The Pac-12 has not reached the College Football Playoff since 2016, and their best chance this year rests in the arms of the last program to do so: Washington.

The Huskies are 6-0, but thanks to Utah’s QB situation, it’s still possible for other teams to make the CFP this year.

On today’s episode of Locked On Pac-12, Spencer McLaughlin gets ready for Week 8 by looking at the curious case of USC.

They have not been impressive compared to their preseason hype, but Lincoln Riley’s teams have done this before—and ended the season well.

With Jayden de Laura sidelined with an injury, Noah Fifita has Arizona at 4-3 this season after their big win at Washington State in Pullman last week.

The Wildcats are one win at USC (lost in 2OT) from being ranked right now, and Fifita should be the starter for Jedd Fisch and the Wildcats.

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Spencer McLaughlin

Spencer McLaughlin contributes videos to SuperWest Sports and is the host of "Locked on College Football."

Latest posts by Spencer McLaughlin (see all)

• McLaughlin: Big Ten, SEC ‘Protect’ Act Changes Realistic?

  > Spencer also talks with Tyler Wojciak about the much-anticipated BYU-Notre Dame matchup - July 3, 2026

• McLaughlin: Cal a Dark-Horse Contender Under Tosh Lupoi?

  > Spencer talks about the potential impact of the new '5-in-5' eligibility rule on G6 recruiting - July 2, 2026

• McLaughlin: What’s Next After Launch for Retooled Pac-12?

  > Spencer talks about the best coaches in the league with 'Locked On Pac-12' host Christian Rauh - July 1, 2026