ACC & Pac-12 Week 5: Surprising Crashes at OSU, WSU, Stanford, and Cal Amidst Upsets and Upsets

September 23, 2025

West Coast Football: A Week of Setbacks for Pac-12 and ACC Teams

It was a challenging week for several teams representing the West in both the Pac-12 and ACC conferences. Meaningful defeats have left programs reassessing their positions as they approach the midpoint of the season. The performances have sparked debate among fans and analysts alike, raising questions about the competitive balance within these leagues.

Cougars Fall Short in Apple Cup Rivalry

Washington State encountered a tough contest against Washington, ultimately succumbing to a decisive loss. Despite a competitive first three quarters, the Cougars were unable to contain Washington’s potent offense, which did not punt once during the game. The Huskies’ offensive prowess highlighted the existing talent gap between the two programs.

however, Washington State officials remain optimistic, acknowledging the team’s progress during this rebuilding phase. Despite the defeat, the Cougars maintain a respectable record and have several winnable games on their schedule. The team is currently evaluating options at the quarterback position,with Zevi Eckhaus demonstrating potential in the recent Apple Cup matchup.

A critical upcoming game against Colorado State looms large, presenting an opportunity for Washington State to secure a much-needed victory.The team faces a challenging stretch of games following this contest, including matchups against Ole Miss and Virginia on the road.A win this week is paramount for postseason aspirations.

Beavers in a Must-Win Situation

Oregon State finds itself in a precarious position after a loss to Oregon, though the outcome was generally anticipated. The Beavers face a rigorous schedule throughout the coming month and must secure victories in at least two of their next three games to remain competitive. These games include home contests against Houston and Wake Forest, interspersed with a road trip to Appalachian State.

The upcoming game against Houston is seen as a pivotal moment for Oregon State. A win would provide the team with momentum as they prepare for their challenging road game against Appalachian State. The Beavers will need to disrupt Houston’s quarterback, Conner weigman, who has shown promise this season but struggled with consistency during his time at Texas A&M.

A loss to Houston could substantially jeopardize Head Coach Trent Bray’s position; and a swift turnaround is essential.

Golden Bears Stumble After Promising Start

California experienced an unexpected setback with a loss to San Diego State, a result that confounded observers. Despite the disappointing outcome, the Golden Bears have a chance to rebound against Boston College in an upcoming road game. However, this type of early-season defeat has become a recurring pattern under Head Coach Justin Wilcox, placing renewed pressure on the program.

Cal’s success will heavily rely on the performance of quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, whose performance last week was marked by inconsistency and turnovers. The team needs to avoid a repeat of past failures and capitalize on opportunities to regain momentum. A victory against Boston College is critical to avoid a downward spiral reminiscent of last season.

Cardinal Seek to Regain Footing

Stanford also faced adversity, suffering a defeat against Virginia. The Cavaliers’ high-powered offense proved too much for the Cardinal defense, resulting in a lopsided score. This loss was notably disheartening as it was one of the few remaining winnable games on Stanford’s schedule.

The Cardinal have a favorable opportunity to bounce back against San Jose State before entering the more competitive portion of their ACC schedule. Success against the Spartans is essential to maintain fan engagement and preserve any hope of a successful season.Quarterback Ben Gulbranson has demonstrated steady advancement, and receiver Bryce Farrell is emerging as a key offensive weapon.

If receiver Micah Ford can replicate his performance against Boston College, Stanford’s offense could prove to be a formidable force.A win against San Jose State would secure two wins in three games, potentially keeping their postseason aspirations alive.

Team	Current Record	Key Upcoming Game
Washington State	2-2	vs.Colorado State
Oregon State	3-1	vs. Houston
Cal	2-2	@ Boston College
Stanford	2-2	vs. San Jose State

College Football Landscape in 2025

The 2025 college football season has been marked by increased parity and fierce competition.Conference realignment is further adding to the complexity, and teams are adapting to the evolving landscape. The Pac-12 and ACC remain prominent conferences, but face challenges from the SEC and Big Ten. According to NCAA.com, overall attendance is up 5% from last season, indicating a continued strong fan base.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the biggest challenge facing Washington State this season? The cougars must overcome a talent disparity in key positions and secure wins against difficult opponents.
• Is Oregon State’s season in jeopardy after the loss to Oregon? The Beavers are facing a critical stretch of games and must win at least two of their next three to remain competitive.
• What needs to happen for Cal to turn their season around? Consistent quarterback play and avoiding costly turnovers are essential for the Golden Bears to regain momentum.
• Can Stanford realistically contend for a bowl game? A win against San Jose State is crucial, but the cardinal face a tough ACC schedule.
• What impact will conference realignment have on these teams? Conference realignment is creating new rivalries and challenges and contributing to the overall unpredictability of college football.
• How critically important are upcoming non-conference games? Non-conference games provide opportunities for teams to build confidence and improve their overall record before entering conference play.

What are your predictions for these teams as the season progresses? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How did Utah’s defensive strategy contribute to their upset victory over Oregon State?

The Weekend That Shook College Football: A Deep Dive

Week 5 of the 2025 college football season delivered a seismic shock to both the ACC and Pac-12 conferences. Preseason expectations were shattered as several highly-ranked teams suffered unexpected defeats, creating chaos in the rankings and intensifying the playoff picture. This article breaks down the key upsets, analyzes the contributing factors, and explores the implications for the remainder of the season. We’ll focus on the stunning results at Oregon State, Washington State, Stanford, and California, examining what whent wrong for the favorites and what it means for conference championship aspirations. Key search terms include: college football upsets, Pac-12 results, ACC football, Week 5 college football, NCAA football rankings.

Pac-12’s Tumultuous Saturday

The Pac-12,already facing important realignment uncertainty,saw its college Football Playoff hopes take a major hit. Three of its contenders stumbled in dramatic fashion.

Oregon State Falls to Utah: A Defensive Battle Gone Wrong

Oregon State, riding high on a strong start, was upset at home by a resilient Utah team. The Beavers’ usually potent offense struggled to find rhythm against a physical Utes defense.

* Key Stats: Utah held OSU to a season-low in rushing yards.

* Turning Point: A crucial interception in the fourth quarter swung momentum decisively in Utah’s favor.

* Impact: This loss significantly damages Oregon State’s playoff chances and opens the door for Washington and potentially Oregon to dominate the Pac-12 North. Oregon State football, Utah Utes, Pac-12 North.

Washington State Stunned by UCLA: Offensive Struggles Plague Cougars

Washington State, another Pac-12 dark horse, suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of UCLA. The Cougars’ passing attack, typically a strength, was neutralized by the Bruins’ aggressive pass rush.

* UCLA’s Strategy: Constant pressure on the WSU quarterback disrupted timing and forced errant throws.

* WSU’s Weakness exposed: Inability to establish a consistent running game made them one-dimensional.

* Conference Implications: UCLA’s win boosts their Pac-12 Championship hopes and demonstrates their potential as a contender. Washington State Cougars, UCLA Bruins, Pac-12 South.

Stanford’s Collapse Against Arizona: Cardinal’s Offensive Woes Continue

Stanford continued its struggles, falling to Arizona in a game that highlighted the Cardinal’s offensive inconsistencies. Despite flashes of brilliance,Stanford couldn’t sustain drives and committed costly turnovers.

* Arizona’s Offensive Firepower: The Wildcats’ dynamic passing game proved too much for the Stanford defense.

* Stanford’s Turnover Problem: Multiple fumbles and interceptions proved fatal.

* Future outlook: Stanford faces an uphill battle to achieve bowl eligibility. Stanford Cardinal, Arizona Wildcats, Pac-12 football schedule.

California Crumbles Against Colorado: Deion Sanders’ Buffs Pull Off Upset

In one of the most surprising results of the weekend,California was defeated by Colorado. While Colorado’s season has been marked by volatility, this win showcased their potential and raised questions about Cal’s consistency.

* Shedeur Sanders’ Performance: The Colorado quarterback delivered a stellar performance, leading the Buffs’ offense with precision.

* Cal’s Defensive Lapses: Key breakdowns in coverage allowed Colorado to capitalize on big plays.

* Impact on Cal’s Season: This loss casts doubt on California’s ability to compete for a Pac-12 Championship berth. California Golden Bears, Colorado Buffaloes, Deion Sanders.

ACC Sees Its