Week 2 Pac 12 Breakdown
The Pac-12 Conference Kicks Off 2023 College Football Season with a Strong Start
The Pac-12 Conference has proven to be a formidable force this season, with an impressive 20-3 record in non-conference games after Week 2. The players, coaches, and staff throughout the conference have worked tirelessly to achieve this record-breaking start.
This early success in non-conference play is an excellent sign for the Pac-12's future success this season. USC, Washington, and Utah are among the talented teams leading the charge, making the Pac-12 a conference to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
Despite concerns about the league's future, the Pac-12 has started the season strong. In Week 2, the conference secured impressive victories over teams in the Big 12 and Big Ten, with both Utah and Oregon coming out on top.
In addition, the Pac-12 has avoided any significant upsets or detrimental losses that could jeopardize a team's chances of making it to the postseason.
Here is the week 2 analysis of how fan, teams, players, and coaches fared :
BUFFS
Coach Prime's brash and bold attitude is not just for show. He's a proven winner, both as a player and now as a coach. Since taking over the Colorado program, he's already led the team to two impressive wins. His passion for the game is contagious, and his players seem to have bought into his system.
It's still early in his coaching tenor, but there's no denying that Coach Prime has brought a new energy to Colorado football. His unique blend of personality and coaching ability has captured the attention of fans and media alike. If he can continue to lead his team to success, there's no telling how far he can go.
The Buffs were lead by Sheduer Sanders the junior quarterback threw for 393 yards and two touchdowns in a blowout victory over Nebraska. And before you dismiss the Cornhuskers as an unworthy opponent, know this: Their defense is fairly solid. Yet Sanders picked it apart, completing 74 percent of his passes.
Travis Hunter's versatility as a player has once again proven to be invaluable for the Colorado team. In their recent 36-14 victory over Nebraska, Hunter played both ways, showcasing his skills as a receiver with three catches, and as a cornerback with four tackles. Although the official snap count is yet to be released, it is expected to be similar to his previous record of 129 at TCU.
Next Opp : Colorado State Sat - Sep 16 7:00 pm pt
Trojans
Usc made history Saturday on a football field setting records Saturday night in a 56-10 demolition of Stanford.
Historic Win Against Stanford: Record-breaking 56 Points Scored and 46-point Margin of Victory
During the recent game, 56 points were scored against Stanford - the highest in the series' history, surpassing the previous record set in 1952 with 54 points. Additionally, the 46-point margin of victory is the third-largest in the series' history.USC Sets New School Record with Third Consecutive 50+ Point Game USC made history by scoring 50+ points for the third consecutive game to kick off the season. This is the first time the team has achieved this feat in a single season. With 178 points in three games, USC matches the second-highest total for any three-game stretch in school history, tying with the 2005 USC team.
Caleb Williams, the quarterback, has had a remarkable start to the season. He has thrown for 281 yards and three touchdowns in just two quarters of work. Despite participating in only 24 offensive possessions through three games, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner leads the nation in touchdown passes with 12.
Thanks to Williams' remarkable productivity, six different USC receivers have accumulated over 110 yards receiving this season. Also, seven separate pass-catchers have successfully caught a touchdown.
Zachariah branch continued the electrifying start to his college career o-n Saturday. In the second quarter, he perfectly navigated a punt return to score a 75-yard touchdown for his second return touchdown in three games.
Zachariah Branch Shines Again in a continuation of his impressive start to college football, Zachariah Branch scored his second return touchdown in three games on Saturday. The electrifying 75-yard touchdown was perfectly executed in the second quarter, showcasing his natural talent and ability.
Next Opp: Arizona State Sat - Sep 23 7:30 pm pt
Ducks
In an impressive fourth quarter comeback, the Ducks (2-0) under the leadership of Nix, rallied twice to earn a touchdown and come within two points. After Shough's go-ahead drive, Nix led a methodical four-minute march, which included four third-down conversions, resulting in Lewis' third and final field goal.
On Saturday night, Nix led the Ducks to a 38-30 win over Texas Tech after throwing for 359 yards and two touchdowns. Notably, Jeffrey Bassa delivered a game-changing 45-yard interception return for a score in the final minute of the game.
Nix has surpassed Patrick Mahomes, former Texas Tech quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion with Kansas City, on the all-time yardage passing list. Nix now has 11,490 yards passing, compared to Mahomes' 11,252.
Next Opp: Hawaii Sat - Sep 16 5:00 pm pt
WU
Washington Dominates Tulsa 43-10 in Preparation for Next Big Game
On Saturday, Washington (2-0) showed off their skills with a 43-10 win over Tulsa (1-1) at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Michael Penix Jr. played a major role for Washington, throwing three touchdown passes and completing 28 of 38 passes for 409 yards. Penix distributed the ball to 10 different receivers, with Jalen McMillan making the biggest impact, catching eight passes for 120 yards and a touchdown.
Washington's wide receivers also showed off their versatility, with Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk each scoring touchdowns on reverses. All three of Washington's starting wide receivers have now scored touchdowns in the first two games of the season.
Tulsa tried to keep pace with Washington, but their efforts were in vain. Polk scored on a 27-yard run in the first quarter, and Odunze scored on a 14-yard rush in the third quarter. Washington's talent proved to be too much for Tulsa to handle, with the Golden Hurricane unable to keep up with the Huskies' impressive display. Washington is now gearing up for their next big nonconference game against Michigan State.
Next Opp: Michigan state Sat - Sep 16 2:00 pm pt