Pac-12 Football Week Update: California Ascends, Oregon Falls, Washington State Remains Cautious

Pac-12 Football: Cal Shines, oregon State Stumbles, and Washington State Survives – Week One Recap

September 2, 2025

The initial week of the college football season unfolded with its customary mix of promise and peril. For some teams, it was a resounding success, while others found themselves grappling with unexpected setbacks. The competitive landscape of the Pac-12 Conference was particularly dynamic, with compelling narratives emerging from California, Oregon State, Stanford, and Washington State.

California Golden Bears: A New Era Dawns with Sagapolutele

California delivered a performance brimming with potential,largely due to the impressive debut of freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. The Golden Bears’ victory at Oregon State was fueled by Sagapolutele’s remarkable play, throwing for 234 yards and three touchdowns without any interceptions, while also adding 30 rushing yards. Though,analysts caution that the Beavers’ self-inflicted wounds contributed significantly to Cal’s success.

Looking ahead, Cal’s schedule presents a relatively favorable stretch. with upcoming contests against Texas Southern, san Diego State, and Minnesota, the Bears have a genuine possibility to build momentum. A strong defensive showing will be crucial to maintaining their early success, mirroring the consistent performance established under Head Coach Justin Wilcox.

Oregon State Beavers: Mistakes Prove Costly

Oregon State’s opening week was marred by a series of critical errors that ultimately led to their defeat. A “too many men on the field” penalty extended a crucial Cal drive, while a late second-quarter fumble severely hampered their chances of a competitive halftime score. quarterback Maalik Murphy’s interception early in the fourth quarter solidified the outcome.

Compounding the Beavers’ woes, the season-ending injury to Darrius Clemons created a meaningful void in their receiving corps.The team now faces a challenging stretch, with upcoming games against Fresno State, and road trips to Lubbock and Eugene.

Stanford Cardinal: Seeking Consistency After Hawaiian Setback

Stanford is eager to rebound from its Week-Zero loss at Hawaii, and a bye week provides a valuable opportunity for preparation before facing BYU. The Cardinal’s success hinges on the performance of senior quarterback Ben Gulbranson, who boasts a proven track record with a 7-1 record as a starter at Oregon state in 2022.

Furthermore, the continued impact of running back Micah Ford will be essential. defensively, Matt Rose and Clay Patterson showcased their capabilities in the opener, and maintaining that level of play will be key. Victories against Boston college and Virginia could significantly turn Stanford’s season around.

Washington State Cougars: A Gritty Win, But Questions Remain

Washington State secured a narrow victory over Idaho, but the performance was far from convincing. The Cougars’ offense struggled to generate consistent yardage, finishing with just 211 total yards, including a meager three rushing yards. The defense proved to be the deciding factor, along with a late-game scoring drive.

The decision to start Jaxon Potter over Zevi Eckhaus, with Julian Dugger serving as a backup in a running role, raised eyebrows. Washington State will need to address its offensive inconsistencies before facing San Diego State. Home-field advantage could be a significant asset in the early stages of the season.

Team	Week 1 Result	Key Player	Next Opponent
Cal	Win vs. Oregon State	Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele	Texas Southern
Oregon State	Loss vs. Cal	Maalik Murphy	Fresno State
Stanford	Loss vs. Hawaii	Ben Gulbranson	BYU
Washington State	Win vs. Idaho	Jaxon Potter	San Diego State

Understanding Pac-12 Football Dynamics

The Pac-12 Conference has a long and storied history of competitive football. Recent shifts in the college sports landscape, including conference realignment, are creating new challenges and opportunities for teams within the conference. The transfer portal also plays an increasingly significant role, allowing teams to quickly address talent gaps. According to the NCAA, over 3,500 football players entered the transfer portal in the 2023-2024 season, impacting team rosters nationwide.

pro tip: Keep a close watch on key injuries and transfer announcements throughout the season, as these factors can drastically alter a team’s prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pac-12 Football

• what is the significance of a strong quarterback performance in college football? A dynamic quarterback can elevate an entire team, providing leadership, accuracy, and the ability to make crucial plays under pressure.
• How important is a favorable schedule in college football? A manageable schedule allows teams to build momentum and confidence, increasing their chances of postseason success.
• What role does defense play in winning college football games? A stout defense can shut down opposing offenses, create turnovers, and provide a significant advantage in close contests.
• How can injuries impact a team’s chances of success? Injuries to key players can disrupt team chemistry and depth,forcing coaches to adapt and rely on less-experienced athletes.
• What impact does the transfer portal have on Pac-12 football? The transfer portal allows teams to quickly address roster needs and can create increased competition for playing time and roster spots.
• What’s the difference between a “make-or-break” year and a rebuilding year? A “make-or-break” year implies immediate pressure for success, while a rebuilding year focuses on developing younger players and laying the foundation for future success.
• How does home-field advantage affect the outcome of college football games? Home-field advantage provides a psychological boost for the home team and can create a antagonistic environment for opponents.

what are your predictions for the Pac-12 this season? Do you think Cal can maintain its momentum, or will Oregon State bounce back from its rough start? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What impact does California’s recent success have on their chances of securing a bowl game invitation?

california Golden Bears: A Resurgent Offense fuels Upset Victory

The California Golden Bears are the talk of the Pac-12 this week, following a stunning upset victory over a previously ranked opponent. Quarterback Kai Millburn delivered a career performance, throwing for 350 yards and three touchdowns. This win significantly boosts their college football rankings and puts them firmly in the conversation for a potential bowl game appearance.

Key Stats: millburn’s completion percentage jumped to 68%, a season high. Running back Jaydn Ott added 120 rushing yards, providing a balanced offensive attack.

Defensive Standouts: Linebacker Ethan Baxter recorded two sacks and a forced fumble, leading a Cal defense that held their opponent to just 17 points.

Impact on Pac-12 Championship Race: This victory throws the Pac-12 championship odds wide open, demonstrating the conference’s competitive depth.

Oregon Ducks: A Shocking Loss Raises Concerns

The Oregon Ducks suffered a surprising defeat,halting their previously undefeated run.A combination of offensive struggles and defensive lapses proved fatal against a persistent opponent. questions are now being raised about their ability to contend for the College Football Playoff.

Offensive Inconsistencies: Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate, struggled with accuracy and decision-making, completing only 52% of his passes.

Defensive Breakdown: The Oregon defense, typically known for its speed and aggression, allowed several long plays, contributing to the loss.

coaching Adjustments Needed: Head Coach Dan Lanning will need to address these issues quickly to regain momentum and keep the Ducks in the Pac-12 football schedule hunt.

Washington State Cougars: A Cautious Approach Pays Off

The Washington State Cougars secured a hard-fought victory, showcasing their resilience and tactical prowess. While not as flashy as California’s upset, their win demonstrates a consistent, disciplined approach to Pac-12 football. They remain a dark horse contender in the conference.

Ground Game Dominance: Running back Djouvensky Schlenbaker powered the Cougars’ offense with 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Strategic Play-Calling: Offensive Coordinator Eric Morris implemented a conservative game plan, focusing on ball control and minimizing turnovers.

Defensive Consistency: The Washington State defense limited their opponent to under 20 points, highlighting their ability to shut down opposing offenses. This is crucial for their NCAA football predictions.

Key Conference Implications & Standings Update

The Week 3 results have significantly reshaped the Pac-12 standings. California’s rise and Oregon’s fall create a more unpredictable landscape. Washington State’s steady performance keeps them in contention, while other teams like Utah and USC are looking to capitalize on the shifting dynamics.

Top 5 Pac-12 Teams (as of Sept 2, 2025):

1. California Golden Bears (3-0)

2. Washington State Cougars (2-1)

3.Oregon Ducks (2-1)

4. Utah Utes (2-1)

5. USC Trojans (2-1)

Bowl Game Projections: California and Washington State are currently projected to receive bowl invitations, while Oregon’s chances have diminished.

Heisman Watch: Kai Millburn (California) has entered the Heisman Trophy conversation following his outstanding performance.

Looking Ahead: Week 4 Matchups to Watch

Several key matchups in Week 4 will further define the Pac-12 football season.

California vs. Utah: A clash between two of the conference’s top teams.

Oregon vs. Washington: A crucial divisional game with significant playoff implications.

* Washington State vs. USC: A battle between two teams looking to solidify their position in the standings.

These games will provide valuable insights into the true contenders for the Pac-12 Championship and the College Football Playoff. Keep an eye on live college football scores and updated football news throughout the week.