Prompt response to Pac-12 developments on the sphere …
1. The state of L.A.
The numbers don’t lie, however do they exaggerate?
UCLA is 5-0 for the primary time since 2013.
USC is 5-0 for the primary time since 2006 (excluding the disrupted 2020 season).
And UCLA and USC are each 5-0 for the primary time since 2005.
They're the one undefeated groups left within the Pac-12. The Trojans might be within the AP top-10 once more subsequent week, and the Bruins ought to enter the ballot.
And but, the resumes nonetheless really feel flimsy. Let’s study the opponents.
UCLA has overwhelmed:
— Bowling Inexperienced, a Mid-American Convention staff that misplaced to Jap Kentucky.
— Alabama State, an FBS staff that misplaced to Prairie View.
— South Alabama, a Solar Belt staff that had the Bruins on the ropes
— Colorado, the worst staff within the Energy 5
— Washington, which is best than common however not near elite.
USC has overwhelmed:
— Rice, which is Rice
— Stanford, which hasn’t overwhelmed an FBS staff in 364 days
— Fresno State, one of many higher groups in a weak Mountain West
— Oregon State, which simply obtained walloped at Utah
— Arizona State, which is winless in opposition to FBS groups
That’s 10 video games between them, and never a lot meat.
The Hotline believes the Bruins and Trojans are ok to win 9 video games, particularly with their favorable schedules:
The Bruins have eight residence video games and play simply one of many Pac-12’s prime groups on the street (Oregon),
The Trojans have seven residence video games and don’t face Oregon or Washington.
Contemplate us barely skeptical about both staff reaching the following degree, which we’ll outline as 10 or extra wins, a convention championship look and a severe run on the School Soccer Playoff.
We may grow to be satisfied however have to see extra from each.
Fortuitously, readability is on the best way.
The Trojans host Washington State subsequent weekend, then go to Utah.
The Bruins host Utah subsequent weekend, then (after a bye) go to Oregon.
By the shut of enterprise on Oct. 22, we’ll know whether or not the L.A. groups are next-level good or simply higher than they've been.
And there’s completely nothing unsuitable with the latter.
2. September evaluate
Leads to different leagues have added context to the Pac-12’s early-season ledger, and it’s not the prettiest of images.
Washington State’s win at Wisconsin doesn’t appear fairly as spectacular. The Badgers are 0-2 within the Huge Ten after shedding at residence to Illinois (by 24 factors).
Utah’s loss at Florida has taken a darker tint. The Gators are 0-2 within the SEC.
Washington’s win over Michigan State has misplaced its luster. The Spartans are 0-2 within the Huge Ten after lopsided losses to Minnesota and Maryland (to not be confused with Michigan and Ohio State).
Additionally, what as soon as seemed to be high quality wins over the Mountain West needs to be reconsidered.
Fresno State simply misplaced to Connecticut — a nasty outcome, even with out quarterback Jake Haener — and each Boise State and San Diego State are in reset seasons.
3. Bowl math
Whereas the context cited above is necessary, the wins matter most. And the Pac-12 ought to as soon as once more have 4 groups within the AP ballot (USC, UCLA, Utah and Oregon), plus two others with 4-1 information.
The convention stays nicely positioned to ship no less than seven and maybe 9 groups to the postseason.
It’s a zero-sum recreation, in any case. With three groups which might be headed nowhere (Colorado, Stanford and ASU), there are gobs of wins obtainable for everybody else.
For instance, Oregon State is 3-2 (midway to bowl eligibility) after back-to-back losses to USC and Utah. However the Beavers are nearer to the postseason than it seems as a result of they play all three of the underside feeders.
The final time the Pac-12 produced 9 bowl-eligible groups was 2017, which occurred to be the final time there have been three dangerous groups: Oregon State was 0-9 in convention play, whereas Cal and Colorado have been 2-7.
Sturdy tops and huge middles are solely attainable if there’s an enormous backside.
4. Scorching seat replace
One other lopsided loss by Colorado (43-20, at Arizona) has the Hotline on alert for one more in-season firing.
Final 12 months, USC’s Clay Helton, Washington State’s Nick Rolovich and Washington’s Jimmy Lake have been terminated in the course of the common season.
Final month, Arizona State’s Herm Edwards relinquished his duties.
Will the CU administration dismiss third-year coach Karl Dorrell, whose staff is 0-5 and has not been inside three touchdowns of a victory?
The following 48 hours present a time to behave.
With the Buffaloes idle subsequent weekend, an interim coach would have a number of days to settle in earlier than preparations ramp up for the Oct. 15 residence recreation in opposition to Cal.
We imagine it’s additionally doable that Dorrell stays in place during the season however workers adjustments are introduced subsequent week (assistants and coordinator), particularly on the defensive aspect.
5. Energy rankings
Late Saturday night time, the Hotline printed (on Twitter) an insider’s evaluation of the convention hierarchy.
For enjoyable, we described the groups with out utilizing their precise names.
See in the event you can guess who’s who:
1. Come and get us
2. Georgia off our minds
3. 296 (minutes) out of 300
4. Finest staff in L.A.
5. USC
6. DBU? Nah, QBU
7. 21 (positions) out of twenty-two
8. Our WRs are rattling good
9. Simply grinding alongside
10. Hi there, NCAA? Please hurry
11. Glory Days, they go you by
12. The buyout is what?
Confused?
The groups above USC are, so as: Utah, Oregon, Washington State and UCLA.
The groups beneath USC are, so as: Washington, Oregon State, Arizona, Cal, ASU, Stanford and Colorado
Goodnight, everybody.
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