Pac-12 Football: Early Season Assessments & What Lies Ahead
The early weeks of the college football season are always revealing, and the Pac-12 is no exception. several teams are already facing critical junctures, while others are building momentum. Let’s break down the current landscape, focusing on Stanford and Washington State, and what their paths to success might look like.
Stanford Cardinal: A challenging Road Ahead
Stanford secured a crucial opening week victory, but the schedule doesn’t get any easier. Their upcoming contests against Boston College and Virginia represent a significant possibility to build confidence and establish a winning record. Success in these games is paramount.
A potential upset victory over BYU would dramatically alter their trajectory, injecting a surge of momentum into the program. However, the game against the Cougars is expected to be a tough test. If Stanford can achieve back-to-back wins against Boston College and Virginia, they’ll be well-positioned to navigate the rest of the season.
Washington State Cougars: surviving Early Tests, Facing bigger Challenges
Washington State’s initial victory wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win. The Cougar offense struggled mightily in Week One,managing just 211 total yards and a mere three yards on the ground. This offensive output is a major concern.
If Washington State can’t significantly improve their offensive production, a loss to San Diego State is highly probable. The defense and a late-game scoring drive ultimately carried them to victory against Idaho, but that formula isn’t sustainable.
Key Takeaways from Week One:
Defense proved to be the difference maker.
Offensive struggles are a clear area for advancement.
Quarterback decisions raised eyebrows.
The decision to start Jaxon Potter over Zevi Eckhaus, who didn’t see any playing time, was notably noteworthy. Julian Dugger served as the backup quarterback, primarily in a running role. This quarterback situation warrants close observation.
Despite the less-than-ideal performance, Washington State found a way to win and claim a rivalry victory. san Diego State presents a valuable opportunity to gauge where the Cougars truly stand. Fortunately for WSU, their first few games are at home, providing a potential advantage.
Looking Ahead for Washington State:
Offensive Improvement is Crucial: Generating more consistent yardage, especially on the ground, is essential.
Quarterback Clarity: Establishing a clear pecking order at quarterback will be vital for offensive rhythm.
Home Field Advantage: Leveraging the energy of their home crowd could prove decisive in close contests.The Pac-12 season is still young, and these early weeks are setting the stage for an exciting fall. Both Stanford and Washington State face unique challenges, but with focused effort and strategic adjustments, they can both achieve success. You can expect continued volatility and compelling storylines as the season unfolds.
![Lou Reed, Ramones & Green Day: Inside Story of Music Producer [Name]](https://i0.wp.com/consequence.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Howie-Klein-Lou-Reed.jpg?resize=150%2C100&ssl=1 "Lou Reed, Ramones & Green Day: Inside Story of Music Producer [Name]")
