By Spencer McLaughlin of Locked on CFB for SuperWest Sports

---

The Pac-12 went into the 2022 season with headlines marred with rumors and speculation (in addition to confirmed reports) about conference realignment and the possibility of more teams leaving the league beyond USC and UCLA in 2024.

Looking to regain some sense of legitimacy on the national stage of college football, the Pac-12 sent two teams into battle against SEC foes.

Both Oregon and Utah came up short, and it was not what Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff wanted to see after a full weekend of college football.

On today’s episode of Locked On Pac-12, I’m joined by senior writer/editor at BeaverBlitz.com, Carter Bahns.

The Pac-12’s brand was already dwindling with the departure of USC and UCLA for the Big Ten in addition to their lack of success on the football field.

With Oregon’s 49-3 blowout loss to Georgia and Utah losing as a favorite to a Florida team that went 6-7 in 2021, the perception of the Conference has almost certainly gone down further.

Not every team had such a disappointing weekend, however, most notably Arizona and Oregon State.

The Wildcats went into their game against San Diego State as 6.5 point underdogs but emerged with a convincing 38-20 victory over the Aztecs in the biggest win of Jedd Fisch’s tenure as head coach.

Oregon State thumped Boise State led by a much-improved defense, lending credence to the idea that the Beavs could be ready for a major leap under fifth-year head coach Jonathan Smith.

• Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order

• BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds, and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts!

• Rock Auto has an amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you.