Arizona submitted probably the most spectacular season-opening efficiency within the Pac-12, and we’re undecided it was even shut given the state of the Wildcats’ program in recent times.
Oregon State was excellent Saturday evening in a takedown of Boise State, however the Beavers went bowling final season.
USC and UCLA rolled to victories, however each groups are anticipated to have high quality seasons and had been going through third-rate competitors at house.
The Wildcats, who had been 1-16 the previous two years, dominated San Diego State on the highway one yr after being embarrassed at house by the Aztecs.
What’s the ceiling for Arizona in 12 months Two beneath coach Jedd Fisch? That’s anybody’s guess at this early stage.
However we will at the least outline the bar.
The Hotline examined each Pac-12 season since 1978, when the Arizona faculties joined the convention, to determine groups that received lower than two video games.
There are 18 of ’em throughout the a long time.
Then we charted how these 18 fared the next season to find out the best year-over-year enchancment.
Of be aware: Solely three groups improved to at the least 5 wins.
Stanford went 1-10 in 1987, then 5-6 the following yr, whereas Washington went 0-12 in 2008, then 5-7 the subsequent yr.
However the most effective turnaround resides in Berkeley.
Cal was 1-10 in 2001, the ultimate yr of coach Tom Holmoe’s tenure. The Bears employed Jeff Tedford and went 7-5 the next season with a workforce that featured 4 gamers chosen within the ensuing NFL Draft, together with quarterback Kyle Boller.
The switch portal has modified the reloading pace and made swift turnarounds way more manageable. Largely due to two newcomers, quarterback Jayden de Laura and receiver Jacob Cowing, the Wildcats may problem Cal’s benchmark if they continue to be wholesome and obtain just a few favorable bounces.
It’s not like they’re taking part in within the SEC West or Huge Ten East.
And even when the seven-win bar proves far past Arizona’s grasp, what’s the hurt in pondering?
In any case, Week One is within the books, which makes this Overreaction Monday.
Energy rankings are primarily based solely on the scoreboard, besides once they aren’t …
(All occasions Pacific)
1. Utah (0-1)
Consequence: misplaced at Florida 29-26
Subsequent up: vs. Southern Utah (10:30 a.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: The cross-country journey ended poorly, and we don’t imply the sport (though that was actually suboptimal). The Utes had points with their flight, had been pressured to spend Saturday evening in Gainesville and didn’t return to campus till Sunday night.
2. USC (1-0)
Consequence: beat Rice 66-14
Subsequent up: at Stanford (4:30 p.m. on ABC)
Remark: With three Decide Six touchdowns, USC’s protection scored extra factors in Week One than 35 FBS groups.
3. UCLA (1-0)
Consequence: beat Bowling Inexperienced 45-17
Subsequent up: vs. Alabama State (2 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: For individuals who thought the super-soft early schedule meant a real evaluation of the Bruins must wait till the convention opener, properly, the convention opener is Colorado.
4. Washington (1-0)
Consequence: beat Kent State 45-20
Subsequent up: vs. Portland State (1 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: For all of the comprehensible hubbub in regards to the revitalized offense, we wish to report a Sav’ell Smalls sighting.
5. Oregon State (1-0)
Consequence: beat Boise State 34-17
Subsequent up: at Fresno State (7:30 p.m. on CBS Sports activities Community)
Remark: The steadiness sheet from Week One reads like this for the Beavers: 37 runs, 24 passes. Since when did they set up the Air Raid?
6. Arizona (1-0)
Consequence: received at San Diego State 38-20
Subsequent up: vs. Mississippi State (8 p.m. on FS1)
Remark: Anybody else questioning if the most effective receiver within the convention isn’t named Jordan Addison? It’s early, positive, however it’s additionally a definite chance.
7. Oregon (0-1)
Consequence: misplaced to Georgia 49-3
Subsequent up: vs. Jap Washington (5:30 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: The disparity in expertise didn’t absolutely account for the disparity within the rating. The Geese had been out-coached as badly as they had been outplayed. Ol’ Kirby laid one on younger Dan.
8. Arizona State (1-0)
Consequence: beat Northern Arizona 40-3
Subsequent up: at Oklahoma State (4:30 p.m. on ESPN2)
Remark: ASU has the personnel to hold with the Cowboys for 4 quarters, as long as the Solar Devils don’t kneecap themselves with penalties and turnovers.
9. Cal (1-0)
Consequence: beat UC Davis 34-13
Subsequent up: vs. UNLV (1 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: Jack Plummer’s supply and arm power give the Bears extra choices within the aerial recreation than that they had with Chase Garbers. Now all they must do is reap the benefits of him.
10. Stanford (1-0)
Consequence: beat Colgate 41-10
Subsequent up: vs. USC (4:30 p.m. on ABC)
Remark: It seems the son of Emmitt Smith is, in reality, higher than the son of Barry Sanders however, clearly, not so good as the son of Ed McCaffrey.
11. Washington State (1-0)
Consequence: beat Idaho 24-17
Subsequent up: at Wisconsin (12:30 p.m. on FOX)
Remark: If the plan was to look as bland, disjointed and susceptible as potential to be able to lull Wisconsin right into a false sense of safety, the Cougars executed marvelously.
12. Colorado (0-1)
Consequence: misplaced to TCU 38-13
Subsequent up: at Air Pressure (12:30 p.m. on CBS)
Remark: Karl Dorrell mentioned he would “get some movie analysis on each” quarterbacks earlier than deciding on a starter. We’ll save him the time: It’s JT Shrout or bust in Boulder.
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