SALT LAKE CITY – Let's pretend football fans went on a camping trip this weekend. They had no Internet access, phone service or cable available, missing the entire first week of play. They return from their vacation today and find out Stanford lost to Northwestern, Portland State beat Washington State, and two freshmen started at quarterback.

Do you think they'd be shocked?

They probably would be.

It was an unexpected first week of football for the Pac-12, leaving most in disbelief. Cal and USC won big, but Arizona State and Stanford had poor performances. Granted it was the first week of the season, but there is a list of improvements the conference needs to work on.

Here's a look at how the Conference of Champions handled the first week of the 2015 season.

Arizona

Score: Arizona wins 42-32

Game recap: The Wildcats pulled off a less than perfect win in their season opener. After a close halftime score of 21-20, Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon and his offense got off to a quick start in the second half. Safety Jamar Allah picked up a UTSA fumble for a 22-yard touchdown return to help secure the win.

Key stat: Solomon threw for four touchdowns and 229 yards, completing 22-of-36 of his passes.

Conference implications: The Wildcats have a bit of cleaning up to do for next week. The defense giving up 525 yards is worrisome, especially after losing All-American linebacker Scooby Wright to a left knee injury. The good news is the offense showed it has a cluster of weapons. Solomon's 22 completions were divided among seven different receivers.

Next opponent: @Nevada (1-0, 0-0)

Arizona State

Score: Texas A&M wins 38-17

Game recap: The Sun Devils kicked a 23-yard field goal with four minutes remaining in the game to bring them within a touchdown to tie the game. In the next drive, quarterback Kyle Allen threw a 66-yard touchdown pass to put the Aggies up another seven. Arizona State's signal caller, Mike Bercovici, couldn't come up with the points as he was sacked twice before a turnover. The Aggies took advantage and rushed 10 yards for yet another touchdown, securing the win.

Key stat: Defensive back Armad Perry led all players with a career-high 11 tackles among a defense that had eight tackles for loss, forcing three turnovers.

Conference implications: Arizona State's offensive struggles need to be fixed quickly. The running game was weak, counting for only 92 yards on 41 carries — Kalen Ballage didn't play — and Bercovici was sacked nine times. There are good defenses in the Pac-12, and the Sun Devils will struggle if they can't get the ball rolling.

Next opponent: Cal Poly (1-0, 0-0)

Cal

Score: Cal wins 73-14

Game recap: The game was settled after the Bears scored 35 points in the first quarter. A shutout was almost in place, but Grambling State scored a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Key stat: Cal quarterback Jared Goff, who went 24 for 39, took the second half off after throwing for 309 yards and three touchdowns.

Conference implications: This Cal team looks promising. While the offense was the star of the show, it's worth noting the defense. The group's reputation the past few seasons hasn't been the best. Saturday's game proved differently. Both Cameron Walker and Devante Downs returned interceptions for scores, adding to Goff's touchdowns. The team should feel good heading into next week's match against San Diego State.

Next opponent: San Diego State (1-0, 0-0)

Colorado

Score: Hawaii wins 28-20

Game recap: Mistakes were costly for the Buffs. Three turnovers, a blocked punt, five crucial penalties and lack of conversions put Colorado on edge throughout the game. In an attempt to tie with the Warriors, running back Phillip Lindsay just missed the first-down marker after catching a pass from Sefo Liufau. The clock kept ticking and officials struggled to spot the ball, resulting in Colorado frustration as time ran out.

Key stat: The Buffs rushed for 215 yards and attained more total offensive yards than Hawaii (373-302).

Conference implications: This loss bares bad news for the Buffs. Colorado needed a 4-0 start to the season to have some hope of ending the year with bowl eligibility. That road now seems nearly impossible — especially if the team continues its poor habits — as the Pac-12 South division is not an easy one.

Next opponent: UMass (0-0, 0-0)

Oregon

Score: Oregon wins 61-42

Game recap: Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams played against his former school and put on a show. He led the Ducks to a 37-21 lead at halftime, relying on running backs Kani Benoit, Royce Freeman and Tony Brooks-James — each having scores. Eastern Washington relied on receiver Cooper Kupp, who caught 15 passes for 246 receiving yards — both Autzen Stadium records — for three touchdowns. Freeman started the second half with a 1-yard touchdown drive and the scoring continued from there. Adams left the game after a late hit, but told media after the game he would play next week.

Key stat: Freeman ran a career-high 180 yards on 21 carries with three touchdowns

Conference implications: It's business as usual for the Ducks' offense, or so it seems. The defense gave up 438 passing yards, something they can't do if they want to keep Oregon's reputation. The running game was the saving grace for the win.

Next opponent: @ Michigan State (1-0, 0-0)

Oregon State

Score: Oregon State wins 26-7

Game recap: After a slow 6-0 start in the first half, quarterback Seth Collins passed for a touchdown in the third quarter. The Beavers' momentum against Weber State continued as Manase Hungalu made an interception on the fourth quarter's first play. From there, Oregon State scored 10 more points to begin the Gary Andersen era 1-0.

Key stat: Collins rushed for 152 yards on 17 carries and passed for 92 yards, completing 10 of 18 passes.

Conference implications: This win goes to the Beavers' defense. The unit allowed just nine first downs and 178 total offensive yards. Weber State crossed the 50-yard line once and its only touchdown came from a third-quarter interception. It was also 0 for 13 on third-down conversions. Collins will need to lead the offense and get to the end zone sooner to compete with conference rivals.

Next opponent: @ Michigan (0-1, 0-0)

Stanford

Score: Northwestern wins 16-6

Game recap: In one of college football's first upsets of the 2015 season, quarterback Kevin Hogan wasn't able to lead the Cardinal to a victory. Stanford struggled offensively, dropping several passes and having messy play. The team was down 13-6 halfway through the fourth quarter, but Northwestern took its time before making a 49-yard field goal. In hopes of a comeback in the final minutes, Hogan was intercepted in the end zone by Kyle Queiro.

Key stat: Stanford went 3-of-15 on third-down conversions and punted seven times in eight-straight possessions.

Conference implications: This is Stanford's first season-opener loss in eight years. The poor offensive performance is concerning as it was expected to be the team's backbone. Hogan and company will need to learn from their mistakes and clean their act soon. Otherwise it'll make for a long season for the Cardinal.

Next opponent: UCF (0-1, 0-0)

UCLA

Score: UCLA wins 34-16

Game recap: The Bruins led 17-9 at halftime with true freshman Josh Rosen hitting nine different receivers. The only time UCLA didn't have control of the game was in the beginning of the first quarter when Virginia made a 42-yard field goal. From there it was all about the Bruins, who outscored the Cavaliers 14-0 in the third quarter and put a 34-9 cushion halfway through the last quarter.

Key stat: Rosen finished 28-of-35 for 351 yards with three touchdowns

Conference implications: With that kind of performance, UCLA is a conference-title contender. Rosen appears to be the real deal, bringing attention to the already talented roster. If the Bruins continue to play like this, the rest of the South Division will need to bring their A-game.

Next opponent: @UNLV (0-1, 0-0)

USC

Score: USC wins 55-6

Game recap: The Trojans were off to a fast start and led 28-0 at the half, continuing efficient play into the last two quarters. Quarterback Cody Kessler went 19 for 26 and passed for 236 yards and four touchdowns, although he was sacked five times. Arkansas State's first points came with a 9-yard rushing touchdown. A failed two-point conversion and several turnovers didn't help the Red Wolves as the Trojans' defense scored twice.

Key stat: USC's defense gave up 484 total yards but forced four turnovers — turning two into points.

Conference implications: The biggest takeaway from this game is the Trojans' freshmen are dangerous. Thirteen played against Arkansas State. Ronald Jones II, Aca'Cedric Ware and Osa Masina each scored a touchdown to help seal the win.

Next opponent: Idaho (0-1, 0-0)

Utah

Score: Utah wins 24-17

Game recap: After trading field goals, Utah took the lead with a Devontae Booker 1-yard touchdown. Michigan turned over the ball twice in the first quarter — its first offensive drive ending with an interception by Cory Butler-Byrd. The Wolverines scored their first touchdown after a Utah personal foul at the end of the third quarter, reducing the Utes' lead to just seven points. Justin Thomas secured the Utah win with a pick-six.

Key stat: The Utes' defense came up with three interceptions by three different defensive backs — one resulting in a 55-yard touchdown.

Conference implications: The defense is still dominating, but what's impressive is the confidence quarterback Travis Wilson has on the field. Wilson, Booker and freshman receiver Britain Covey showed the Utah offense can be efficient and score. A few tweaks here and there and the Utes can be a force to be reckoned with.

Next opponent: Utah State (1-0, 0-0)

Washington

Score: Boise State wins 16-13

Game recap: Chris Petersen returned to Boise State, but his new team couldn't pull off a win. Boise State led 16-0 at halftime. With a chance to tie the game, Huskies kicker Cameron Van Winkle missed a 46-yard field goal to secure a Broncos win.

Key stat: Washington's special teams unit was electric, blocking a Boise State PAT and Dante Pettis returning a 76-yard punt for a touchdown.

Conference implications: Freshman starting quarterback Jake Browning had rookie mistakes, but he did play well – finishing 20-of-34 for 150 yards. The first half was a bit of a drag, but the second half gives the Huskies some hope.

Next opponent: Sacramento State (1-0, 0-0)

Washington State

Score: Portland State wins 24-17

Game recap: Quarterback Luke Falk completed 27 of his 41 passes for 289 yards with two touchdowns. The running game consisted of 30 rushes for 104 yards, but the Cougars lost it after the first half. Washington State's 10-0 halftime lead was long gone after it gave up 24 points to the Vikings in the second half. Portland State was outgained 411 to 294 yards, but it was the Cougars' turnovers that proved costly.

Key stat: Eleven Cougars caught receptions, with Gabe Marks and Keith Harrington each scoring touchdowns.

Conference implications: New defensive coordinator Alex Grinch was expected to bring improvement. Obviously, that didn't show in the season's first matchup. Any postseason hope seems unrealistic if Washington State continues to play like this.

Next opponent: @ Rutgers (1-0, 0-0)

Holli Joyce is a University of Utah communications graduate and enjoys keeping up with the Utah Utes, Utah Jazz and Seattle Seahawks. In addition to covering Utah football for KSL.com, she is a Seahawks Correspondent for 12thManRising.com. Follow her on Twitter @Holli_Alexa.

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