON STATE: It does not look like Oregon State is done shocking the college
football world, as the Beavers climbed into the top-10 (No. 10) of the most
recent poll after a 19-6 win over Washington State. The Beavers are now 4-0
for the first time since 2002 and have reached their highest ranking since
also filling in at No. 10 during the 2011 season. Oregon State's defense was
what won the recent game, with the Beavers holding the Cougars without a
touchdown, the first time an Oregon State team has accomplished that feat
since 2008. Oregon State allowed the Cougars to convert on only 2-of-10 third
down conversions and allowed only 227 total yards. Jordan Poyer recorded three
interceptions in the game and was named a Walter Camp National Player of the
Week for his efforts. Oregon State was also guilty of a number of turnovers
including three interceptions thrown by Sean Mannion. The quarterback threw
for 270 yards and a score on 25-for-42 passing as well. Markus Wheaton (nine
receptions, 95 yards, TD) and Brandin Cooks (five receptions, 82 yards)
continue to be a formidable receiving tandem. Oregon State struggled on the
ground, managing an even 100 yards, while averaging 2.5 yards per carry. Storm
Woods led the team with 54 yards. Oregon State will defend its current ranking
in a non-conference bout at BYU, which was ranked earlier this season,
STANFORD: The Cardinal avoided another difficult defeat by rallying for a
54-48 overtime win at home over Arizona this past weekend. With his squad down
48-34 with less than 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Josh Nunes
orchestrated two touchdown drives, capping each off with rushing touchdowns by
himself to force overtime. In the extra period the Cardinal defense held up
allowing Stepfan Taylor to run in the winning score from 21 yards out on
Stanford's possession. Stanford was a bit out of its element, needing 617
yards of total offense to pull out the win. It was the largest offensive
output by a Cardinal squad since 1999. Taylor finished with 142 yards rushing
and a pair of scores for his 16th-career 100-yard game. Nunes threw for a
career-high 360 yards and also had a pair of passing touchdowns, while
completing 21-of-34 pass attempts. Levine Toilolo was the most productive
receiver in the game with five receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown. The
normally stout Stanford defense was lit up for 617 total yards, 419 of which
came through the air. It was the first time Stanford has allowed 400 yards
passing since 2009. Stanford will have to work out whatever issues it has
quickly as a date against No. 7 Notre Dame in South Bend awaits next weekend.
UCLA: A week removed from regaining a spot in the top-25, UCLA fell out once
again after a stunning 43-17 rout at the hands of California. UCLA managed 382
total yards but turned the ball over four times to put a halt to several
drives. Brett Hundley looked more like a redshirt freshman than he has for
most of the season throwing four interceptions while completing 31-of-47
passes for 253 yards. Hundley was hounded by the California defense and was
sacked five times. He also threw two touchdowns. Johnathan Franklin continued
to produce effectively on the ground with 103 yards rushing and a 6.9 yards-
per-carry average. The UCLA defense allowed two more yards per play (6.7) than
the UCLA offense managed (4.7) in the contest. The Bruins also gave up 481
total yards and a 4-for-5 success rate in the red zone. Despite collecting
three sacks on California quarterback Zach Maynard, the Bruins did little to
slow the pass game, as Maynard completed 25-of-30 attempts (83.3 percent).
Eric Kendricks led the team with 12 total tackles, while Anthony Barr forced a
fumble and finished with seven stops. UCLA will battle Utah next week at the
Rose Bowl.
USC: In a Thursday night bout with Utah, the Trojans came away with their
fourth win of the season, dropping the Utes 38-28 in Salt Lake City. Matt
Barkley had a strong game in the win, completing 23-of-30 passes for 303 yards
and three scores. However the star of the game was yet again Marqise Lee, who
caught 12 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown. Lee is now third in the nation
in receptions (52) and fourth in yards per game (129.8). Robert Woods caught
six passes for 69 yards and a score, but had a frightening moment in the first
quarter. Woods took a hard hit while blocking on a punt return and then fell
to the ground attempting to join the offensive huddle. He missed only one play
before reentering the game. Silas Redd was the lead rusher for the Trojans
with 77 yards and a touchdown. The win moved the Trojans up to No. 11 in the
most recent poll. The Trojan defense allowed 304 yards of total offense and
forced a pair of turnovers. T.J. McDonald led the team with nine total
tackles, while Nickell Robey recorded seven and caught an interception. Lane
Kiffin's squad will remain on the road next week with a trip up to Seattle to
take on Washington.
UTAH: Utah fell to 0-2 in the Pac-12 and 2-3 overall with a 38-28 loss at the
hands of the then No. 13 USC Trojans. The Utes have lost back-to-back games
for the first time since losing consecutive games in October of last season.
The Utes are 8-9 all-time under Kyle Whittingham against ranked opponents. Jon
Hays had limited success under center completing 19-of-32 pass attempts for
160 yards and two scores, while also throwing an interception. Travis Wilson
was brought in late in the game and completed 4-of-6 passes for 49 yards. John
White had 68 yards on 13 carries for the Utes who had only 95 yards rushing as
a team. DeVonte Christopher had a team-high 62 yards on five receptions and
also caught his first career touchdown pass. Nine different players had a
reception in the game. Eric Rowe had 10 tackles to lead the team and mark a
career-high. The defense also put points on the board on a eight-yard fumble
recovery by Nate Fakahafua. Utah gave up 432 yards of total offense in the
game, including a hefty 7.0 yards-per-play. Utah will not have the benefit of
playing at home next week when the Utes travel to Los Angeles to battle UCLA.
WASHINGTON: The hopes of two straight upset victories was dashed quickly for
Washington in a 52-21 loss to No. 2 Oregon. With the defeat, the Huskies lost
the No. 23 ranking they earned with a win over then No. 8 Stanford a week
earlier. The Huskies went down big early on, trailing 21-0 after the first
quarter and 35-7 at the end of the first half. Bishop Sankey was a lone bright
spot, rushing for 104 yards and two scores for his third straight 100-yard
rushing performance. Keith Price's sophomore slump continued with the
quarterback completing 19-of-31 passes for only 145 yards along with two
interceptions. Kasen Williams had a team-high in receptions (six) and
receiving yards (48). No other receiver had more than three catches or 33
yards. Washington lost despite winning the time of possession by holding the
bal for 35:18. A big reason for that was the quick strike ability of Oregon,
with Washington allowing touchdowns on six drives of 3:12 or less. Overall the
defense was lit up for 497 total yards. Travis Feeney and Sean Parker tied for
the team lead in tackles with 12. Washington will play host to No. 11 USC in
its next matchup.
WASHINGTON STATE: Washington State fell victim to the now No. 10 Oregon State
Beavers in a 19-6 loss in Corvallis to fall to 2-4 overall and 0-3 in
conference play. The Cougars have now lost five straight conference games
dating back to last season and 10 of their last 12. The six points matched a
season-low for Washington State which is still struggling to adjust to Mike
Leach's offensive system. The Cougars had only 227 yards of total offense in
the loss to Oregon State. Only 20 of those yards came on the ground. The
Cougars are now the second worst rushing team in the nation (41.3 ypg) after
the loss. Connor Halliday completed only 9-of-20 pass attempts for 81 yards
while throwing three interceptions. He was spelled by Jeff Tuel, who connected
on 11-of-17 attempts for 126 yards and was intercepted once. Marquess Wilson
caught four passes for 54 yards and now has a reception in all 30 games of his
career. Terrapins at home.
VIRGINIA TECH: Logan Thomas finally had a game worthy of his hype entering the
season, completing 26-of-49 passes, for a career-high 354 yards and two
touchdowns, but it wasn't enough, as Virginia Tech fell 48-34 to North
Carolina in Chapel Hill, marking the team's first loss at North Carolina since
1938. The setback also dropped Virginia Tech to just 3-3 on the season and 1-1
in ACC play. Corey Fuller certainly benefited from Thomas' strong outing,
catching a career-high five passes for a career-high 143 yards, including a
66-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. A defense that has struggled at times
this season, was torched for 533 total yards by North Carolina, including 339
yards on the ground. The Hokies have lost two straight games and hope to end
the skid this weekend when they play host to the surprising Duke Blue Devils.
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