Takeaways from week 1 of the Pac-12

Estimated read time: 8-9 minutes

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SALT LAKE CITY — After hours of staring at the television, with college football being consumed like a feeding frenzy, the first week of football is in the books. While there were many games worth glossing over, there were also several that were able to whet the football palate before the games resume next week.

While No. 3 Oregon easily took care of business against Nicholls State, teams like California, Washington State and Oregon State had a difficult time in their season openers. If you didn't obsessively hover around your television (or two or three) this weekend, here are some quick notes about how each team in the Pac-12 fared and what you can possibly expect from them moving forward.

ARIZONA: Beat N. Ariz 35-0

Arizona had no real troubles against in-state FCS opponent Northern Arizona. The Wildcats were without All-American running back Ka'Deem Carey, who was suspended for a game, but that did not stop the offense from amounting 306 yards rushing. Daniel Jenkins ran for 139 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries. Jenkin's long was a 91-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Although Arizona was effective in the run game, their passing game was something left to be desired. The Wildcats only had 87 yards in the air, with quarterback B.J. Denker going nine-of-13 and one touchdown. Teams looking to shut down Arizona will likely have to force the Wildcats to throw.

The Wildcats had zero turnovers, but forced three, including an interception that went for a 23-yard touchdown.
Kicker Josh Smith missed a 26-yard field goal.
Next opponent: UNLV (0-1)

CALIFORNIA: Lost to Northwestern 44-30

Cal entered the game against Northwestern as a 5.5-point underdog. And while the Golden Bears managed 548 total yards on offense, it was not enough to hold off Northwestern in the season opener. Sonny Dykes's team managed 455 yards in the air, with freshman quarterback Jared Goff leading the charge. Goff was 38-of-63 for 445 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions — two of which were returned for touchdowns.

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Don't count the Bears out yet, they have the talent to grind out some wins. Even in a loss, Goff was able to hit his receivers and gain some serious yardage. Shutting down the aerial attack is likely the key to stopping Cal's offensive weapons.

Penalties: 10 for 79 yards
Next opponent: Portland State (1-0)

COLORADO: Beat Colorado State 41-27

Already Colorado looks better than last year's abysmal season, matching last year's win record in the first game. It's easy to understand why Colorado was a three-point underdog taking on in-state opponent Colorado State; however, the Buffaloes proved all doubters wrong. Colorado managed 504 yards on offense, with most of that coming through the air. Quarterback Connor Wood had an impressive performance, going 33-of-46 for 400 yards and three touchdowns. Receiver Paul Richardson was an easy target, pulling down 10 receptions for a total of 208 yards.

While it's only one game, already Colorado looks like a more formidable opponent, which makes the fight in the South Division interesting. If Colorado can consistently put up 504 yards each week, the Buffaloes could be a difficult opponent for any doubters.

Penalties: Eight for 68 yards
Colorado had no turnovers but forced two fumbles.
Next opponent: Central Arkansas (1-0)

OREGON: Beat Nicholls State 66-3

It's no surprise the Ducks would get a win on Saturday. In fact, they covered the 59-point spread with a little more than a field goal to spare. Oregon features one of the most prolific offenses in the country, led by running back De'Anthony Thomas. The Ducks sailed to victory with a total of 772 yards on offense, with 500 of those yards coming on the ground. Quarterback Marcus Mariota was 12-of-21 for 234 yards and one touchdown.

Beating Oregon would be no small feat. With Thomas, it's nearly impossible to stop the run game, so containment would be minimal.

Oregon's 772 yards is now a school record.
The Ducks forced two fumbles.
Next opponent: Virginia (1-0)

OREGON STATE: Lost to E. Washington 39-36

Oregon State was the clear favorite heading into Saturday's game — 27-point spread — however, FCS school Eastern Washington had other plans, narrowly beating the Beavers. OSU had a chance at the end to tie the game up with a field goal, but the 52-yard field goal attempt narrowly missed.

The Beavers had 527 yards on offense, with 422 yards of those coming through the air. Quarterback Sean Mannion was 37-of-43 for 422 yards and three touchdowns. Receiver Brandin Cooks had 196 yards and two touchdowns.

Despite losing to an FCS opponent, Mannion has the arm and talent to get some yards in the air. OSU will certainly lose their national ranking, but it's not out of the realm of possibility that they'll be back.

Neither team had a turnover
OSU became the third ranked team to ever lose to an FCS team.
Next opponent: Hawaii (0-1)

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WASHINGTON: Beat Boise State 38-6

It was supposed to be an equally-matched game, but Washington absolutely dismantled a ranked Boise State team. In fact, the Huskies gave Broncos head coach Chris Petersen his worst loss ever. Washington quarterback Keith Price was an effective machine, going 23-of-31 for 324 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The Huskies were equally impressive in the run game with 268 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Washington is a serious threat and will likely get some national love in the coming weeks. Price is a playmaker and will pick apart any defense if given time.

Penalties: Eight for 61 yards
Forced one interception
Next opponent: Illinois (1-0)

WASHINGTON STATE: Lost to Auburn 31-24

Washington State entered their first game against Auburn as a 15-point underdog. While the Cougars made it a close game, quarterback Connor Halliday's three interceptions did not help the team — one of which was intercepted in the end zone in the last five minutes of the game. Halliday ended the game going 35-of-65 for 344 yards and one touchdown. The Cougars have the talent, particularly with its receiving core, but they could not close out on a better Auburn team.

The Cougars have enough talent to get some wins this season; however, whether they can be consistent will be another thing. They'll likely be better than last season, but how much better is uncertain.

Washington State had more yards on offense, but could not make the most of it.
Next opponent: USC (1-0)

UCLA: Beat Nevada 58-20

UCLA was the clear favorite against Nevada and it showed. Sophomore quarterback Brett Hundley had a decent performance in the first half, but turned it up after halftime. The Bruins' second half performance was all offense, putting up 41 points. Hundley was 22-of-33 for 274 yards and two touchdowns. The Bruins had 647 total yards on offense, equally split between the run (345 yards) and pass (302 yards) game.

If you're not taking the Bruins seriously, you should now. The team is balanced and can attack in either the run or pass game. Shutting down the offense will likely be a difficult task, but forcing turnovers and penalties may be key.

Penalties: 12 for 93 yards
Kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn missed a 48-yard field goal
Next opponent: Nebraska (1-0)

USC: Beat Hawaii 30-13

Head coach Lane Kiffin said he was going to utilize two quarterbacks — Cody Kessler and Max Wittek — to lead the offense before naming a de facto starter. But it looks it's going to take another week before a starter can be named. Both Kessler and Wittek had mediocre performances, combining for 172 passing yards. Kessler was 10-of-19 for 95 yards and one touchdown and one interception. Wittek was five-of-10 for 77 yards.

USC had a total of 364 yards equally distributed between the run (192 yards) and pass (172 yards) game. But it was their defense that kept the Trojans alive. USC forced four interceptions, with one going for a 35-yard touchdown run. The defense put pressure on Hawaii quarterback Taylor Graham — 7 total sacks — and kept the Warriors from putting up too many yards. Only time will tell whether their ranking in the AP Poll — No. 24 — is inflated. Based on one game, I don't see them as a Top 25 team yet, especially given the remaining talent in the Pac-12.

Turnovers: Two
Penalties: Nine for 75 yards
Next opponent: Washington State (0-1)

UTAH: Beat Utah State 30-26

Utah narrowly staved off defeat against in-state opponent Utah State, with freshman kicker Andy Phillips saving the day with a game-changing onside kick. While stalling on offense early in the game, sophomore quarterback Travis Wilson put the team on his shoulders and pulled out a victory in a good display of offensive talent. Wilson was 17-of-28 for 302 yards and two touchdowns.

Utah's offensive line needs to improve to be competitive in the Pac-12 this season. Giving up on plays will expose Wilson, which is something Utah can't afford to have. Depth will be another issue, and losing receiver Kenneth Scott doesn't help.

Phillips became a household name in his first ever football performance
Next opponent: Weber State (1-0)

STANFORD & ARIZONA STATE had a bye week.