Whereas crafting the 2022 convention schedule, the Pac-12 sought steadiness on two fronts:
— Aggressive steadiness: Avoiding cases by which one group was positioned at a logistical drawback relative to the upcoming opponent.
— Qualitative steadiness: Sprinkling attractive matchups all through the season, as an alternative of leaving all of the showdowns for November.
Because of the mixture of forethought and luck — specifically, the ascent of the Los Angeles faculties — the qualitative piece couldn’t have labored out significantly better for the convention.
The Pac-12 is properly positioned to supply matchups worthy of primetime telecasts in six of the ultimate eight weeks of the season.
Let’s study the Saturdays, from final weekend by the tip of the common season …
Oct. 8: Utah at UCLA and Washington State at USC
The doubleheader marked the primary time back-to-back convention video games have been proven on the Fox broadcast community since 2019, when Utah-Washington and Oregon-USC have been aired consecutively.
Oct. 15: USC at Utah
The undefeated, seventh-ranked Trojans face their hardest check to date towards the No. 20 Utes. The matchup is already scheduled for Fox at 5 p.m. Pacific.
Oct. 22: UCLA at Oregon
Chip Kelly returns to Eugene with the undefeated Bruins in a matchup with the rankings assured — the groups are idle this week — and has been chosen for both Fox or FS1 at 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 29 and Nov. 5: No primetime recreation
There are two points at play. The Pac-12 is missing matchups worthy of the selection broadcast home windows, however alternatives are restricted: These Saturdays are reserved for Sport Two and Sport Seven of the World Sequence, which airs on Fox.
Nov. 12: Washington at Oregon
Essentially the most fascinating annual matchup within the Pac-12 soccer stock that doesn't contain pure rivals.
Nov. 19: USC at UCLA
If each groups are ranked, slot this for primetime. It has the additional benefit of being performed earlier than Thanksgiving and due to this fact avoids going head-to-head within the TV choice course of with rivalry showdowns in different leagues.
Nov. 26: Notre Dame at USC
If the Trojans are within the top-10, this can be a lock to obtain a coveted window (no matter Notre Dame’s report). Far lesser matchups on this storied collection have been proven at 5 p.m. on ABC or Fox.
Whether or not the showdowns listed above are all chosen for premium broadcast slots by ESPN and Fox relies upon partly on developments in different conferences. However the Pac-12 in all probability couldn’t have mapped it out any higher.
To the facility rankings …
* Please word: The Hotline energy rankings don’t essentially monitor with the order of groups listed on my Related Press top-25 poll, which relies on tips offered by the AP.
1. USC (6-0/4-0)
Final week: 1
Consequence: beat Washington State 30-14
Subsequent up: at Utah (5 p.m. on FOX)
Remark: The protection performed its finest half of the season Saturday in shutting out the Cougars for the ultimate half-hour. However was that proof of progress or a mirrored image of the opponent’s fair-to-middlin’ offense? Most likely a few of each.
2. Oregon (5-1/3-0)
Final week: 3
Consequence: received at Arizona 49-22
Subsequent up: idle
Remark: As we famous final week whereas explaining why the Geese would smash Arizona: Ignore the Georgia consequence when assessing Oregon’s energy inside the Pac-12. The previous has zero bearing on the latter.
3. UCLA (6-0/3-0)
Final week: 5
Consequence: beat Utah 42-32
Subsequent up: idle
Remark: Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s odds to win the Heisman have been reduce in half following the Utah recreation. DraftKings now lists him at 18-to-1, down from 35-to-1 final week, and writes: “The Bruins line up two extra main challenges in a row over the following two weeks towards Oregon and Stanford. This stretch, if profitable, could possibly be the crowning jewel on Thompson-Robinson’s Heisman marketing campaign.”
4. Washington State (4-2/1-2)
Final week: 4
Consequence: misplaced at USC 30-14
Subsequent up: at Oregon State (6 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: Towards Energy 5 opponents, quarterback Cam Ward has eight touchdowns, six interceptions and averages simply 7.4 yards-per-attempt (ninth within the Pac-12).
5. Utah (4-2/2-1)
Final week: 2
Consequence: misplaced at UCLA 42-32
Subsequent up: vs. USC (5 p.m. on FOX)
Remark: Probably the greatest measures of defensive prowess is yards-per-play (ypp) allowed, as a result of it accounts for disparities in tempo/performs per recreation. The Utes are at present yielding 5.48 ypp, which, if that tempo continues, could be their worst for a full season since 2016.
6. Oregon State (4-2/1-2)
Final week: 7
Consequence: received at Stanford 28-27
Subsequent up: vs. Washington State (6 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: Because it pertains to the bowl math, the inconceivable win at Stanford offset the blown alternative towards USC and put the Beavers again on track for no less than six wins, and maybe as many as eight.
7. Washington (4-2/1-2)
Final week: 6
Consequence: misplaced at ASU 45-38
Subsequent up: vs. Arizona (2:30 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: Anticipating a first-rate effort from the battered UW protection, not solely due to poor showings on the highway towards UCLA and ASU but additionally due to Jayden de Laura’s return. The final time Arizona’s beginning quarterback was in Husky Stadium, within the Apple Cup, he planted Washington State’s flag within the turf.
8. Cal (3-2/1-1)
Final week: 8
Consequence: DNP
Subsequent up: at Colorado (11 a.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: If it’s shut at halftime in Boulder, it will likely be shut within the fourth quarter. The Bears higher begin clear to keep away from a messy end.
9. Arizona State (2-4/1-2)
Final week: 10
Consequence: beat Washington 45-38
Subsequent up: idle
Remark: With Stanford, Colorado, WSU, OSU and Arizona remaining, the Solar Devils nonetheless have a shot at six wins, and which may give interim coach Shaun Aguano a shot on the everlasting job.
10. Arizona (3-3/1-2)
Final week: 9
Consequence: misplaced to Oregon 49-22
Subsequent up: at Washington (2:30 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: The defensive personnel isn’t elite by any stretch, but it surely’s higher than 430 yards and 34 factors allowed per recreation.
11. Stanford (1-5/0-4)
Final week: 11
Consequence: misplaced to Oregon State 28-27
Subsequent up: at Notre Dame (4:30 p.m. on NBC)
Remark: Please forgive us, however the Hotline isn’t almost good sufficient to know why the most effective participant on the group (quarterback Tanner McKee) could be on the bench for crucial third down of the sport.
12. Colorado (0-5/0-2)
Final week: 12
Consequence: DNP
Subsequent up: vs. Cal (11 a.m. on Pac-12 Networks)
Remark: Interim coach Mike Sanford is taking on at simply the proper time with the bye week, then consecutive non-formidable video games towards Cal (residence), Oregon State (highway) and Arizona State (residence). As a result of the November schedule is hell on turf.
Assist the Hotline: Obtain three months of limitless entry for simply 99 cents. Yep, that’s 99 cents for 90 days, with the choice to cancel anytime. Particulars are right here, and thanks on your help.
*** Ship recommendations, feedback and ideas (confidentiality assured) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or name 408-920-5716
*** Comply with me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline
*** Pac-12 Hotline shouldn't be endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Convention, and the views expressed herein don't essentially mirror the views of the Convention.