Pac-12 Week 8 ends with record-setting performances; Colorado bowl eligibility


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SALT LAKE CITY — Bowl eligibility and record-setting performances, Week 8 in the Pac-12 had it all.

Colorado became the third Pac-12 team to become bowl eligible, joining No. 5 Washington and No. 19 Utah. Meanwhile, Utah’s running back became the first in school history to rush for more than 300 yards in a single game. Cal and Oregon also set an FBS-record for most plays in a game.

While Arizona (2-5, 0-4 Pac-12) and USC (4-3, 3-2) had byes, here’s a look at how the rest of the league performed.

Colorado (6-2, 4-1) at Stanford (4-3, 2-3)

Score: Colorado 10, Stanford 5

Game recap: Despite missing three field goals and having a touchdown called back by a pass interference penalty, Colorado came out on top and held Stanford to a single-digit score. The Colorado defense held the Cardinal to a field goal at the end of the first quarter and a safety with four seconds left in the game. Stanford had one last try to get a win, but an 82-yard play failed as time ran out.

Key stat: This win marks the Buffs’ first against the Cardinal since 1990 and bowl eligibility since 2007.

Conference implication: It wasn’t the prettiest win, but Colorado did just enough to get the win and finally become bowl eligible. The team is still aiming for a Pac-12 title but must compete with Utah. Utah and Colorado share the South’s top spot. It’s looking like Utah’s visit to Boulder, Colorado, in the season’s last week will decide the winner of the division.

Stanford is its own worst enemy. The Cardinal has lost three of its last four games. The offense has continuously struggled to get in the end zone. Time’s running out to get back on track for this team.

Next opponent: Colorado bye; Stanford travels to Arizona.

Oregon (2-5, 0-4) at California (4-3, 2-2)

Score: California 52, Oregon 49

Game recap: With more than 200 plays, 101 points and 1,086 combined total yards, Cal put away the Ducks in two overtime periods. Bears’ kicker Matt Anderson kicked a 28-yard field goal to push the team ahead, but it was Jordan Kunaszyk who sealed the Cal win with an interception.

Key stat: This game featured an FBS-record 203 plays.

Conference implication: The Bears’ defense once again showed up when it needed to. The team played sloppy, committing 14 penalties, but it’s two games away from bowl eligibility.

The Ducks have sunk to rock bottom. Less than two years ago they were playing for a national championship. Times change, and Oregon has severely dropped to the bottom of the league. The Ducks’ come-from-behind effort wasn’t enough to seal the deal. Now, they need to meet the difficult task of winning four of their last five games to go bowling.

Next opponent: Oregon hosts Arizona State; California travels to USC.

Oregon State (2-5, 1-3) at Washington (7-0, 4-0)

Score: Washington 41, Oregon State 17

Game recap: The Huskies had control of this game all along, jumping to a 21-0 lead after the first quarter. The Beavers didn’t score until the third quarter when they made a 29-yard field goal and a 75-yard run. Washington quarterback Jake Browning and Co. were too much for the Beavers.

Key stat: This win was Washington’s 10th straight, its longest since a 12-game win streak during the 2000 and 2001 seasons.

Conference implication: OK, so the outcome of this game is what was expected. Now, the Huskies face a tougher schedule for the rest of the season, beginning with next week’s trip to Salt Lake City. The game is big enough to bring ESPN’s “College GameDay” to the scene. Could this be a preview of the Pac-12 Championship?

Oregon State has two quarterbacks and a starting running back injured, but even with a healthy roster it would’ve struggled against this Huskies team. The Beavers are still rebuilding, so all they can do is learn from this matchup.

Next opponent: Washington travels to Utah; Oregon State hosts Washington State.

Utah (7-1, 4-1) at UCLA (3-5, 1-4)

Score: Utah 52, UCLA 45

Game recap: A surprising shootout took place at the Rose Bowl with multiple lead changes and record-setting moments. UCLA quarterback Mike Fafaul racked up 40 completions on 70 attempts, both single-game school records. Utah running back Joe Williams became the first Ute to run for 300 yards in a game. Once tied at 35 in the third quarter, the Utes relied on two Williams scores and a field goal to capture the win.

Key stat: Williams set a school record, running 332 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Conference implication: Utah literally ran over UCLA, but there are still things to fix — protecting the quarterback, tackling, etc. — before hosting Washington next week. ESPN’s “College GameDay” is coming to Rice-Eccles for the second time in two years. The Utes-Huskies’ highly anticipated matchup is a competition against the league’s best two teams and likely a preview of the Pac-12 title game.

The Bruins can kiss a division title goodbye. Instead, they need to worry if they can become bowl eligible. UCLA has a bye week, then goes to Colorado. A week off should help with quarterback Josh Rosen’s healing process, but winning three of the next four games is a difficult task.

Next opponent: Utah hosts Washington; UCLA bye

Washington State (5-2, 4-0) at Arizona State (5-3, 2-3)

Score: Washington State 37, Arizona State 32

Game recap: The Sun Devils came out strong, forcing two three-and-outs and scoring touchdowns in the middle of the first and second quarters. The Cougars then scored 21 straight points in the second and third quarters to take a 31-14 lead. Arizona State’s late rally wasn’t enough as Washington State left the desert with a win.

Key stat: Arizona State held Washington State to -52 rushing yards.

Conference implication: Remember when the Cougars were 0-2? They’ve come a long way since then and now sit on top of the North’s standings with Washington. This year’s Apple Cup may have more on the line than rivalry bragging rights. It just might decide who wins the Pac-12 North.

Arizona State is hurting. It has several players out from injuries, including starting quarterback Manny Wilkins. It doesn’t look good as the Sun Devils have lost three of four after starting the season 4-0. The only home game they have left is against Utah, so bowl eligibility won’t come easy, especially if Wilkins misses more time.

Next opponent: Washington State travels to Oregon State; Arizona State travels to Oregon.

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