Mitch Harper breaks down week 5 action around the state and in the Pac-12 conference
Utah – Loss at Washington State, 28-24
Missed opportunities and some questionable officiating that Utah ended up at the bad end of in the fourth quarter leaves Utah at 0-2 as they traveled home from the Palouse. Utah’s running attack with Zack Moss was heavily used in the first half, but the offense stalled in the second half.
In three games this year against FBS competition, the Utes are 1-2 and the one win was due to Chase Hansen being superman at Northern Illinois. Is it time to panic? No. The Pac-12 South is still anyone’s at this point (except UCLA & Arizona). But with nationally ranked Stanford looming on the Farm, the Utes could be 0-3 to start Pac-12 play and that would be a difficult hole to climb out of to win the division.
BYU – Loss at Washington, 35-7
BYU was not competitive at all against the Huskies. And that was a setback for a team that prided itself on being a physical squad that could compete with anyone. Wasn’t the case against the Huskies as Washington showcased the speed on the edges that BYU couldn’t keep up with.
Tanner Mangum was okay, but the Cougars aren’t a threat right now to complete a pass farther than 10 yards down field. Next week sets up a huge game against Utah State on Friday night.
Utah State – BYE
I mentioned the huge BYU-Utah State game in the previous paragraph, it definitely is a huge one and the Aggies had all weekend off to prepare and scout the Cougars. Utah State will be ready for this one as Jordan Love and this Aggies offense has been explosive.
Pac-12 Notes
Colorado – Win over UCLA
I’m buying into the Buffs. We are going to learn about them in the next three weeks with games against Arizona State, USC, and Washington.
USC – Win at Arizona
The Trojans nearly blew a massive lead against Khalil Tate and the Wildcats. They held on at the very end, but USC still doesn’t look like a world beater by any means, but JT Daniels is starting to find his groove along with that connection he has with Amon Ra St. Brown.
Arizona – Loss vs USC
Arizona is showing a lot more fight than I thought they would after that debacle to Houston earlier in the month. Can’t afford to lose home games though like they did Saturday night at USC. A brutal start prevented them from winning this game. In the second half, they were the more explosive squad.
Arizona State – Win vs. Oregon State
These were the games in the pre-season that I thought ASU might have as a 50/50 contest because I didn’t buy in at all to Herm Edwards. That wasn’t the case against the Beavs as running back Eno Benjamin put up a school record rushing night en route to a victory.
UCLA – Loss at Colorado
Utah fans can find peace knowing they won’t finish in last place in the division this year. The Bruins have the 10th toughest remaining strength of schedule and no wins appears to be on the horizon. Jim Mora Jr. left a dumpster fire for Chip Kelly.
Washington – Win vs. BYU
The Huskies finally got their offense rolling against a predictable BYU defense. Browning didn’t have those head scratching moments that he is usually known for.
Stanford – Loss at Notre Dame
Tough, tough schedule so far for the Cardinal and they have shown very well. No shame going on the road and losing to Notre Dame. WR JJ Arcega Whiteside is dominant. Now the Cardinal just hope everything is okay on the injury front with RB Bryce Love
Washington State – Win vs. Utah
Huge win for the Cougs who legitimately could be 5-0 right now. QB Gardner Minshew has been incredible thus far. Best QB in the league?
Oregon – Win at Cal
Great bounceback for the Ducks not letting one devastating loss to Stanford turn in to two losses. Dominating win over a ranked Cal squad on the road. These Ducks are for real.
Cal – Loss to Oregon
The hype on Cal’s defense was likely a byproduct of the teams they had previously played prior to Oregon. This felt like a moment where the Bears were exposed.
Oregon State – Loss at Arizona State
The Beavs are more competitive than where they were a year ago, but I just don’t see a Pac-12 win this season for Jonathan Smith.
