Pac-12 Football Recap: Are there Sleepers in the Making?
The first week of college football brought us surprises, action, and drama, just like we expected.
But who will bounce back? Who will stay hot? Who will keep winning games? Who will become a legit contender? It's hard to tell, but let's figure out.
Week 1 featured many close games and offensive blowouts, especially in the Pac-12. Oregon State, a team expected to make it back to the bowls, fell to Sacramento State.
Even true freshman Malcolm Agnew's rushing performance of 223 yards wasn't enough, as Jeff Fleming and the Hornets found a way in overtime. Oregon State scored 22 unanswered points after trailing 21-6.
Fleming found Brandyn Reed for a touchdown on a seven-yard slant, then while going for two, he executed the fade route and hit Reed again. Although it was an ugly loss for the Beavers, freshman Sean Mannion led the Beavers to 25 points in half 2 and overtime, leaving some hope.
Marshall Lobberstel led Washington State to 64 points in a clobbering of Idaho State, leading Cougar fans to believe a successful season is ahead. Washington fans aren't thinking that, as their team escaped Eastern Washington by three points. The defense doesn't look good.
The Cardinal of Stanford now look like the number one Pac-12 team, as defense and special teams helped the Cardinal dominate San Jose State 57-3. Andrew Luck wasn't on top of his game, but he made the throws he needed to.
Oregon had more trouble with LSU, who was expected to fall without quarterback Jordan Jefferson. But Michael Ford ran for two touchdowns, and the Ducks won.
The Ducks only lost 40-27, but they were sloppy. LaMichael James averaged three yards per carry. Oregon fumbled a punt and LSU got a touchdown from it.
They may have scored 27 points but it certainly didn't feel like it. The Ducks were completely outplayed, and Jarrett Lee wasn't even that good.
The same goes for Cal Bears quarterback Zach Maynard, who threw two touchdowns but struggled with his accuracy. Marvin Jones turned two underthrows into touchdowns.
So far, from what we've seen, it looks like Stanford is as good as projected, Oregon's defense will struggle, Cal will be good, and Oregon State will struggle.
But then again, college football is full of surprises.
But who will bounce back? Who will stay hot? Who will keep winning games? Who will become a legit contender? It's hard to tell, but let's figure out.
Week 1 featured many close games and offensive blowouts, especially in the Pac-12. Oregon State, a team expected to make it back to the bowls, fell to Sacramento State.
Even true freshman Malcolm Agnew's rushing performance of 223 yards wasn't enough, as Jeff Fleming and the Hornets found a way in overtime. Oregon State scored 22 unanswered points after trailing 21-6.
Fleming found Brandyn Reed for a touchdown on a seven-yard slant, then while going for two, he executed the fade route and hit Reed again. Although it was an ugly loss for the Beavers, freshman Sean Mannion led the Beavers to 25 points in half 2 and overtime, leaving some hope.
Marshall Lobberstel led Washington State to 64 points in a clobbering of Idaho State, leading Cougar fans to believe a successful season is ahead. Washington fans aren't thinking that, as their team escaped Eastern Washington by three points. The defense doesn't look good.
The Cardinal of Stanford now look like the number one Pac-12 team, as defense and special teams helped the Cardinal dominate San Jose State 57-3. Andrew Luck wasn't on top of his game, but he made the throws he needed to.
Oregon had more trouble with LSU, who was expected to fall without quarterback Jordan Jefferson. But Michael Ford ran for two touchdowns, and the Ducks won.
The Ducks only lost 40-27, but they were sloppy. LaMichael James averaged three yards per carry. Oregon fumbled a punt and LSU got a touchdown from it.
They may have scored 27 points but it certainly didn't feel like it. The Ducks were completely outplayed, and Jarrett Lee wasn't even that good.
The same goes for Cal Bears quarterback Zach Maynard, who threw two touchdowns but struggled with his accuracy. Marvin Jones turned two underthrows into touchdowns.
So far, from what we've seen, it looks like Stanford is as good as projected, Oregon's defense will struggle, Cal will be good, and Oregon State will struggle.
But then again, college football is full of surprises.
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