Posted on November 15, 2022
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Week 11 caught everyone by surprise with not just one but two major upsets, shaking up the Pac-12 race and knocking Oregon and UCLA out of the Playoff hunt.
As a result, five teams—the Trojans, Utes, Ducks, Bruins, and Huskies—now have a path to the CFP, though not all of them control their own destinies.
This week, the focus of attention will be split between Los Angeles and Eugene.
The outcome of the UCLA-USC and Oregon-Utah games will go a long way in determining the two teams in the Championship Game.
Here are my quick takes on last weekend’s action.
1. Instant Classic

Those who were lucky enough to watch saw what college football is all about.
2. Rivalry Renewed

Things fell apart when COVID and Jimmy Lake hit, but they appear to be back with the two Northwest schools angrily trading punches each year in big, big games.
3. DeBoer & Washington have Arrived

The Huskies almost assuredly cannot win the Conference because of their tough loss to Arizona State, but they’ve shown that they’re good enough to beat anyone in the Pac-12, anywhere.
4. Michael Penix Jr. for Heisman?

Outside of an abysmal interception decision at the goal line, Penix was nearly flawless and looked like a Heisman contender himself.
5. Chaos Reigns

Well, it turns out Washington winning at Oregon and Arizona winning at UCLA did exactly that, shaking things up beyond what few could have imagined.
6. Who’s the Best Now?
The gate is now open, especially with a possibly banged-up Bo Nix.
7. High Stakes: Utah at Oregon

It’s almost a play-in to the Conference Championship game between last year’s division champions, and it’s sure to be emotional after how horribly Utah embarrassed Oregon twice at the end of last season.
8. UCLA…

They’re untrustworthy as a closer in the Conference for 20-plus years now so it’s no surprise they dropped a super important game to Arizona at home with everything on the line.
9. Utah Threatening Again

I see the Utes winning at Oregon and winning a rematch in the Pac-12 Championship Game against one of the LA schools—or Oregon.
10. Is USC really a CFP Contender?

Will the Trojans be able to sneak into the Playoffs if they can win the next three games?
—More from Jack Follman—
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