Takeaways from week 4 of the Pac-12

SALT LAKE CITY — The Pac-12 had a great week, winning every non-conference game on the slate. The competition was not at the level it was last week, but the conference performed well, nonetheless. Only Arizona State had a loss this last weekend, but that came at the hands of conference opponent Stanford.

ARIZONA STATE (2-1):

The matchup between Arizona State and Stanford was expected to be one of the highlights of the week; however, the Sun Devils were absolutely outperformed by the Cardinal, losing 42-28 in a lopsided victory. After falling behind early, ASU outgained Stanford 417 to 391 in total yards. Quarterback Taylor Kelly was 30 of 55 passing for 367 yards and three touchdowns, but threw two interceptions.

Arizona State can put up some points, but it took the Sun Devils three quarters to get things rolling. It's hard to say they're going to have struggles this year, especially playing a Top 5 team, but the slow start mixed with last week's narrow win against Wisconsin has to make you wonder if they can stay competitive. It's still too early to get a good sense of Arizona State.

• ASU was 6 of 18 on third down, but were 3 of 4 on fourth down.
• The Sun Devils only had 50 rushing yards.
• Zane Gonzalez missed a 45-yard field goal attempt.
• Next opponent: USC (3-1)

OREGON STATE (3-1):

Coming off their overtime victory against Utah, Oregon State struggled against Mountain West Conference opponent San Diego State. The Beavers, however, had a fourth quarter rally to defeat the Aztecs 34-30. Mannion threw three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 30-28 before Quinn Kaehler intercepted a pass for a touchdown to give the Beavers the lead. Mannion had another big night, going 38 of 55 for 367 yards.

The Beavers continue to be a risky bet: they are winning as of late, but it's difficult to put complete trust in their capabilities. Their game against Utah the week before was the most difficult game so far this season, and it took three interceptions and an overtime touchdown to get a victory. It's hard to see them going bowling, but they continue to win games.

• The run game continues to be an issue, with the Beavers getting only 10 rushing yards
• The Beavers had two fumbles, but forced two interceptions
• Next opponent: Colorado (2-0)

(5) STANFORD (3-0):

After a mundane victory the week prior, the Cardinal came out it dominant fashion beating the Sun Devils 42-28. In the first two quarters, Stanford quickly scored four touchdowns, putting the game essentially out of reach. However, the win wasn't as convincing as the team would have hoped after giving up three touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The Cardinal rushed for 240 yards and three touchdowns, with Tyler Gaffney leading the team with 87 yards and two touchdowns.

Stanford is still in a league of its own, but have shown they are human. The Sun Devils were able to turn around a disappointing start to score three unopposed touchdowns, which means Stanford is beatable.

• Stanford forced two interceptions, but had one of their own
• Kicker Jordan Williamson missed a PAT and a 51-yard field goal attempt
• Next opponent: Washington State (3-1)

(13) UCLA (3-0):

UCLA didn't waste any time against New Mexico State Saturday as the Bruins cruised to 59-13 victory. Darkhorse Heisman candidate Brett Hundley went 23 of 35 passing for 280 yards and three touchdown. The team ended with 692 total yards, split pretty evenly between the run and pass game. Jordon James had a great night, rushing for 164 yards and two touchdowns.

The verdict on UCLA is still out, but they appear to be legit. With Hundley under center, the Bruins look to be a force to be reckoned with in the South Division. The true test for the Bruins comes in week 7 and 8 when they face (5) Stanford and (2) Oregon back-to-back on the road.

• Shaq Evans ran to the sidelines after the team huddled on the Bruins' first play, leaving 10 players on the field in tribute to former teammate Nick Pasquale.
• Next opponent: Bye

USC (3-1):

USC pulled out a victory against Mountain West Conference opponent Utah State, narrowly beating the Aggies 17-14. Offensively, the Trojans have areas to improve upon, putting up only 282 yards on offense. Quarterback Cody Kessler was 13 of 27 passing for 164 yards and one touchdown. But it was just enough to get the win at home.

The team may not have it all together offensively, but there is no denying the stout defense of USC. The Trojans took Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton out of his element and forced him to think quickly. The Trojans defense will keep them in many of their games this year, but the offense needs to come together for them to continue to win. They're a vulnerable team that could see some losses soon if their offense doesn't get things together.

• USC had no players over 100 yards rushing or receiving
• The Trojans rank last in the Pac-12 in total and scoring offense, but lead the conference in total defense.
• Andre Heidari missed a 46-yard field goal attempt
• Next opponent: Arizona State (2-1)

UTAH (3-1):

In a battle between in-state rivals, Utah came away from a their first road game of the season with a 20-13 victory. Travis Wilson had another good night as quarterback going 24 of 35 for 273 yards and two touchdowns. Receiver Dres Anderson, too, had a good night, pulling down eight catches for 141 yards. Anderson had a 74-yard run that lead to Utah's first touchdown of the night.

Utah's offense appears to be legit, with Wilson putting up big numbers weekly. Wilson's 74-yard pass to Anderson is the fifth time this season he has completed a pass over 50 yards. The Utes have been moving the ball well this season, but the true test starts next week when (13) UCLA comes to town. A victory over the Bruins would be a big statement for the Utes.

• Travis Wilson was named the Pac-12 and Athlon Sports Player of the Week.
• Kicker Andy Phillips remains perfect on the season at seven field goal attempts and 21 PATs.
• Next opponent: Bye

(16) WASHINGTON (3-0):

Washington has quietly gone on its way this season, slowly climbing up the rankings. The Huskies easily got a victory over Idaho State, winning 56-0. The Huskies had 680 yards on offense, with the run and pass game seeing equal treatment again. Keith Price went 16 of 21 passing for 213 yards and three touchdowns. Price utilized 10 different receivers in a balanced attack.

The Huskies have a good thing going on, but have yet to really be tested. Their win in the first week against Boise State is looking less like a big deal, but there is no doubt they have the talent to beat up on some teams. The Huskies will face a difficult task in week 6 and 7 as they play (5) Stanford and (2) Oregon back-to-back.

• Washington is ranked in the Top 10 in rushing yards a game and points scored against them
• The Huskies had 16 penalties accounting for 130 yards
• Next opponent: Arizona (3-0)

WASHINGTON STATE (3-1):

Washington State continues its winning season with a 42-0 victory over Idaho. The game was never in question as quarterback Connor Halliday went 31 of 43 passing for 346 yards and four touchdowns. Sophomore Gabe Marks had 11 receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns.

Although the Cougars have started things off well, it's still difficult to predict whether they'll become bowl eligible. Their schedule is fairly balanced moving forward through the Pac-12, but it's hard to see where their next win comes. The Cougars could be a darkhorse in the North, but the competition is pretty stingy with Oregon, Stanford and Washington leading the charge.

• Washington State is 3-1 for the first time since 2006
• Despite a resounding win, the Cougars had two fumbles and two interceptions
• Next opponent: (5) Stanford (3-0)

ARIZONA (3-0), CALIFORNIA (1-2), COLORADO (2-0) and (2) OREGON (3-0) all had a bye week.

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