Around the Pac-12: Week 7 Football Schedule

Week seven in college football is upon us with all the Pac-12 conference teams in action. The conference has three teams in the top 25 and two of them ranked in the top ten. Here’s the schedule for the weekend.

No. 8 WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS (6-0, 3-0 PAC-12) vs. CALIFORNIA BEARS (3-3, 0-3 PAC-12)

Friday, Oct. 13 | 8:30 pm MT | TV: ESPN

Washington State is coming off a signature win over Oregon, marking the first time Mike Leach’s team has posted back-to-back wins at Autzen Stadium since 1982 and 1984. Cougars quarterback Luke Falk has given Heisman-quality performances, but keeping up the momentum in the second half of the season will be key. The Golden Bears defense has been the story out of Berkeley this season, recording 13 turnovers (6 fumbles, 7 interceptions) thus far. They’ve taken a huge step forward with a total of 18 takeaways for all of 2016.

COLORADO BUFFALOES (3-3, 0-3 Pac-12) vs. OREGON STATE BEAVERS (1-5, 0-3 PAC-12)

Saturday, Oct. 14 | 1:00 pm MT | TV: Pac-12 Network

Colorado’s Phillip Lindsay broke six records vs. Arizona, rushing 41 times for 281 yards in a losing effort. The Buffaloes all-purpose leader is bidding to become the school’s first-ever 1,000-yard rusher/receiver. It was a hectic week in Corvallis with the fall out over Gary Andersen’s departure and Cory Hall entering as the interim coach. What could be the beginning of a culture change for Oregon State has the potential to spark a win or two. Only time will tell if Hall can start to turn the Beavers around.

UTAH UTES (4-1, 1-1 Pac-12) vs. No. 13 USC TROJANS (5-1, 3-1 Pac-12)

Saturday, Oct. 14 | 6:00 pm MT | TV: FOX

After winning two of the last three meetings, Utah is looking to take down the Trojans once again while gaining ground in the Pac-12 South race. A huge contributor to the Ute’s success is former Oregon receiver Darren Carrington, who leads the Pac-12 and is fifth in the nation in receiving yards per game (116.8 avg.). USC quarterback Sam Darnold’s 14-2 record as a starter is tops among sophomore passers and he has thrown for at least 200 yards in 15 games.

UCLA BRUINS (3-2, 1-1 Pac-12) at ARIZONA (3-2, 1-1 Pac-12)

Saturday, Oct. 14 | 7:00 pm MT | TV: PAC-12 Network

UCLA has owned Arizona in the past five games in the series, but haven’t won a game on the road this season with losses against Memphis and Stanford. Quarterback Josh Rosen leads the nation in passing yards (427.0 ypg) and total offense (431.6 ypg). Arizona heads back to the desert with a win over Colorado easing the pressure on Rich Rodriguez. Backup quarterback Khalil Tate’s record-breaking performance vs. CU was impressive and could give Arizona a much needed boost going forward.

No. 5 WASHINGTON HUSKIES (6-0, 3-0 Pac-12) at ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS (2-3, 1-1 Pac-12)

Saturday, Oct. 14 | 8:45 pm PT | TV: ESPN

Chris Petersen’s team is back in position to defend their conference championship. Washington’s second ranked defense posted eight sacks on California and held the Bears offense to a historically low 93 yards of total offense. Huskies quarterback Jake Browning currently has 73 career TD passes and is two shy of matching the school career mark of 75 held by Keith Price (2010-13). Arizona State could have a difficult time at home keeping Browning from scoring at-will. As for Manny Wilkins, he has led the Sun Devils offense to a perfect (18-for-18) in red zone opportunities with 15 TD to 3 FG.

OREGON DUCKS (4-2, 1-2 Pac-12) at STANFORD CARDINAL (4-2, 3-1 Pac-12)

Saturday, Oct. 14 | 9:00 pm MT | TV: FOX Sports 1

Oregon’s streak of 47 consecutive games scoring 20 or more points came to an end in last Saturday’s 33-10 loss at home against Washington State. Now the Ducks will look to get back on track, but will have to work it out on the road against Stanford. It’s been another great year for running back Royce Freeman, who set a school-record with 54 career touchdowns. He’s five scores shy of matching the Pac-12 career mark held by Oregon State’s Ken Simonton (59 TDs, 1998-2001). A battle of rushers might ensue with Stanford’s Bryce Love averaging an FBS-best 206.7 rushing yards per game and is third nationally with 209.8 all-purpose yards per game.