It was a competitive weekend in Pac-12 football, as multiple games turned into nail-biter affairs.
Oregon got things started by overcoming Arizona State in a triple overtime showdown that featured several shaky replays. Despite the controversy, the Ducks were able to win 61-55, keeping their bowl hopes alive.
The most surprising victory goes to Washington, as their offense exploded for the first time this year. Huskie quarterback Jake Browning gets the performance of the week, as he ended the night with five total touchdowns.
No. 8 Stanford 30, WSU 28
Washington State kicker Erik Powell had an impressive performance for most of the night. The sophomore had banged in five field goals, yet watched his game-winning attempt sail wide right on a 43-yard attempt as the clock hit zero. Stanford turned to the run as it couldn’t get anything going through the air. The team ended with 226 yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns.
Oregon State 12, No. 13 Utah 27
This is the Utah team that had impressed the nation earlier this season. The Utes were back to their old ways, dominating the Beavers on defense and letting quarterback Travis Wilson and running back Devontae Booker carry the load on offense. Wilson was an efficient 14-of-17 through the air for 196 yards and one touchdown, while Booker had 121 rushing yards and a touchdown. Utah is now just four wins away from playing in its first Pac-12 Championship since joining the conference in 2011.
Colorado 31, No. 24 UCLA 35
After they blew an 18-point lead, the Bruins were able to rally to retake the victory. Running back Soso Jamabo was able to punch it in from two yards out for the game-winning touchdown. The Buffalo controlled the pace of play for most of the night, running 114 plays and keeping possession of the ball for 41 minutes. Colorado wide receiver Nelson Spruce became the Pac-12 career receptions leader, passing Arizona’s Mike Thomas’ record of 259 catches set back in 2008. UCLA’ Paul Perkins had 118 yards and two touchdowns. Defensive back Ishmael Adams had a 96-yard pick-six.
USC 27, California 21
After such a promising start to the season, USC sent the Golden Bears plummeting down to a three-game losing streak. In the third quarter, Cal quarterback Jared Goff threw an interception that put his team down by 17 — a deficit they could never recover from. The Trojan’s Adoree Jackson was on the other end of the pick, taking it 46 yards to the house. USC now has 12 consecutive wins over Cal.
Arizona 3, Washington 49
Perhaps the most surprising finish was the dismantling of Arizona by the Huskies. Washington could do no wrong, dominating in all facets of the game. Browning had his five touchdowns, the Huskie running backs combined for 201 yards on the ground and the defense intercepted the ball three times. This was Washington’s most lopsided conference victory since a 59-7 win over Colorado back in 2013.
Follow Christopher Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur
Pac-12 Round Up: Stanford survives a Halloween scare, Huskies dominate Wildcats
Christopher Keizur
October 31, 2015
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