The Pac-12 in Review Plus Final Games Round Up
- Dec 4, 2016
- 3 min read
Washington
After a dominating first quarter 28-3 lead, the Huskies never looked back ringing up 510 yards and a 45-17 win over their in state rival. They will almost certainly be #4 in the next set of rankings due to Michigan losing to Ohio State, or a weak Clemson strength of schedule.
Washington State
After falling behind 28-3, it was clear how much farther the Cougars have to go to be a national title contender. The defense to put it nicely was abysmal, and had more holes than swiss cheese. Already at a recruiting disadvantage to their in state rival, the future depends on both the recruitment classes, but also the coaching staff's development of them. However, there have been flashes of greatness, in a dominating win over Stanford, but the inconsistencies like their now yearly losses to FCS teams.
Rice @ #24 Stanford
Stanford
Stanford dominated the hapless Owls but it won't help the disappointment already felt this year, after losing to both Washington schools by a combined 86-22, and another 5 point loss to now #9 Colorado to boot. However, the future is bright as always, and the Cardinals should be competing for a Rose Bowl or National Championship next year.
Notre Dame @ #12 USC
USC has finally found their quarterback of the future in Sam Darnold. The front 7 is dominating, and the future is extremely bright. The crushing 45-27 win over a weak Notre Dame team leaves USC with a shot at a Pac 12 championship if Colorado loses. The way that USC dominated and confused possible first round pick DeShone Kizer leads many to believe that USC next year will be competing for a National Championship.
Colorado
Missed opportunities will come back to haunt the Buffaloes, and they can't make these mistakes. The Buffaloes will be likely headed to the Alamo Bowl. The Buffaloes are an upperclass filled team,and it is clearly up to the coaching staff tocontinue theirrecent run of success.
Oregon @ Oregon State
Oregon
Oregon's fall from grace happened so quickly, and there is much speculation surrounding Helfrich on whether or not he will be fired. However, most in house coaches have been with Oregon for so long that if Helfrich goes, then most if not all of the current coaching staff will be replaced. Their defense has been spotty for years, and former Heisman winner and Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota was the reason why Oregon won so many games, often in shootouts. With a weak recruiting class coming in, Oregon doesn't look to be improving, and their famed speed will no longer be able to out run its demons, and shouldn't make a bowl next year as well.
Oregon State
After beating Oregon for the first time in 8 years 34-24, Oregon State is the next team on the rise, and will almost certainly make a bowl next year. The recruiting class led my Shurod Thompson, the 9th ranked safety in the country and 2 other 4 star recruits should help the Beavers stay competitive for years to come behind 2nd year coach Gary Anderson.
Arizona @ Arizona State
Arizona
Arizona racked up 511 yards on the ground, and ended an injury plagued season on a high note with a 55-35 win over their in state rival. The Wildcats now find themselves in a precarious position as a cellar team with 3-4 teams in their division becoming elite programs. Barring an elite recruiting class (very unlikely), the Wildcats will be at the bottom looking up for years to come.
Arizona State
After losing to their in state rival 55-35, the potential is there, but all there wins have been shootouts. The defense must be a priority over the upcoming season to give themselves the best shot to go bowling next year. They have only held two Pac 12 team under 40 points (Washington State-39 and UCLA-20). Find a decent defense, and the Sun Devils can with some luck find their way into the Top 25 next season.
Pac-12 Championship
Washington won the Pac-12 Championship in stunning fashion and most certainly will be in the Playoffs.However, Colorado will likely be playing in the Alamo Bowl due to USC being the dominant team as of late. The Huskies trounced Colorado 41-10 and showed the world why they can't be taken lightly.
The Round Up
The Pac 12 started off the year looking extremely weak, and ended the year with multiple ranked teams, and a possible College Football Playoff team in the Washington Huskies. The conference will likely have 3-4 possible playoff caliber teams in USC, Colorado, Washington, and Stanford next year. After a down year, the Pac 12 should have another playoff team next year.
Comments