A FOOTBALL FIELD NEAR YOU — Nothing is predictable in the Pac-12.

While Oregon State (1-6, 0-4 Pac-12) and Stanford (5-2, 4-1) took the weekend off to prepare for a Thursday night matchup against each other, the rest of the Pac-12 took to the field.

The Arizona schools are surprisingly showing up to duel for the South with USC. Washington State recovered nicely after an uncharacteristic performance last week. UCLA won the program’s 600th all-time win.

Here’s a look at how Week 8 treated the Conference of Champions.

Arizona (5-2, 3-1) at California (4-4, 1-4)

Score: Arizona 45, California 44

Game recap: The shootout saga between Arizona and California wasted no time scoring, combining for 21 points in the first quarter. The Wildcats lost leads of 21-7 and 28-14 before fighting for a win in extra periods. After answering with a touchdown in the second overtime, the Bears went for two to win the game instead of trying to force a third overtime. Arizona freshman linebacker Colin Schooler batted down California quarterback Ross Bowers’ pass near the back of the end zone to seal the win.

Key stat: The teams combined for 984 total yards of offense.

Conference implication: The Wildcats are peaking at the right time. While quarterback Khalil Tate managed to stay fast on his feet, running for 137 yards and a touchdown, it was his fewest since starting at quarterback. Arizona will face top conference opponents in the next two weeks, so it’ll have a chance to prove it’s a legitimate South contender.

Coming off a big win last week, the Bears couldn’t keep the momentum going against the Wildcats. What hurts the most about this game is that the defense is coming off its best game of the season and couldn’t hold on to get California its second-straight win.

Next opponent: Arizona hosts Washington State on Saturday. California travels to Colorado on Saturday.

Arizona State (4-3, 3-1) at Utah (4-3, 1-3)

Score: Arizona State 30, Utah 10

Game recap: Arizona State came into the game seeking its first conference road win in two years, and it absolutely dominated Utah. The Sun Devils’ offense put together 16 points in the first half while shutting out Utah. The Utes managed to knock in a 53-yard field goal at the beginning of the third quarter, but the Sun Devils wouldn’t allow another Utah score until there were two minutes left to play.

Key stat: The Sun Devils finished with 172 rushing yards in the first half, more than the Utes’ season average of allowing 119.7 yards per game.

Conference implication: Arizona State’s defense is dominating its competition lately. It forced Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley to throw four interceptions, something Utah hasn’t done since 2014. The Sun Devils are up for a big test next week against USC, which may end up determining who will win the South.

Utah looks disinterested on the field. For the first time since 2013, the team has lost three-straight games. The Utes finished with only 265 total yards, their fewest since 2014 in a win against Stanford. They’re likely out of the South race but can help their record with winnable games against Oregon and UCLA in the next two weeks. Utah just needs its offense to come together.

Next opponent: Arizona State hosts USC on Saturday. Utah travels to Oregon on Saturday.

Colorado (4-4, 1-4) at Washington State (7-1, 4-1)

Score: Washington State 28, Colorado 0

Game recap: No matter what Colorado did, it couldn’t find momentum to get the ball rolling against Washington State. The Cougars put the game’s first points on the board in the second quarter and dominated from there, giving the Buffs their first shutout since 2012.

Key stat: Colorado completed 13 of 34 passes for 94 yards and was held to just 174 yards of offense.

Conference implication: This was a nice rebound game for Washington State, which failed to score a touchdown last week. The Cougars are looking like their dominant selves as they push for a North title.

Colorado needs one more win to reach 700 wins for the team’s all-time record. It’s looking like that single win may be harder to come by than previously thought.

Next opponent: Washington State travels to Arizona on Saturday. Colorado hosts California on Saturday.

Oregon (4-4, 1-4) at UCLA (4-3, 2-2)

Score: UCLA 31, Oregon 14

Game recap: UCLA running back Bolu Olorunfunmi helped the Bruins vault over the Ducks: literally. Tied at 14 at intermission, the Bruins used a strong second half to snag a win. UCLA used a 42-yard field goal and Olorunfunmi’s 22-yard touchdown to go ahead 10 points in the third quarter. The Bruins would add one more score while holding Oregon scoreless in the second half.

Key stat: Oregon running back Royce Freeman rushed for 160 yards, passing LaMichael James for the most career rushing yards by a Duck. He also became the league’s third best career rusher and 22nd player in FBS history with 5,000 career rushing yards.

Conference implication: UCLA needed this win. Should it have lost, any hopes for a bowl game would be catastrophic. The Bruins will need to consistently play their A-game if they want a shot at winning the South.

Oregon needs quarterback Justin Herbert, who broke his collarbone earlier this season, to return as soon as possible. Without him, the Ducks struggle and look one-dimensional.

Next opponent: UCLA travels to Washington on Saturday. Oregon hosts Utah on Saturday.

USC (6-2, 4-1) at Notre Dame (6-1)

Score: Notre Dame 49, USC 14

Game recap: Notre Dame took advantage of three USC turnovers to get an easy win. The Trojans fell 28-0 at the break. Their only scores came in the third quarter, but by then the Fighting Irish had a heavy advantage.

Key stat: USC’s three turnovers added to its season total of 19. Quarterback Sam Darnold is responsible for all except three.

Conference implication: The Trojans continue to hurt themselves with turnovers. While they are still in the mix to win the South, any hope for a playoff berth seems unlikely.

Next opponent: USC travels to Arizona State on Saturday.

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