Pac-12 ends season with record bowl eligible teams, division winners unveiled


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SALT LAKE CITY — And then there were two.

The last week in the Pac-12 regular season settled the division winners and involved conference rivalries.

As we wait for the Stanford and USC duel in the Pac-12 Championship Dec. 5, here is what happened in Week 13.

Arizona State (6-6, 4-5 Pac-12) at California (7-5, 4-5)

Score: California 48, Arizona 46

Game recap: If there's one thing we all know, it's that the Pac-12 never disappoints. This game was no different. The Sun Devils gave up a 17-point halftime lead against the Bears, who put an exclamation point on their season with a last-second game-winning field goal.

Key stat: Cal quarterback Jared Goff had a record-breaking night, throwing for a career-high 542 yards with five passing touchdowns to five different receivers. This year was his best for single-season total offense (4,260), single-season touchdown passes (37), single-season passing yards (4,252), and he is the ninth quarterback in Pac-12 history to throw for 4,000 yards in a season.

Conference implications: After losing five of the past six games, Cal fans can rejoice knowing that the season ended on a high note. Goff's performance gives hope as they wait for a potential bowl game.

Once Goff & Co. got on a roll, Arizona State's defense couldn't hold on. Now the team that ranked No. 15 in the AP's preseason poll rests until it finds its postseason fate.

Colorado (4-9, 1-8) at Utah (9-3, 6-3)

Score: Utah 20, Colorado 14

Game recap: The Buffs had a chance to take a one point lead near the end of the game. They needed to travel 81 yards to the end zone, but instead Utah forced a fumble and recovered. The Utes finished their regular season with one more win than they did a year ago.

Key stat: Running back Joe Williams finished the day with 187 yards on 34 carries and a touchdown, making a great case as Devontae Booker's replacement.

Conference implications: Although it won't be what it dreamed, Utah will go bowling. Until the Utes learn their postseason destiny, they'll spend time recovering. Several players are beat up, and a bowl game later in December would be ideal, considering their roster needs the healing time.

Colorado once again fell short. It didn't help that Cade Apsay, who came in a couple of weeks ago to fill in for injured quarterback Sefo Liufau, left the game with an injury. The Buffs' season is done, but there's hope for this four-win team. They almost beat Arizona, UCLA, Utah and USC. Maybe next year they can put those opponents in their own win category.

Notre Dame (10-2) at Stanford (10-2, 8-1)

Score: Stanford 38, Notre Dame 36

Game recap: Down one point with 30 seconds left in the game, Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan led his team to the greatest victory. Hogan threw a 27-yard pass to Devon Cajuste, setting up a 45-yard field goal. Conrad Ukropina kicked the ball straight through the goal posts, giving the Cardinal the upper hand.

Key stat: Hogan finished the night completing 81 percent of his passes for 269 yards and four touchdowns.

Conference implications: Stanford's dream of the College Football Playoff is within reach. The Pac-12 Championship waits, where the Cardinal will compete against USC at Levi's Stadium.

Oregon State (2-10, 0-9) at Oregon (9-3, 7-2)

Score: Oregon 52, Oregon State 42

Game recap: In the last chance to get a conference win, Oregon State took on Oregon in an in-state rivalry. But the Gary Andersen era began its first season drawing a blank. The Ducks denied the Beavers, who had one last opportunity to get their only Pac-12 victory, even though they came within three points of the favored team.

Key stat: Ducks running back Royce Freeman earned his eighth-straight 100-yard rushing game.

Conference implications: This year, Oregon proved it can survive without Marcus Mariota. It finishes the regular season knowing it will play in a bowl game. If Stanford makes it to the College Football Playoff, Oregon is a strong contender for the Rose Bowl.

The young team wasn't blown out by the Ducks as many thought, but Oregon State's season is done for the year. It's time for everyone to build strength and endurance and buy into Andersen's playbook for the 2016 season.

UCLA (8-4, 5-4) at USC (8-4, 6-3)

Score: USC 40, UCLA 21

Game recap: Two teams' rivalry deepened with an opportunity for the game winner to go to the league's championship. USC looked more determined than ever to get the South championship, scoring 20 unanswered points in the second half to seal the win and the title.

Key stat: USC running back Justin Davis pounded 130 yards on the ground on 25 carries.

Conference implications: The Trojans overcame adversity this season to make it to the top of the South, putting them in the league's big game for the first time. They snapped their three-game losing streak to the Bruins with an interim head coach, who is making a case to have the job permanently. Now, USC is one win away from the Rose Bowl.

UCLA is bowl bound, but where isn't clear yet. A Las Vegas bowl is rumored to be a favorite, but it seems unlikely the team would play BYU again. It's a wait-and-see scenario, and the Bruins will know their fate soon.

Washington State (8-4, 6-3) at Washington (6-6, 4-5)

Score: Washington 45, Washington State 10

Game recap: A win is what they needed to keep their season alive and a win is what they got. The Huskies turned turnovers into points, and running back Myles Gaskin led the way to an Apple Cup victory.

Key stat: Gaskin rushed for 138 yards on 32 carries with two touchdowns.

Conference implications: Washington became the Pac-12's 10th bowl-eligible team. The win is remarkable in two ways. Having 10 teams qualify for the postseason is a conference record. Also, the opportunity to appear in a bowl is resounding for such a young roster. If that's not enough for the Huskies, let's remember that this rivalry game ended in a blowout.

The Cougars were without their starting quarterback, but ending the season with eight wins — a five game improvement from last year — is an accomplishment. Now it's time to see where the road takes Washington State for the postseason.

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