10-13-22 Emerald Media Group - Gameday

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ON THE COVER

Ducks sophomore running back Bucky Irving (0) is handed the ball by quarterback Bo Nix (10). The University of Oregon Ducks take on the Stanford Cardinal on Oct. 1, 2022 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.(Maddie Stellingwerf/Emerald)

The Duck joins Oregon cheerleaders as they sing and dance to Oregon’s third quarter tradition, “shout.” The University of Oregon Ducks hosted and defeated the Oregon State Beavers 38-29, claiming the Pac-12 North champions title. (Emerald/ Ian Enger)

PLAYER

CHASE COTA

SEVEN MCGEE

KRIS

BRANDON DORLUS

JORDAN RILEY

CASEY ROGERS

DJ JOHNSON

NOAH SEWELL

JUSTIN FLOWE

TRIKWEZE BRIDGES

JAMAL HILL

STEVE STEPHENS

CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ

BENNETT WILLIAMS

TREVEN MA’AE

TAKI TAIMANI

KEYON WARE-HUDSON

MASE FUNA

ADAM BARRY

CAMDEN LEWIS

ANDREW BOYLE

KARSTEN BATTLES

SEVEN MCGEE

OREGON

OREGON

OREGON

OREGON OFFENSE

DAWSON JARAMILLO

MOLIKI MATAVAO

JAY BUTTERFIELD

SEAN DOLLARS

ISAAH CROCKER

KYLER KASPER

CALEB CHAPMAN

FAAOPE LALOULU

DAVE LULI

PATRICK HERBERT

THOMPSON

JORDAN JAMES

JUSTIUS LOWE

KAWIKA ROGERS

MCCOMICK

BYRON CARDWELL

WHITTINGTON

OREGON DEFENSE

JACKSON LADUKE

JEFFREY BASSA

DONTAE MANNING

DAYMON DAVID

BRYAN ADDISON

JAHLIL FLORENCE

JJ GREENFIELD

JAKE SHIPLEY

BRADYN SWINSON

KEITH BROWN

JALIL TUCKER

DARREN BARKINS

KHAMARI TERRELL AVANTE DICKERSON

TEAMS

ROSS JAMES

ALEX BALES

KRIS HUTSON CHASE COTA

DIVERSE RUSHING ATTACK SHREDS WILDCAT DEFENSE ON ROUTE TO 49-22 VICTORY.

Five different Ducks scored rushing touchdowns against Arizona

BY JACK AARON • TWITTER @JACKAMARON

Oregon marched into Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday and put the rest of the Pac-12 on notice. Bo Nix and the Ducks’ offense showcased a masterful performance, accounting for 580 yards of total offense in the form of 306 total rushing yards and 274 passing yards.

What began as a solid start for Arizona quickly turned into a nightmare. The Wildcats began to move the ball with ease, leading to an early field goal. However, Oregon’s offense answered. Just two minutes after the Wildcat field goal, running back Noah Whittington exploded through the defense with a 55yard run, one kick-started by a nasty jump cut.

As the time ticked by in the first half, Arizona quarterback Jayden De Laura grew uncomfortable. The defensive line shed blocks quicker, the linebackers tackled persistently and the secondary’s coverage tightened.

On the offensive side, Nix commanded the Ducks with confidence. He finished with 265 yards on an ultra-efficient 80% completion percentage. Give offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham his flowers, as he kept the Wildcat defense on their feet with a balanced and creative offensive attack.

“I think we’ve come together, and the camaraderie is at an all-time high,” Nix said. “We know our strengths and coaches put us in the right situations… They let us play ball.”

Ducks players run back to their respective locker rooms as half time begins. University of Oregon Ducks Football defeat the BYU Cougars in a home match at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Sep. 17, 2022. (Maddie Stellingwerf/Emerald)

In a second-quarter scoring drive, runs from Noah Whittington and Mar’Keise Irving set up what could be argued as the throw of the game. On first-and-10 from Arizona’s 44-yard line, Dillingham dialed up a play-action pass which ultimately left the Arizona defense lost. Nix launched a 42-yard pass to Kris Hutson setting up first-and-goal on the two. Nix punched it in on the next play to put Oregon up 14-3.

The offensive onslaught started on that drive, and it never looked back.

Oregon continued to run the ball down Arizona’s throat with force. Oregon’s top three running backs and Nix each rushed for at least 65 yards in the contest. Give credit to the Ducks’ offensive line.

“They’ve played great the past four weeks,” Nix said.

The defense continued to suffocate de Laura and the Wildcats’ offense, causing punts and turnovers. The offense took advantage with a total of seven rushing touchdowns.

In what could’ve been a trap game for the Ducks, they showed out and played the most complete game yet in all three phases.

This week’s win sets up an integral matchup against No. 11 UCLA — who took down Utah — on Saturday, Oct. 22.

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DON’T REACT UNTIL THE BALL IS SNAPPED

BY KEIJI PATTERSON • TWITTER @PATTERSON_KEIJI

The No.12 Oregon Ducks (5-1, 3-0) look to improve on their penalty woes and lick their wounds from the former half of their 2022 season as they head into their bye week. Fresh off a 49-22 annihilation of the Arizona Wildcats (3-3, 1-2), Oregon secured its first victory in Tucson, Arizona, since 2011. This game extended the Ducks’ win streak to five games as they prepare for the latter half of their schedule, which features No.11 UCLA and No. 20 Utah, along with two rivals in the Washington Huskies and Oregon State Beavers.

In their season and home openers, the Ducks committed five penalties in each contest for a combined total of 87 penalty yards. Their opponents committed 12 penalties for 127 yards total.

Oregon’s play got sloppier in the two contests that succeeded. Their penalties per game increased from five to eight.

Against Brigham Young University, the Ducks infracted eight penalties for 48 yards to BYU’s seven for 64 yards. When they faced the Washington State Cougars, Oregon surrendered eight penalties for 87 yards to the Cougars’ five for 27 yards.

There was some efficiency here, but not the kind that the Ducks’ wanted or needed.

On a lower note, the Ducks’ penalty woes worsened versus Stanford University. Oregon nearly doubled their penalty totals from the previous two games (BYU and Washington State) as they committed an astounding 14 penalties for 135 yards. That’s more yards than Stanford had rushing (127) all game.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning was bombarded with questions throughout press conferences the week of the Arizona game. Reporters inquired on how he and his staff will

improve this troublesome statistic throughout the rest of the season.

“We’re working on it. There’s accountability for every single penalty we had today at practice… We’ll keep growing from it,” Lanning said in an Arizona preview conference. “We can’t be a team with self-inflicted wounds and have the success that we want to do.”

While the Ducks infracted six penalties for 56 yards, the Wildcats committed three penalties for 11 yards, but that can be expected when playing on the road in a raucous atmosphere.

Nevertheless, those numbers are progressing

in the right direction, a sign that Lanning’s practice regiments are working and the team has reciprocated.

The Ducks are tied for 114th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in fewest penalties with 47 infracted this season. They also rank 115th in penalty yards thus far.

Oregon will look to keep to clean up its penalty issues as it faces a gauntlet of quality teams to end this season. Check out the No. 12 Ducks’ next ranked matchup when they battle the No. 11 UCLA Bruins (6-0, 3-0) and legendary Oregon head coach Chip Kelly on Saturday Oct. 22.

The Oregon Ducks look to correct their penalty woes to meet their standard for this season.

Ducks defense run forward towards Stanford offense on a kick off. The University of Oregon Ducks take on the Stanford Cardinal on Oct. 1, 2022 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.(Maddie Stellingwerf/Emerald)

The balls used for the game are picked up around the field after warm ups concluded. The University of Oregon Ducks take on the Stanford Cardinal on Oct. 1, 2022 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.(Maddie Stellingwerf/Emerald)

THE WEEK IN BACK TO BACK WEEKS

THE WEEK IN BACK TO BACK WEEKS

BY JACK AARON TWITTER @JACKMAARON

Senior left tackle T.J. Bass came into this season with plenty of expectations. The former 4-star recruit made the Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List. The award is given to the top interior lineman in the country.

This past week against Arizona, Bass was given an 82.4 blocking grade from Pro Football Focus and allowed no quarterback pressures or hurries.

Thanks to Bass’ dominant play, the Ducks gained 306 yards on the ground behind a running attack that simply overpowered the Wildcats.

Thus far, Bass has gone beyond everyone’s expectations. He made the switch to left tackle this year and anchored for one of the toughest offensive lines in the nation.

Bass leads an offensive front that hasn’t given up a sack in five games. His leadership has created strong chemistry between the linemen who have done an excellent job at protecting Bo Nix in Pac-12 play.

One of the most overlooked reasons for Oregon’s success this year has been the play up front. They’ve consistently controlled the line of scrimmage, allowing the run game to dominate. Through five games, the Ducks have run for 6.2 yards a clip and 241.7 yards per game.

This has allowed Bo Nix to keep the defense honest and expose close coverage on talented receivers Troy Franklin, Kris Hutson and Chase Cota.

If Bass and the offensive line keep this up, Oregon’s offense will be unstoppable the rest of the year, and Bass will likely be selected in the early rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft.

This marks the fourth time Bass has won the award, tying Penei Sewell.

“THUS FAR, BASS HAS GONE BEYOND EVERYONE’S EXPECTATIONS. HE MADE THE SWITCH TO LEFT TACKLE THIS YEAR AND ANCHORED FOR WHAT’S BEEN KNOWN AS ONE OF THE TOUGHEST OFFENSIVE LINES IN THE NATION.

JACK AARON

Recent transfer quarterback Bo Nix shows off his skills in front of Duck fans for the first time while offensive lineman T.J. Bass (56) holds back the offense. The Oregon Football team competes in it’s annual spring game on April 23rd, 2022 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)

COMFORT

FINDING WITH HIS NAME AND HIS FOOTBALL TEAM

The one thing that followed transfer running back Bucky Irving to Oregon were the chants of his name.

BY AARON HEISEN • TWITTER @AARON_HEISEN

He grew up on the south side of Chicago, Illinois: a tight-knit suburb, where neighbors were more like cousins. By the time he was 10, he was easy to spot walking down the street or attending high school basketball games. He had gained a reputation as the bulky running back who could carry any pee-wee football team to a “Super Bowl.”

It was a tradition that began at the age of 5 when his mother LaTisha bought him his first football and signed him up for his first team. He never looked back.

His name is Mar’keise Irving, but they call him Bucky.

Yes, Bucky. That’s how he introduces himself. It’s what he wants.

It began the day he was brought home from the hospital. LaTisha noticed his eyes were wider than normal, and, as he fell asleep, they would remain slightly cracked.

“It was cute,” she said. “But it was scary.”

His father Marcellus agreed. He was the first to call him Bucky.

Marcellus passed away when his son was 2, but the nickname stuck because it reminded him of his father. Hearing that name always felt comforting. It usually came from his mom, or in the form of a cheer as he put on a show on the football field.

Whatever the form, Bucky didn’t take his name for granted. He wasn’t taught that way. In fact, not everyone accepted him for his nickname after first meeting him. His high school coach used it as a catalyst to maximize Bucky’s abilities: a tactic that helped teach the young running back that, despite his gift, nothing would ever be handed to him.

Like many who lived in the south side of Chicago, Morgan Weaver knew of Bucky since he

was a kid. He had seen the talent firsthand and respected it. Bucky transferred to Hillcrest High School as a sophomore after playing basketball as a freshman at Morgan Park High School. Soon after arriving, his nickname caught on throughout the team.

Weaver, however, knew there was another gear to Bucky’s game. He wanted to help him find it. So he made it a point that Bucky would have to earn just about everything, including the team addressing him by his nickname.

“He wanted to humble me, and I think he did a great job of that,” Bucky said. “I was fighting for a spot. He used to bench me. He used to play mind games with me. He used to tell me nothing was ever going to be given to me.”

The strategy worked. It helped him develop a resilient mindset.

As a sophomore at Hillcrest, Bucky was a part of a “stacked team,” Weaver said: one with state championship hopes loaded with Division I prospects. Therefore, it was tough for him to find his niche. The Hawks started the season 4-0 before hosting their rival high school Lemont.

Bucky took the game by its reins. He rushed 24 times for 303 yards and three touchdowns, adding 84 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.

“The kid was just unstoppable,” Weaver said. “He took the game over.”

From that point on, Weaver called him Bucky.

He worked with his running back tirelessly for the next two years as Bucky strived to earn looks from Division I programs. With Weaver’s help, the offers flooded in. The Minnesota Golden Gophers stood out. It was one of the few programs who remained in constant contact with Bucky and

his family — a gesture the Irvings respected as they were going through a period of mourning as Bucky’s grandmother had just passed away.

“It felt like they welcomed him with open arms,” his stepfather Vester Barr said.

The stability Minnesota provided ultimately convinced Bucky to choose the program. He committed exactly one year after his grandma’s passing.

Similarly to high school, Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck didn’t want his program calling the running back by “Bucky”. Fleck’s reasoning: The Gophers’ rival, the University of Wisconsin, has a mascot named Bucky Badger. This didn’t last long, however. In his one season with the Gophers, he rushed for 699 yards and four touchdowns, while the team earned a 9-4 victory and a Bowl Game win.

His impact for the team worked its way into the fans’ hearts, and his name would permeate throughout the stadium after breaking off chunk runs.

“There was always a Bucky chant,” Barr said. “Because the kid plays with so much emotion and so much passion for the game.”

When Bucky heard those chants, it reminded him of his father.

As a freshman at Minnesota, Bucky found himself splitting touches with Ky Thomas and Trey Potts. It was a true committee-backfield where Thomas got the slight majority of touches. While Bucky found success when he got touches, his mother noticed her son wasn’t acting himself.

A change was necessary. Before his sophomore year, Bucky put his name into the transfer portal, ready to leave behind a school that had prioritized

A fan excitedly waves around a University of Oregon flag after a Ducks touchdown. The University of Oregon Ducks take on the Stanford Cardinal on Oct. 1, 2022 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.(Maddie Stellingwerf/Emerald)

him as a recruit, but not as a member of its roster.

In the transfer portal, he sought out a program that would give him the chance to compete for a starting role, as well as one that made him feel at home. On his first trip to Oregon, he felt both those boxes were checked.

The Ducks were coming off an end-of-season implosion where they lost three of their final four games by 15 points or more. To make matters worse, or so it seemed, head coach Mario Cristobal left for the University of Miami, while running backs Travis Dye and Trey Benson transferred and CJ Verdell went to the NFL. The running back room was down to Byron Cardwell — a freshman who broke out in the second half of the 2021 season — and Sean Dollars, who had played minimal snaps at the collegiate level due to

injuries.

Retooling was in order. Bucky would fit in somewhere.

He made his commitment in early May. When he arrived in Oregon for preseason training camp in August, the first question he received at Oregon Media Day was a simple, but important one: “What are we calling you?”

“I’m Bucky,” he answered.

He seemed relaxed when he said it. At Oregon, he wouldn’t have to deal with a coincidental rival mascot, nor a challenge from the head coach. Not that he needed the incentive. That test Weaver put him through prepared him for what would come at Oregon. It trained him to always play with the mindset that nothing would be handed to him. And nothing was.

The Ducks began the season similar to the Gophers, spreading the wealth among the running backs. However, Bucky’s talent quickly changed that narrative. His performances on the field demanded more touches.

After opening 1-1, the Ducks hosted their first ranked opponent in four seasons: the BYU Cougars. They turned to the run game, and Bucky answered the call. He rushed 14 times for 97 yards.

From that point on, he took the starting job. Now, it’s only a matter of time before his nickname fulfills the chants in Autzen Stadium.

Ducks running back Noah Whittington (22) is tackled after rushing through Cougar defense. University of Oregon Ducks Football defeat the BYU Cougars in a home match at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Sep. 17, 2022. (Maddie Stellingwerf/Emerald)

PAC-12 WINNERS AND LOSERS OF WEEK 6 OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL

UCLA’s victory over Utah headlined the latest week of Pac-12 competition.

BY BRADY RUTH • TWITTER @BRADYRUTH10

Oregon’s blowout victory over Arizona was one of the few Pac-12 games that went as expected in week six. Bo Nix looked great as the Ducks won their fifth game in a row. Across the West Coast, Pac-12 teams weren’t able to enjoy the same comfort as a surprising week of football churned up the conference’s standings.

NO. 18 UCLA (6-0, 3-0 PAC-12) CONTROLS NO. 11 UTAH (4-2, 2-1) IN 42-32 WIN

The Bruins never trailed in their top-20 weekend matchup with the Utes. Senior running back Zach Charbonnet rushed for 198 yards as UCLA racked up 502 total yards and six scoring drives. The Bruins have more than established themselves as a top offense in the Pac-12 as quarterback Dorian ThompsonRobinson added four touchdown passes to his 2022 resume. He now has seven touchdowns against AP-ranked teams and UCLA has back to back ranked wins for the first time since 2015. The Bruins have an off week before heading to Eugene to play No. 12 Oregon (5-1, 3-0 Pac-12) next week.

Utah suffered its second loss of the season on Saturday in a game to a solid opponent. In games that have had national attention the Utes are now 0-2. Quarterback Cameron Rising had an uncharacteristically mediocre day. The quarterback was without a touchdown pass on Saturday but did have an interception. Regardless, the defense surrendered 42 points. A late pick-6 for Utah wasn’t enough to mount a comeback. The Utes have got to be thrilled that next week’s game against No. 7 USC (6-0, 4-0 Pac-12) is back home in Salt Lake City.

ARIZONA STATE (2-4, 1-2 PAC-12) SHOCKS NO. 21 WASHINGTON (4-2, 1-2 PAC-12) 45-38

Tempe always seems like a trap for ranked teams. Saturday proved no different as the Sun Devils handed the Huskies their second straight loss. Despite having 60 fewer yards of offense, Arizona State was able to consistently find the endzone. Running back Xazavian Valladay had a pair of scores on the day. ASU’s game winning fourth quarter touchdown drive showed some real heart and a determination to a season that’s already seen four losses and a coaching change. Arizona State has a bye next week and then plays Stanford (14, 0-4 Pac-12) in week eight.

This one’s on the Huskies’ defense. Sure, Michael Penix Jr.’s pick-6 didn’t help. But the 39 other points? If the “purple reign” is to be true in 2022, this Huskies’

defense needs to improve. Washington’s second straight loss drops the Huskies to eight in the Pac-12 standings and far from the bounceback season they were looking for. Washington hosts Arizona (3-3, 1-2 Pac-12) next Saturday.

OREGON STATE’S (4-2, 1-2 PAC-12) FOURTH QUARTER COMEBACK LEADS TO 28-27 WIN OVER STANFORD (1-4, 0-4 PAC-12)

It wasn’t pretty. But for the first time in what feels like forever, the Beavers won the turnover battle and the game as well. The defense kept it close, holding Stanford to 359 yards and four scores, and the offense brought it home in the fourth. Oregon State scored two touchdowns in the final 6 minutes and a late interception sealed the Beavers’ first conference win of 2022. A home game against Washington State (4-2, 1-2 Pac-12) awaits them next week. Stanford almost had what could have been its first conference win in the last 10 tries. However, a fourth quarter collapse incited by a Tanner McKee interception sealed another brutal Pac-12 loss for the Cardinal. This team lacks direction, a running game and a defense. Other than that, Stanford looks to be in prime condition for next week’s trip to Notre Dame (3-2).

USC (6-0, 4-0) STUMBLES, STILL BEATS WASHINGTON STATE (4-2, 1-2 PAC-12) 30-14

Quarterback Caleb Williams threw for 188 yards, and the Trojans still picked up their sixth win of the season. Running back Travis Dye led the way for USC with 149 yards and a score. The Trojans’ defense was the strength of the team on Saturday. It didn’t snag any turnovers, but it did force eight punts and allowed just two scoring drives to remain perfect on the year. USC plays at No. 20 Utah (4-2, 2-1) next Saturday with a chance for the first ranked win of the Lincoln Riley era.

This was Washington State’s worst game of the year. Just 316 total yards of offense with relatively nothing to show for it unsurprisingly wasn’t enough to knock off the No. 7 ranked Trojans. Quarterback Cameron Ward didn’t throw any interceptions –– which had been a problem for him of late –– but he was just 19-32 for 172 yards. Far from what Cougar fans were hoping for in Saturday’s chance to prove Wazzu can hang with the best in the conference. Next week’s matchup with the Beavers (4-2, 1-2) suddenly means a lot more to both teams.

Ducks senior quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws a pass to the left side of Ducks offense. The University of Oregon Ducks take on the Stanford Cardinal on Oct. 1, 2022 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.(Maddie Stellingwerf/Emerald)

RUTH: POWER RANKING THE PAC-12 THROUGH THE FIRST PART OF CONFERENCE PLAY

With each Pac-12 team having played at least a few conference games, the football hierarchy on the West Coast is beginning to come together. I’ve followed the conference closely this season, and I know the stories, triumphs and struggles of each team. Here’s how the conference sits so far.

NO. 11 UCLA BRUINS (6-0, 3-0 PAC-12)

Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and the Bruins sure have a good thing going so far in 2022. Since beginning conference play, the UCLA offense has accumulated the second most points in the conference amongst teams that have played three conference games. Head coach Chip Kelly’s creative play call mixed with the agility of his QB has been an unstoppable combination. Two ranked opponents still await the Bruins –– No. 7 USC and No. 12 Oregon –– but my confidence in UCLA grows with each dominating Pac-12 win.

NO. 7 USC TROJANS (6-0, 4-0 PAC-12)

USC has already defeated one-third of the conference. Considering the new coach, new quarterback and new offensive scheme, the Trojans have done unexpectedly well. Caleb Williams, with just one lone interception compared to 14 touchdown passes, has been the staple of this newly formed USC team. The only reason they aren’t at the top of my list is that they lack a win against a ranked opponent. The 30-14 win over Washington State and the victory over Oregon State are certainly resume boosters, but I’ll wait to see what next week’s matchup against No. 20 Utah looks like before I fully hop on the Trojan train… or horse.

NO. 12 OREGON DUCKS (5-1, 3-0 PAC-12)

The Ducks have improved substantially after the week one Georgia fiasco that we still remember too well. A preseason win over ranked BYU launched Oregon into conference play with some serious momentum. Since then there have been three wins but only one true contest. I’m sure I’m not the only one who is not surprised by the dominating victories over Stanford (45-27) and Arizona (49-22), however, the gritty Washington State win will remain a staple of Dan Lanning’s inaugural season in Eugene. This team continues to get better, regain national attention and collect wins, but the gauntlet of the Pac-12 awaits the Ducks in the second half of the season with No. 11 Utah, unranked but dangerous Washington and No. 20 Utah all coming to Eugene. Hopefully, an appearance on College Gameday will follow suit.

NO. 20 UTAH UTES (4-2, 2-1 PAC-12)

Yes, a two loss team still cracks the top four, but that’s the ugly truth of the incredibly top-heavy Pac-12. Utah’s defense looked unprepared in its efforts to stop UCLA, but as mentioned before, the Bruins have a tendency to make good teams look bad. What concerns me about Utah is its

BY BRADY RUTH • TWITTER @BRADYRUTH10

games against high caliber teams. Both Florida (4-2) and UCLA (6-0) have exposed weaknesses of the defending Pac-12 champs. But if the offense can continue to average 40 points per game, and Cameron Rising keeps doing Cameron Rising things, there’s no reason to believe Utah still can’t win the conference again. But next week’s game with No.7 USC has certainly become a must win for the red and white.

WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS (4-2, 1-2 PAC-12)

There’s something brewing in Pullman. The Cougars have been a tough opponent all season long. An undefeated preseason that included a win over No. 19 Wisconsin had Washington State fans extremely optimistic about their team. The only two losses the Cougars have suffered this year have come from ranked opponents. They nearly beat Oregon and gave USC more trouble than it cared for in Saturday’s game. Obviously with two losses, Washington State won’t win the conference, but don’t be surprised if the Cougars win either in Corvallis next week or against Utah later this year and a bowl game come December.

WASHINGTON HUSKIES (4-2, 1-2 PAC-12)

I will admit that I was high on the Huskies after their win over No. 11 Michigan State. But since that battle of undefeated teams, both Washington and the Spartans have proven to be fraudulent. The Huskies’ defense is really letting down the team. Michael Penix Jr. leads the conference in passing yards and touchdowns, yet Washington is still losing to coachless Arizona State? It’s not quite as bad as last year’s loss to Montana, but don’t think we’ve forgotten about that yet. The Huskies are now 1-6 in recent Pac-12 games, and their impressive start has stalled. There’s enough power on offense to make some noise late in the year, but the first chunk of conference play has been nothing short of underwhelming.

OREGON STATE BEAVERS (4-2, 1-2 PAC-12)

The Beavers, to me, are very similar to Washington State. Both had a hot start that was somewhat ignored and has since been erased by talented Pac-12 teams. Oregon State nearly beat USC and hung with Utah on the road for most of the first half. The Beavers appear to be a solid football team that’s just missing a quarterback. Eight interceptions have killed Oregon State and led to direct points in nearly every game this season. However, the defense is top 5 in both yards and points per game allowed in conference matchups, an impressive feat considering the opponents. A comeback win and blunderous effort against Stanford has me a little concerned for Oregon State, but I think a bowl-eligible season is still very much a reality for fans in Corvallis.

ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS (2-4, 1-2 PAC-12)

I’ve said it for years: Arizona State always finds

a way to screw up someone else’s season. The win over Washington once again proved my point. The Sun Devils are already onto an interim head coach, and it’s been made fairly clear that the purpose of the remaining season is to prepare for next year. I still see ASU picking up a couple of wins –– Stanford, Colorado and Arizona still remain on the schedule –– but 2022 will stand to be a season to forget.

CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS (3-2, 1-1 PAC-12)

Cal has come a long way since last year, and Jack Plummer has made football in Berkeley semi-interesting again. Wins over UC Davis, UNLV and Arizona don’t exactly turn heads. I also look at what’s still to come on the Bear’s schedule. Three ranked games, a roadtrip to Corvallis and a meeting with Washington still await Cal. Frankly, the preseason wins and a near miracle at Notre Dame will finish as the most impressive parts of Golden Bears football in 2022.

ARIZONA WILDCATS (3-3, 1-2 PAC-12)

The Wildcats gave up exactly 49 points in each of their conference losses this season. The offense, however, has looked much better than seasons past. Jayden De Laura is second in the conference in passing yards and two Wildcat receivers make the Pac-12’s top 3 in receiving yards per game. The offense is progressing, but it’s the same defense that Pac-12 teams have been picking on for years. Arizona beat Colorado, but we need to see more before we say Arizona is more than a basketball school.

STANFORD CARDINAL (1-4, 0-4 PAC-12)

It’s a blessing we don’t have to watch Stanford play Colorado this year. Three of the conference losses the Cardinal have suffered this year come courtesy of ranked teams, but Stanford really can’t seem to get anything going. The rest of the schedule gets no easier. Two ranked opponents, BYU and Notre Dame, make up four of Stanford’s remaining contests. The Cardinal have now lost 10 straight Pac-12 games, and there I don’t see another clear cut victory for Stanford throughout the rest of the year.

COLORADO BUFFALOES (0-5, 0-3 PAC-12)

If I could rank Colorado lower than 12th I would. Five games have led to five losses and five blowout embarrassments. According to ESPN, the Buffaloes have less than a 20% chance to win any of their remaining games, and honestly 20 might be generous. Already on their third quarterback of the year, the Buffs are desperate for a situation that frankly isn’t on the roster. The head coach was fired, the defensive coordinator was fired and Colorado fans are tired of being the laughing stock of college football.

Who’s up? Who’s down? An in-depth look at each team as the Pac-12 takes shape

Yellow Team explodes out of their side of the field to the sounds of cheering fans. The Oregon Football team competes in it’s annual spring game on April 23rd, 2022 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)

Ducks

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