Sunday, October 9, 2011

Weekend Wrap: Week 6

Cal-Oregon

The Cal defense almost looked like the Cal defense from a year ago. But this game had a different feel. Though Cal had succeeded in making this look like an ugly game again, taking a 15-14 lead into half time, the defense was not the same. Cal allowed 170 yards rushing in the first half alone. Hardly the stuff of "legendary" defensive game plans. Oregon went on to score 28 unanswered second half points to secure a 43-15 lead.

The obvious downside to this victory was a 4th quarter injury to LaMichael James. After accounting for another 200+ yard performance with 30 carries for 239 yards, James dislocated an elbow early in the 4th quarter. As with all Ducks his status; day-to-day.

Arizona State-Utah

With 18 minutes left in the game, Utah led 14-10. Their defense had played well against Arizona State. Much like they had done to Oregon State, though, Arizona State turned a close game into an easy victory, scoring 25 unanswered points in those final 18 minutes to secure a 35-14 victory.

Neither team was very effective in the run game, but Brock Osweiler was the difference throwing for 325 yards and 3 scores. Jon Hays, making his first start for Utah threw 3 interceptions.


Arizona-Oregon State

Oregon State and Arizona entered this game desperate for a win. One of them was going to come away with some relief; Saturday, that team was the Beavers. Oregon State jumped out to a quick 30-6 lead. Arizona rallied to close to within 30-27 before a Mannion to Halahuni pass secured a 37-27 win for the Beavers.

Nick Foles threw for 378 yards and a touchdown, but also threw 2 interceptions. Mannion played his best game as a starter, but also threw two more interceptions.

Colorado-Stanford

As expected, this game was ugly. Colorado did their best to make a game of it, but in the end, just did not have the players to even stay close. After getting the game close at 13-7, Colorado intercepted Luck deep in their own territory, but were unable to capitalize on the mistake. From there, Stanford marched to an easy 48-7 victory.

Luck had his most prolific day as a collegian throwing for 370 yards and 3 touchdowns with the one interception. He completed 26-33 attempts in the game. Colorado found very little success on offense gaining only 264 total yards.

Washington State-UCLA

In the closes game of the weekend, UCLA scored a late touchdown to secure victory from the jaws of defeat. Trailing 25-20 after a Cougar field goal, UCLA responded with a 5 play 71 yard drive that took only 1:34 off the clock to take a lead. The drive was highlighted by an incredible one hand catch and run by Nelson Rosario that took the Bruins to the 10 yard line. The Bruins scored two plays later to take a 28-25 lead.

But the game was far from over, Washington State QB Marshall Lobbestael, who had been effective all night completing 70% of his passes, began moving the ball with the short passing game that had worked well all night. On a 3rd and 5 play from their own 47, Lobbestael threw an inexplicably poor pass while rolling out that was intercepted by Andrew Abbott on another exceptionally athletic play. UCLA was able to get one more first down and then ran the clock out to take the game by a final score of 28-25.

LOOKING AHEAD:

Next week will provide a real challenge for the 2-time defending conference champion Oregon Ducks as Arizona State and ESPN's College GameDay come to Autzen Stadium.


Pac-12 Week 7 Schedule: (all times Pacific)

USC @ Cal (Thursday, 6:00PM)
Utah @ Pitt (9:00 AM)
Colorado @ Washington (12:30PM)
BYU @ Oregon State (1:00)
Stanford @ Washington State (4:30PM)
Arizona State @ Oregon (7:15PM)
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