Posted on October 24, 2022
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Week Eight saw the Ducks separate themselves from the rest of the Conference with an impressive win over a Top 10 UCLA team.
But lest Oregon and its fan get overconfident—and for that matter, those of USC, UCLA, or Utah—the stage is set for one or more of them to fall this weekend, if they aren’t prepared for what’s coming.
And that’s part of what makes Pac-12 football as we know it so great—even if it’s destined to look completely different come 2025.
Here are my quick takes on last weekend’s action.
1. Oregon is the Class of the Pac-12

The Ducks are alone in the Pac-12 driver’s seat and lead the way in style points right now. The Ducks looked as good as they have against a good team in a long time.
2. It’s Bo Nix’s Time

He played flawlessly against UCLA and is the Pac-12’s best quarterback in a year where there are a lot of really good ones.
3. Oregon is a Machine

From Chip to Helfrich to Cristobal and now to Lanning, Oregon football simply is a well-oiled machine.
4. Oregon has Run-the-Table Potential

The Ducks get Utah at home and will just have to avoid upsets to go through the Conference unscathed.
5. If Oregon Slips Up, it’s because of Defense

Their defense struggles to stop almost any offense, though, and it could cost them a game or two down the stretch.
6. Home Field is an Advantage

The home team has won all of the meetings thus far between Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Utah and I wouldn’t be surprised if that doesn’t change all season.
7. Don’t Write Off UCLA Just Yet

That doesn’t mean the Bruins can’t easily bounce back and possibly even set up a rematch with Oregon in Las Vegas.
8. Upset Watch Next Week

Oregon, USC, and Utah are on the road against scrappy squads and UCLA hosts an improving Stanford team.
Don’t be shocked if someone is shocked in Week Nine.
9. The Defenses are Bad

That doesn’t mean we’re not seeing some really, really poor defense all around. It sometimes feels like no one can stop anyone.
10. Justin Wilcox

The Bears might not have a win left on the schedule and their offense only put up 21 points at home against a Washington defense that gives up points with ease.
—More from Jack Follman—
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