Pacific Takes - All PostsWhere The West Coast Is The Best Coasthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52598/pt_fav.png2021-02-03T08:08:36-08:00http://www.pacifictakes.com/rss/current/2021-02-03T08:08:36-08:002021-02-03T08:08:36-08:00EA Sports announces reboot of NCAA Football franchise
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<img alt="National Championship - Oregon v Ohio State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9EsHB2zv09TcVMNNz_v10sNjO24=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68762846/461463232.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>IT’S HAPPENING!</p> <p id="Ys8hZr">For all the people who never gave up hope and for all the people who refused to believe that the franchise would continue to fade into nothing, this one is for you.</p>
<p id="w49Dib">On Tuesday, EA Sports officially announced that they will be rebooting their long-missed franchise of NCAA Football games that has been on hiatus since the 2013 season with the last installment of the series being NCAA Football 14.</p>
<p id="48oINu">For those keeping track at home, it’s been almost eight years since folks were able to pop in a new edition of the cult-favorite video game.</p>
<p id="pkTPtX">If you’re anything like me, this news likely sent you over the moon.</p>
<p id="wao2ZT">If you’ve been missing the opportunity to play as your favorite <a href="https://www.pacifictakes.com">Pac-12</a> teams, the chance to do just that once again will be here before you know it. While it’s likely nothing will be released in this current year, the hope is that 2022 or 2023 will be the year the franchise officially returns.</p>
<p id="oJHXRF">So get your customization skills ready if you plan on playing with the likes of current and former Pac-12 stars that didn’t get the chance to appear in the games from 2014-2020, like quarterbacks Marcus Mariota, Sam Darnold, and Justin Herbert, running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receivers Juju Smith-Schuster and John Ross, and defensive stalwarts like defensive tackle Vita Vea, safety Budda Baker, and defensive end Deforest Buckner.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Breaking: EA Sports is rebooting its college football series for Next Generation consoles. <br><br>The announcement ends the hiatus that the game has taken since then-Michigan QB Denard Robinson appeared on the cover of NCAA Football 14. <a href="https://t.co/rMniJUDDeW">pic.twitter.com/rMniJUDDeW</a></p>— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1356645042631434240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2021</a>
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https://www.pacifictakes.com/2021/2/3/22264328/pac-12-news-ea-sports-ncaa-football-franchiseMTPeterson2020-12-14T11:27:41-08:002020-12-14T11:27:41-08:00Oregon replaces Washington in Pac-12 Championship Game
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<img alt="UCLA v Oregon" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7Dk0NYQeAd0zGMi-_UF5fjaT55c=/441x0:3000x1706/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68511493/1286943474.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Ducks will now face the Trojans for all the marbles</p> <p id="yVbPbx">The <a href="https://www.addictedtoquack.com">Oregon Ducks</a> may not have reached the <a href="https://www.pacifictakes.com">Pac-12</a> Championship Game the way that they wanted to — but nevertheless, they’ll be playing for the crown on Friday night against the <a href="https://www.conquestchronicles.com">USC Trojans</a>.</p>
<p id="4U4sOI">The <a href="https://www.uwdawgpound.com">Washington Huskies</a>, after meeting with the Conference, will not have the requisite number of 53 scholarship student-athletes available for the meeting against USC as originally scheduled, and per a statement from the conference, the Ducks have replaced them as USC’s opponent.</p>
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<p id="nAyD1L">The Pac-12 has, after consultation with Washington, made the decision to replace Washington with Oregon as the Pac-12 North Division team to face South Division champion USC in the Pac-12 Football Championship Game scheduled for Friday, December 18.</p>
<p id="1YTeMO">This decision was made under the Pac-12’s football game cancellation policy and Football Championship Game policy due to Washington neither having the minimum 53 scholarship student-athletes available for the game nor the minimum number of scholarship student-athletes at a position group, in each case as a result of a number of positive football student-athlete COVID-19 cases and resulting isolation of additional football student-athletes under contact tracing protocols.</p>
<p id="pahGq5">Under Pac-12 Football Championship Game policy, the team with the next best record in the North Division, Oregon, will represent the North Division against South Division Champion USC.</p>
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<p id="PovjR8">What this does to Oregon’s originally-scheduled opponent in Colorado is yet to be determined but it was already their contingency plan as the Oregon vs Colorado game was scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on Saturday anyway. Colorado serves as the potential replacement opponent for USC if the Trojans are unable to field enough scholarship student-athletes.</p>
<p id="48ZmQy">The Ducks are currently tied with Stanford for most Pac-12 Championship Game victories as the Pac-12 North has historically dominated the Championship Game since it’s inception.</p>
<p id="QpIImb">USC is the lone school from the South with a victory in the Pac-12 Championship Game and they’re making their third appearance in the title contest.</p>
<p id="VBgLwJ">The game is scheduled to kickoff as scheduled at 5:00 pm on Friday.</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/2020/12/14/22174681/pac-12-championship-game-oregon-replaces-washington-vs-usc-statementCam Mellor2020-12-13T12:55:09-08:002020-12-13T12:55:09-08:00Pac-12 Championship Week matchups are set
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<img alt="USC v Utah" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dgyHvhyYMxxcBW1nsNUdMV31_WA=/268x0:3159x1927/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68506416/1229724888.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Conference announced all 6 matchups for Week 7</p> <p id="4GWIgk">The <a href="https://www.pacifictakes.com">Pac-12</a> Conference announced all Week 7 matchups ahead of the final week of the football season, headlined, of course, by the USC vs Washington Pac-12 Championship Game.</p>
<p id="TFC6vB">The conference announced the following matchups for Week 7:</p>
<p id="egw3wg">Washington @ USC — Pac-12 Championship Game on Friday at 5:00 pm</p>
<p id="t7qWnA"><a href="https://www.cougcenter.com/"><strong>Washington State</strong></a> at Utah at 10:30 am<br>Stanford @ <a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com/"><strong>UCLA</strong></a> at 5:00 pm<br>Oregon vs Colorado (at USC) at 6:00 pm<br><a href="https://www.houseofsparky.com/"><strong>Arizona State</strong></a> @ <a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com/"><strong>Oregon State</strong></a> at 7:30 pm<br>Arizona @ Cal is set to be determined</p>
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<p id="s5tgxk">The game between Oregon and Colorado will suffice as a backup plan in case either one of the teams in the Pac-12 Championship Game cannot field enough players to meet the requisite number of 53 scholarship student-athletes. If USC cannot meet the number, Colorado will replace them. If Washington cannot meet the mark, then Oregon will replace the Huskies.</p>
<p id="xHc6xn">It’s a solid way of doing things from the Pac-12, that’s for sure.</p>
<p id="ux5YZa">Arizona and Cal are yet to be determined not only the timeframe in which they’ll play but also which network they would air on. The Bears had to cancel their game this past weekend against Washington State just hours ahead of kickoff due to COVID-19 problems and contact tracing that would have left them with just two defensive linemen.</p>
<p id="cesvk7">The Trojans and Huskies will battle it out for the Pac-12 Championship Game as the lone Power-5 Conference Championship Game to not air on Saturday, marking another primetime matchup for USC.</p>
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https://www.pacifictakes.com/2020/12/13/22172969/pac-12-football-championship-week-matchups-setCam Mellor2020-11-30T10:45:12-08:002020-11-30T10:45:12-08:00The Pac-12’s highest-graded players through Week 4
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 21 Arizona at Washington" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rFKk-pozePLlqsJn3ELidjtStCg=/0x0:4473x2982/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68002015/1229752355.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We took to the grade books to see who’s doing what</p> <p id="CWEA4v">The <a href="https://www.pacifictakes.com">Pac-12</a> football season has been unlike any other season, ever, in the history of the conference. We’ve seen game after game get canceled, new opponents added and scheduled games just 36 hours in advance. Yet, we’ve made it past Week 4 of the season and with two regular season weeks left to play, we thought it was a good idea to take a look at the gradebooks to see who has been playing the best football so far.</p>
<p id="XvQJ1o">Thanks to the folks at PFF, we now have the highest-graded players at each position for the past few weeks of action.</p>
<p id="mJXnnX">Caveat here is, the PFF grades are subjective and are certainly just a conversation starter, but are definitely the most widely-used analytics source for college football. And as such, here are the highest-graded players, and the second-best, according to the analytics company, through Week 4 of the Pac-12 season.</p>
<p id="KSSs5J"><strong>Quarterback</strong></p>
<p id="7mEAih">Tristan Gebbia, <a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com">Oregon State Beavers</a> — 83.2 overall</p>
<p id="t35HCB">Sam Noyer, <a href="https://www.ralphiereport.com">Colorado Buffaloes</a> — 79.1 </p>
<p id="7YuVSY"><strong>Running Back</strong></p>
<p id="gliRA4">Travis Dye, <a href="https://www.addictedtoquack.com">Oregon Ducks</a> — 84.4 </p>
<p id="7mEbXy">Jermar Jefferson, Oregon State — 80.4 </p>
<p id="LN8mhE"><strong>Wide Receiver</strong></p>
<p id="OpRgLn">Renard Bell, <a href="https://www.cougcenter.com">Washington State Cougars</a> — 78.8 </p>
<p id="VQQPXx">Connor Wedington, <a href="https://www.ruleoftree.com">Stanford Cardinal</a> — 74.2 </p>
<p id="7o2ClR"><strong>Tight End</strong></p>
<p id="Hg3vYl">Hunter Kampmoyer, Oregon — 90.4 </p>
<p id="ODuBHK">Cade Otton, <a href="https://www.uwdawgpound.com">Washington Huskies</a> — 88.9 </p>
<p id="xXS4aF"><strong>Tackle</strong></p>
<p id="Mp9wRq">Alijah Vera-Tucker, <a href="https://www.conquestchronicles.com">USC Trojans</a> — 85.7 </p>
<p id="sCVxOP">Abraham Lucas, Washington State — 80.9</p>
<p id="kAGBM1"><strong>Guard</strong></p>
<p id="mUx1cV">Ryan Walk, Oregon — 76.0</p>
<p id="1Nd3ph">Dohnovan West, <a href="https://www.houseofsparky.com">Arizona State Sun Devils</a> — 75.1</p>
<p id="HFZFmm"><strong>Center</strong></p>
<p id="MwJLaa">Drew Dalman, Stanford — 80.4</p>
<p id="Org3LB">Nathan Eldridge, Oregon State — 78.9</p>
<p id="XP8soi"></p>
<p id="04UvzI"><strong>Edge Defender</strong></p>
<p id="1GCh4I">Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington Huskies — 90.5 overall</p>
<p id="M0EKJM">Mitchell Agude, <a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com">UCLA Bruins</a> — 90.2</p>
<p id="IhKwZo"><strong>Interior DLine</strong></p>
<p id="6bPEE9">Marlon Tuipulotu, USC — 83.9</p>
<p id="hCXZuO">Mustafa Johnson, Colorado — 79.0<br>Osa Odighizuwa, UCLA — 79.0</p>
<p id="HUiksq"><strong>Linebacker</strong></p>
<p id="P0yscY">Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington — 86.7</p>
<p id="zXmGFZ">Devin Lloyd, <a href="https://www.blocku.com">Utah Utes</a> — 82.4</p>
<p id="Ift7Yc"><strong>Cornerback</strong></p>
<p id="vDiVcs">Elijah Molden, Washington — 90.6</p>
<p id="W09zQq">Trent McDuffie, Washington — 84.5</p>
<p id="sZfqNy"><strong>Safety</strong></p>
<p id="pB2RmF">Jaydon Grant, Oregon State — 80.5</p>
<p id="qHZOMV">Talanoa Hufanga, USC — 78.6</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/2020/11/30/21727799/pac-12-football-highest-graded-players-each-positionCam Mellor2020-11-18T08:16:21-08:002020-11-18T08:16:21-08:00Pac-12 to potentially allow non-conference games after all
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 14 Oregon State at Washington" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TGhDASJRPDFiSfUkeTu_bcfBtHs=/0x0:3870x2580/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67811029/1229646275.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Pac-12 reversed its course and is set to allow the 12 member schools to play a non-conference football game this season</p> <p id="2cOI8Y">Well now we have it. Two weeks into the <a href="https://www.pacifictakes.com">Pac-12</a> Football season and we’ve already made some major adjustments around the protocol set in place to be able to play this season during a global pandemic.</p>
<p id="IWKIUu">The conference, previously staunch in their saying they won’t allow non-conference games to be played this season, has reversed course and is set to allow the 12 member schools the ability to play a non-conference game if a league matchup is canceled because of COVID-19 issues. Multiple sources confirmed that the athletic directors have agreed to these terms but the presidents and chancellors must also agree, according to a report from Mercury News’ Jon Wilner.</p>
<blockquote><p id="m0kkH1">The presidents discussed the issue on Tuesday, sources said, but it is not known whether a vote was taken.</p></blockquote>
<p id="024E1R">The conference has already canceled five games and still has not seen the <a href="https://www.blocku.com">Utah Utes</a> play a game this season because of the coronavirus. Cal and UCLA scheduled a game on two days notice after multiple cancellations this past weekend. </p>
<p id="pqKiuc">The report also stated that though there is a baked in way to potentially schedule non-conference opponents when a league game is cancelled, it doesn’t mean the member universities <em>have to </em>schedule a non-con game. </p>
<p id="kw5wtI">A source told Wilner that “we just want that flexibility.”</p>
<p id="3zaTMl">The conference scheduled a six-game schedule in six weeks, culminating in the December 18 Conference Title game. With Saturdays going by quicker and quicker, the cancellations saw Arizona and Washington miss out on a chance to play a game in Week 1 and then saw Cal and UCLA almost stuck without games before they cleverly scheduled a makeup game on Thursday night ahead of a Sunday contest. </p>
<p id="tfW8Mr">That scheduled game between UCLA and Cal also forced the UCLA vs Oregon game previously scheduled for Friday, November 20 to be pushed back a day to give the Bruins another day of rest and preparation since they played on Sunday.</p>
<p id="4iU35D">This news also comes right as the <a href="https://www.ralphiereport.com">Colorado Buffaloes</a>, arguably the biggest surprise team in the conference, is sitting at 2-0 and is in jeopardy of losing their Week 3 game against Arizona State, where a current outbreak of coronavirus cases has the Sun Devils without coaching staff members and student-athletes. The Buffs could potentially seek an out-of-conference opponent for a game, and you can bet some schools would be ready.</p>
<p id="0fM4ZU">It makes scheduling sense but it also makes monetary sense. According to Wilner’s report, the money lost from an idle week, or a chance to play a game on national television costs millions for the conference.</p>
<blockquote><p id="eMiKJv">Each game televised by ESPN or Fox is worth approximately $5 million — or about $425,000 per school.</p></blockquote>
<p id="2L4WXC">Wilner also documented the issues that may arise from a non-conference opponent, stating some complexities inside of a non-conference opponent being scheduled but another league team having to cancel a game, leaving a healthy team without an opponent.</p>
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<p id="dbQkAj">Again, the issue is best conveyed with an example:</p>
<p id="UX6dvJ">At one point late last week, Cal needed a game (because ASU couldn’t play), UCLA needed a game (Utah couldn’t play) and Washington was concerned it would have an opening because of player quarantine issues at Oregon State.</p>
<p id="EI3bnh">Ultimately, the Beavers were able to make the trip to Seattle. But had they canceled, how would the conference have chosen which of the three healthy teams (Washington, UCLA or Cal) would not compete.</p>
<p id="yY94tu">Multiple sources said preference should be given to division games.</p>
<p id="F4U5Fm">In the example above, Cal and Washington likely would have been paired, with UCLA left without an opponent.</p>
<p id="5TsHVn">However, there is no official conference policy on the issue. And it might stay that way.</p>
<p id="9EIPmi">“We plan to maintain the position of maximum flexibility for conference office scheduling decisions,’’ a source said.</p>
<p id="9YEBl8">“The timing of cancellations, in addition to a myriad of operations data, will play determining factors in any scenario with three teams available to play due to game cancellations.”</p>
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<p id="FrVgq0"></p>
<p id="Jcqez3">There are a lot of moving parts and a lot to understand here — but one thing is certain: The Pac-12 seems to be doing things logically, and independently, which is important given their track record earlier this year.</p>
<p id="wyF3Gs"></p>
<p id="NWRrkE">And plus — now we could see Utah play <a href="https://www.vanquishthefoe.com">BYU</a>. Or any team play BYU, for that matter. </p>
<p id="XTaX0P">I’m here for that.</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/2020/11/18/21573323/pac-12-football-non-conference-games-allowed-2020-coronavirusCam Mellor2020-11-09T09:11:56-08:002020-11-09T09:11:56-08:00Week 1 Pac-12 Team of the Week
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<img alt="UCLA v Colorado" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a0OmRDsu0Z1gwkZRqcL71JYEqx8=/0x0:4055x2703/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67760453/1284485261.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Pac-12 is back, baby!</p> <p id="1UIqBF">The <a href="https://www.pacifictakes.com">Pac-12</a> was welcomed back with open arms from those in the national media and despite some cancellations that saw Utah vs Arizona and Cal vs Washington canned, we were still treated to some amazing matchups and dominant performances.</p>
<p id="pSkCR8">Here are your top players at each position in our Week 1 Pac-12 Team of the Week:</p>
<h3 id="K2S8jI">Quarterback</h3>
<h4 id="urplj5">
<span>Sam Noyer</span>, <a href="https://www.ralphiereport.com">Colorado Buffaloes</a>
</h4>
<p id="1WPE22">Sure, <span>Noyer</span> didn’t throw for more yards than everyone, he didn’t even throw for the most touchdowns. All he did was complete 20-of-32 passes for 257 yards and a score. He averaged 8.0 yards per attempt and was seemingly perfect with his throws. He completed his first seven pass attempts and only had his first incompletion on a dropped ball on pass attempt number eight.</p>
<p id="VdZXHp">What makes his performance so special, especially his first pass attempts, is the fact that this was his first game action at quarterback since the 2018 season and his first start at the position after transitioning to safety last season under former head coach Mel Tucker.</p>
<p id="lgMy5P"><span>Noyer</span> did enough in the first half alone to defeat UCLA and was hardly needed to throw the ball down the stretch in an impressive season-opening performance.</p>
<p id="pKvkyX"><strong>Second-Team QB: </strong><span><strong>Kedon Slovis</strong></span><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.conquestchronicles.com"><strong>USC Trojans</strong></a></p>
<h3 id="Mrl0vr">Running Back</h3>
<h4 id="lHnflQ">
<span>Jarek Broussard</span>, <a href="https://www.ralphiereport.com/">Colorado Buffaloes</a>
</h4>
<p id="0tOVcb"><span>Broussard</span> was a gut-punch to the UCLA defense on Saturday, rushing 31 times for 187 yards and three scores. He churned out yards after contact at will and was a first-down machine as well. He had multiple gaines of at least 10 yards and was dominant against the Bruins in the first half specifically.</p>
<p id="dmOsAh"><strong>Second-Team RB: </strong><span><strong>Deon McIntosh</strong></span><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.cougcenter.com"><strong>Washington State Cougars</strong></a></p>
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<img alt="UCLA v Colorado" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yR4Vu7ROuzZ-xjCGXUA0edJZ6e4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22024383/1284493264.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="KG5bqR">Running Back</h3>
<h4 id="QIehrK">
<span>Austin Jones</span>, <a href="https://www.ruleoftree.com">Stanford Cardinal</a>
</h4>
<p id="x8wmZS">Without <span>Jones</span>, the Cardinal would have essentially been shut out. Without their starting quarterback and starting wide receiver, <span>Jones</span> was crucial to Stanford’s offense, running for 100 yards on 20 carries and two scores, Stanford’s only two scores of the game. He churned out yards after contact and made people miss in a grinding effort when the Ducks knew he was their top target to stop.</p>
<p id="vmDH1l"><strong>Second-Team RB: </strong><span><strong>Jermar Jefferson</strong></span><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com"><strong>Oregon State Beavers</strong></a></p>
<h3 id="YTzraV">Wide Receiver</h3>
<h4 id="0QG8Bz">
<span>Drake London</span>, <a href="https://www.conquestchronicles.com/">USC Trojans</a>
</h4>
<p id="gMuoh3">London was the breakout performer from a wide receiving corps that could rival any in the country this season. He was incredible after the catch in this one against Arizona State, including a hurdle, a contested catch, a broken tackle or two and the game-winning touchdown over the middle of the field. In total, he secured seven catches for 105 yards and a score.</p>
<p id="rs9GLv"><strong>Second-Team WR: Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC Trojans</strong></p>
<h3 id="1ipTcj">Wide Receiver </h3>
<h4 id="IkIPs6">
<span>Travell Harris</span>, <a href="https://www.cougcenter.com/">Washington State Cougars</a>
</h4>
<p id="15tBmj"><span>Harris</span> led all receivers in the conference with his 107-yard, 2-touchdown performance for Washington State as he’s slid into the top receiving spot with ease. He’s developed a great rapport with new, true freshman quarterback Jayden de Laura and caught 7-of-8 targets his way for 15.3 yards per catch.</p>
<p id="3804tv"><strong>Second-Team WR: </strong><span><strong>Trevon Bradford</strong></span><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com/"><strong>Oregon State Beavers</strong></a></p>
<h3 id="5nqsF9">Wide Receiver</h3>
<h4 id="hxpAzA">
<span>Simi Fehoko</span>, <a href="https://www.ruleoftree.com/">Stanford Cardinal</a>
</h4>
<p id="tENXvV"><span>Fehoko</span> had two dramatic receptions against Oregon and could be a viable top target for the Cardinal once they get Mills back in the lineup. Both of those receptions were deep downfield that saw him breakaway from the talented Ducks secondary with sharp routes and blazing speed. He also was open on a double-move late in the game but was overthrown by at least a few yards when he had at least two yards of separation on the defender. He finished with three catches for 88 yards.</p>
<p id="E1ojdr"><strong>Second-Team WR: </strong><span><strong>Renard Bell</strong></span><strong>, Washington State Cougars</strong></p>
<h3 id="hfiSNa">Flex Offense</h3>
<h4 id="xDwWab">
<span>Brady Russell</span>, Colorado Buffaloes</h4>
<p id="2BpNDv"><span>Russell</span> was a dependable receiver (save for one drop) for Noyer over the middle of the field, hauling in five catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. Three of his receptions moved the chains for a first down and he also chipped in with some plus-run blocking and plus-pass blocking on the evening.</p>
<p id="uvzGqy"><strong>Second-Team Flex: Mike Martinez, </strong><a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com"><strong>UCLA Bruins</strong></a></p>
<h3 id="gXEbGY">Tight End</h3>
<h4 id="V51134">Greg Dulcich, <a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com/">UCLA Bruins</a>
</h4>
<p id="BLNGpP">It was Dulcich who represented the big-play threat for the Bruins in this one, not potential first-team back Demetric Felton. Dulcich broke free in a coverage lapse against the Bruins late in the second quarter, scampering 52 yards for a touchdown that brought the game back to a three-score game before the break. In total, Dulcich led all Pac-12 pass-catchers with 126 yards on four catches with that score and three other first downs.</p>
<p id="8tsUs8"><strong>Second-Team TE: DJ </strong><span><strong>Johnson</strong></span><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.addictedtoquack.com"><strong>Oregon Ducks</strong></a></p>
<h3 id="8tzYUE">Left Tackle</h3>
<h4 id="YzFqAJ">
<span>Alijah Vera-Tucker</span>, USC Trojans</h4>
<p id="ImhPjN">You didn’t have to wait long in the broadcast to hear why <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a> scouts are so high on Vera-Tucker. You also didn’t have to wait long to hear just how dominant he can be after Vera-Tucker was sharp in his pass sets from the onset of this game. He also did his part with moving to the second level with ease and his return to the team after opting out earlier this offseason cannot be understated.</p>
<p id="SvmcIL"><strong>Second-Team LT: </strong><span><strong>William Sherman</strong></span><strong>, Colorado Buffaloes</strong></p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 09 USC at Arizona State" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_neNP7OEs6Kw91dA7a8RaYA-6Xw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22024393/1181744074.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="1Qm4qL">Left Guard</h3>
<h4 id="9O2ENx">
<span>Andrew Vorhees</span>, USC Trojans</h4>
<p id="SlxSWS">Vorhees and Vera-Tucker proved to be too much and kept Slovis’ blindside clean from pressure on all but a couple dropbacks. That’s impressive enough, considering how many times Slovis dropped back to pass.</p>
<p id="BX7eZL"><strong>Second-Team LG: </strong><span><strong>Kary Kutsch</strong></span><strong>, Colorado Buffaloes</strong></p>
<h3 id="MHt7aL">Center</h3>
<h4 id="42Hv1B">
<span>Brian Greene</span>, Washington State Cougars</h4>
<p id="CgOWKC">There were some impressive plays from multiple centers but <span>Greene</span> gets the nod as he logged his first start and kept his quarterback pressure-free in this one. He also had some great movement to the second level and looks the part of the big man in the middle for Nick Rolovich’s offense.</p>
<p id="2o4S4g"><strong>Second-Team C: </strong><span><strong>Brett Neilon</strong></span><strong>, USC Trojans</strong></p>
<h3 id="TdGYSt">Right Guard</h3>
<h4 id="bI5ZPa">Ryan Walk, <a href="https://www.addictedtoquack.com/">Oregon Ducks</a>
</h4>
<p id="xmQGDB">After his first start, Walk may be the next great Duck lineman if he keeps up this level of prowess. Walk actually moved across the line for the Ducks but played the majority of his snaps at right guard and was dominant in doing so. He’s already whipped together some highlight-reel plays and perhaps his biggest impact saw when he wasn’t in at right guard and Stanford’s <span>Thomas Booker</span> beat his replacement with ease on a sack.</p>
<p id="3zxqON"><strong>Second-Team RG: </strong><span><strong>Nous Keobounnam</strong></span><strong>, Oregon State Beavers</strong></p>
<h3 id="ZJmITi">Right Tackle</h3>
<h4 id="CpW247">
<span>Abraham Lucas</span>, Washington State Cougars</h4>
<p id="zJlJCH">One of the best right tackles in college football was right back at it where he left off last year and was not credited with allowing a single QB pressure on 40 dropbacks he was in for. <span>Lucas</span> is perhaps one of the best not only in the conference but in the country and should hear his name called early in the 2021 NFL Draft.</p>
<p id="CGFZmN"><strong>Second-Team RT: </strong><span><strong>Jalen McKenzie</strong></span><strong>, USC Trojans</strong></p>
<p id="hpzl2j"></p>
<h3 id="a3mce0">Edge Defender</h3>
<h4 id="xbjScd">Ron Stone, Washington State Cougars</h4>
<p id="OW3Cj9">Stone recorded a sack and a half for Washington State, proving to be unblockable at times. He won with ease and was also disruptive in run defense. He’s almost equaled his season totals in sacks from a year ago through one game.</p>
<p id="SvZJ7r"><strong>Second-Team Edge: </strong><span><strong>Tyler Johnson</strong></span><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.houseofsparky.com"><strong>Arizona State Sun Devils</strong></a></p>
<h3 id="s9D0PS">Interior Defender</h3>
<h4 id="puTQSF">
<span>Jermayne Lole</span>, <a href="https://www.houseofsparky.com/">Arizona State Sun Devils</a>
</h4>
<p id="psNEPS">Lole not only tied Stone for the conference-best 1.5 sacks in Week 1, Lole’s big hits in the run game made USC push their rushing attack outside for most of the game. Lole ate up double teams on the inside and whenever he matched up on a guard, it was a mismatch for ASU.</p>
<p id="wDsP21"><strong>Second-Team DI: </strong><span><strong>Marlon Tuipulotu</strong></span><strong>, USC</strong></p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Arizona State v USC" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CyJw-CZauhDAn1BKZ6xzHEYTLes=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22024397/1284665247.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="KTffYl">Interior Defender</h3>
<h4 id="wSyAtX">Mustafa <span>Johnson</span>, Colorado Buffaloes</h4>
<p id="2pV74r"><span>Johnson</span> welcomed the UCLA Bruins interior offensive line back with a vengeance as the NFL draft hopeful was dominant on the inside. <span>Johnson</span> had a huge sack and multiple run stuffs that kept the UCLA offense in long-yardage situations on multiple drives.</p>
<p id="QncH0K"><strong>Second-Team DI: </strong><span><strong>Dallas Hobbs</strong></span><strong>, Washington State Cougars</strong></p>
<h3 id="0P5ouz">Edge Defender</h3>
<h4 id="eXdnIk">
<span>Drake Jackson</span>, USC Trojans</h4>
<p id="u6cu2M"><span>Jackson</span> was terrific for USC, recording multiple pressures and multiple other wins off the edge of the line of scrimmage that saw ASU QB <span>Jayden Daniels</span> either already deciding to tuck it and run, or dumping a short pass off as a check down before <span>Jackson</span> could register a pressure. He’ll continue to be force for USC in 2020.</p>
<p id="ZVUgJ0"><strong>Second-Team Edge: </strong><span><strong>Michael Matus</strong></span><strong>, Arizona State Sun Devils</strong></p>
<h3 id="TRunZI">Linebacker</h3>
<h4 id="pcSi9c">
<span>Levani Damuni</span>, Stanford Cardinal</h4>
<p id="HD7KXT">Though he was hardly on the field in this one, Damuni did more damage than any other linebacker in the conference in Week 1. Without Damuni’s interception and fumble recovery, the three-score victory for Oregon may have been even worse for the Cardinal. Damuni finished with two tackles, an interception and a fumble recovered that ultimately kept Stanford in it.</p>
<p id="9wMv9w"><strong>Second-Team LB: </strong><span><strong>Isaac Slade-Matautia</strong></span><strong>, Oregon Ducks</strong></p>
<h3 id="wiwHOG">Linebacker</h3>
<h4 id="9zDpo3">
<span>Merlin Robertson</span>, Arizona State Sun Devils</h4>
<p id="M85WUH">Robertson made his impact felt early on with multiple stuffs on USC’s rushing attack and in their short-area coverage scheme. Without Robertson’s athleticism over the middle of the field in zone coverage, ASU may not have been able to limit Slovis to the yardage totals they did in the first three quarters. Robertson finished with a handful of tackles and an ever-important interception early on.</p>
<p id="AmqKOy"><strong>Second-Team LB: Caleb </strong><span><strong>Johnson</strong></span><strong>, UCLA Bruins</strong></p>
<h3 id="N9Ey8Y">Linebacker</h3>
<h4 id="eIEHWG">
<span>Noah Sewell</span>, Oregon Ducks</h4>
<p id="NQXWlU">Sewell looks every bit the part of a five-star recruit at the position and looks every bit like he’s ready to be an All-<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/american">American</a> at the linebacker position this year and for the future. Sewell made multiple highlight-reel plays including a run stuff, a QB pressure that saw him toss Stanford’s <span>Drew Dalman</span> with ease and was extremely sharp around the line of scrimmage.</p>
<p id="Z6E50y"><strong>Second-Team LB: </strong><span><strong>Nate Landman</strong></span><strong>, Colorado Buffaloes</strong></p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Stanford v Oregon" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rGNvn9VMmvzE1XsGbjYuJcqZ-dQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22024400/1284678049.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="4RUJEt">Cornerback</h3>
<h4 id="Zmije0">
<span>Deommodore Lenoir</span>, Oregon Ducks</h4>
<p id="u68khc">It’s a good thing he’s back for the Ducks, and a good thing he’s back for viewers of the Ducks this season. It’s a terrible thing he’s back for opposing offenses, however. <span>Lenoir</span> was targeted three times on the evening and did not allow a catch and seemingly did not even allow a yard of separation on those throws. Combine that with the fact that he took on blockers at will, turned in outside runs and wasn’t afraid to stick his nose in on every tackle his way, and you’ve got yourself a complete cornerback performance for the ages.</p>
<p id="kGr6L3"><strong>Second-Team CB: </strong><span><strong>Mykael Wright</strong></span><strong>, Oregon Ducks</strong></p>
<h3 id="JypdXq">Safety</h3>
<h4 id="5LYAma">
<span>Isaiah Lewis</span>, Colorado Buffaloes</h4>
<p id="33m97l"><span>Lewis</span> was all over the field for the Buffs, making his name known in coverage with two pass breakups on the evening. He patrolled the middle of the field beautifully and did so with what looked like relative ease. </p>
<p id="KvnhEE"><strong>Second-Team S: </strong><span><strong>Evan Fields</strong></span><strong>, Arizona State Sun Devils</strong></p>
<h3 id="Nffn41">Safety</h3>
<h4 id="1qovfi">
<span>Jaydon Grant</span>, Oregon State Beavers</h4>
<p id="Ewm2s9"><span>Grant</span> was sharp once again for the Beavers, limiting passes into his zones and also coming away with an interception. He was seemingly everywhere for the Beavers and gave them a fighting chance at times with his prowess in the middle.</p>
<p id="ZFkml8"><strong>Second-Team S: </strong><span><strong>Qwuantrezz Knight</strong></span><strong>, UCLA Bruins</strong></p>
<h3 id="z3x2od">Cornerback</h3>
<h4 id="vjD8b6">
<span>Chris Steele</span>, USC Trojans</h4>
<p id="LSX3wD">Steele was extremely sharp in coverage against Arizona State, starting off Year 2 on the right foot. He held receivers catch-less in his coverage and coupled that with the fact that he was giving up multiple inches to 6-foot-7 true freshman receiver <span>Johnny Wilson</span>, and it makes the performance that much more spectacular.</p>
<p id="81jU4L"><strong>Second-Team CB: </strong><span><strong>Jaylen Watson</strong></span><strong>, Arizona State Sun Devils</strong></p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="USC Trojans defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 28-27 during a NCAA Football game." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P_jCyg4l0JsRjOAIycEM1Krz5xY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22024403/1284456505.jpg">
</figure>
<h3 id="b578lp">Flex Defense</h3>
<h4 id="awQfS1">
<span>Jay Shaw</span>, UCLA Bruins</h4>
<p id="EavtSd"><span>Shaw</span> was sharp in coverage, limiting receivers to very few yards after the catch, if he even allowed a catch at all. His biggest impact, however, came elsewhere on the field as he blocked a field goal attempt that gave the Bruins life and helped keep the deficit within arm’s reach at times.</p>
<p id="xcpY5a"><strong>Second-Team Flex: </strong><span><strong>Isaiah Pola-Mao</strong></span><strong>, USC Trojans</strong></p>
<h3 id="UH6Bev"></h3>
<h3 id="6K7sRs">Kicker</h3>
<h4 id="2s6Mvd">
<span>Blake Mazza</span>, Washington State Cougars</h4>
<p id="X7xCnX"><span>Mazza</span> was automatic in this one, knocking home a 34-yard field goal as well as all five extra point attempts. All told, he finished 6-for-6 on all of his attempts in Week 1.</p>
<p id="lsPLpH"><strong>Second-Team K: Christian Zendejas, Arizona State Sun Devils</strong></p>
<h3 id="hHs4dv">Punter</h3>
<h4 id="re0aXk">
<span>Michael Turk</span>, Arizona State Sun Devils</h4>
<p id="OI6bO5">If you haven’t seen Turk punt before, you need to get out there and watch some highlights. He’s a weapon at the position if you’ve ever witnessed one and will be counted on to pin opposing offenses back at will. He averaged a whopping 51.6 yards per punt and 44.6 net yards per punt including a long of 58 against USC.</p>
<p id="E4S3qv"><strong>Second-Team P: </strong><span><strong>Luke Akers</strong></span><strong>, UCLA Bruins</strong></p>
<h3 id="t8EbGg">Returner</h3>
<h4 id="K7WJ2M">
<span>Nathaniel Peat</span>, Stanford Cardinal</h4>
<p id="AtJPEh">Peat broke away on a long run in the game that showed his blazing speed and also showcased that with his returns, averaging a healthy 24.5 yards per kick return.</p>
<p id="b7nRDT"><strong>Second-Team Returner: </strong><span><strong>Champ Flemings</strong></span><strong>, Oregon State Beavers</strong></p>
<p id="2syJZy"></p>
<p id="0Xk0tR"></p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/2020/11/9/21556669/pac-12-football-week-1-team-of-the-weekCam Mellor2020-11-09T08:06:11-08:002020-11-09T08:06:11-08:00Week 2 game times announced for the Pac-12 slate
<figure>
<img alt="Stanford v Oregon" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cmkdQOQlAguGOfg6I84-p5XopdA=/0x155:1950x1455/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67760044/1284675720.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Six games are set — will we make it to Saturday will all six still intact?</p> <p id="0WzxWC">The <a href="https://www.pacifictakes.com">Pac-12</a> football slate is set to commence for Week 2. Even though we saw two games cancelled and four teams with a season-opening performance, optimism runs wild for a full slate of games this weekend. </p>
<p id="bqZaI6">The Pac-12 football season continues with</p>
<p id="PKcGfA">No. 20 USC (1-0) squaring off against Arizona (0-0) at 12:30 pm (3:30 pm ET)<br>Colorado (1-0) facing Stanford (0-1) at 12:30 pm (3:30 pm ET)<br>No. 11 Oregon (1-0) takes on Washington State (1-0) at 4:00 pm (7:00 pm ET)<br>Cal (0-0) hosts Arizona State (0-1) at 7:30 pm (10:30 ET)<br>Utah (0-0) heads to UCLA (0-1) at 7:30 pm (10:30 ET)<br>Oregon State (0-1) travels to Washington (0-0) at 8:00 pm (11:00 ET)</p>
<p id="OiBiq9"></p>
<p id="64XMus">The season-opening slate saw Utah and Cal cancel their games with Arizona and Washington, respectively, as the Utes and Golden Bears were unable to field the requisite number of student-athletes without positive COVID-19 tests or contact-tracing.</p>
<p id="nqXT4F">Stanford were also without starting quarterback <span>Davis Mills</span> and starting wide receiver <span>Connor Wedington</span> in their game against Oregon due to contact-tracing protocols.</p>
<p id="0Bc3mm">We’ll await news from Stanford regarding their status for Week 2.</p>
<p id="BYX8Q4"></p>
<p id="qTo3SO">The <a href="https://www.conquestchronicles.com">USC Trojans</a> stood pat at No. 20 in the AP Top 25 polls after coming from behind to defeat Arizona State while the <a href="https://www.addictedtoquack.com">Oregon Ducks</a> jumped a few spots in each the AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll to No. 11 and No. 12, respectively.</p>
<p id="yZwRNn">The Pac-12 is back and Pac-12 After Dark is in full effect.</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/2020/11/9/21556656/pac-12-football-week-2-game-times-announcedCam Mellor2020-11-06T12:27:25-08:002020-11-06T12:27:25-08:00Utah-Arizona game cancelled
<figure>
<img alt="BYU v Utah" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QTj4cVK_7vxnMbvyTIgBcYvGiH4=/172x0:3637x2310/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67750288/604430940.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by George Frey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Utes and Wildcats now join Cal and Washington as spectators to the Pac-12 in Week 1</p> <p id="WaXXSi">The <a href="https://www.pacifictakes.com">Pac-12</a> released a statement on Friday, announcing the cancellation of the upcoming <a href="https://www.blocku.com">Utah Utes</a> vs <a href="https://www.azdesertswarm.com">Arizona Wildcats</a> game, originally scheduled for November 7 at 1:00 pm local time.</p>
<p id="DAHffF">According to the conference’s statement, the request to cancel the game came from Utah and came on the backs of an influx of positive Covid-19 test results.</p>
<p id="ss8DC4">“The Pac-12 has approved a request from Utah to cancel the Arizona at Utah football game scheduled for November 7,” the statement started.</p>
<p id="TFEnMn">The Pac-12 went on to touch on their <a href="http://www.pacifictakes.com/2020/10/19/21523796/pac-12-football-updates-tiebreaker-game-cancellation-policy-2020">cancellation guidelines</a> that they updated before the season began.</p>
<p id="8RDRfH">“This decision was made under the Pac-12’s football game cancellation policy due to Utah not having the minimum number of scholarship players available for the game as a result of a number of positive football student-athlete COVID-19 cases and resulting isolation of additional football student-athletes under contact tracing protocols. Under Conference policy, the game will be declared a no contest.”</p>
<p id="uGwrLD">“The cancellation of this game, following yesterday’s cancellation of the Washington at Cal football game, is of course incredibly disappointing to our student-athletes and our fans. At the same time it is an indication that our health and safety protocols are working in identifying positive cases and contact tracing cases. While all of us want to see our football student-athletes on the field competing, our number one priority must continue to be the health and safety of all those connected to Pac-12 football programs.”</p>
<p id="9a7Hvh">Utah also released a statement following the cancellation:</p>
<p id="re3bDo">“Over the last 24 hours, the University of Utah Department of Athletics has been informed of a number of positive COVID-19 cases among student-athletes within the football program, which necessitates that Utah’s game versus the University of Arizona scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7 be canceled. The decision was made following the Pac-12’s football game cancellation policy as Utah does not have the minimum number of scholarship student-athletes available for the game due to the positive cases and resulting isolation of additional football student-athletes under contact tracing protocols. The health and safety of our student-athletes and all associated with our program is our highest priority and we will continue to follow all applicable Pac-12 and local health policies and guidelines.”</p>
<p id="g1hPTM"></p>
<p id="E7XfIo">That’s now four of the conference’s 12 teams who will be watching on Week 1 when the conference returns. And just one more week until we got to see what the <a href="https://www.blocku.com/">Utes</a> were going to do to replace a ton of talent on defense, a record-breaking running back and longtime quarterback. And also another week before we get to see the promising <span>Grant Gunnell</span> take over for <span>Khalil Tate</span> officially at Arizona.</p>
<p id="LgvZwY"></p>
<p id="8SZHdw"></p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/2020/11/6/21553266/pac-12-football-utah-arizona-cancel-game-coronavirusCam Mellor