by The Pac-12 flexed its muscle this past weekend and did so in dominant fashion.
This graphic should pretty much sum everything up:
Colorado stole the show with its dramatic win over TCU, Washington looked like its 2022 self, Oregon put up 81 points (yes, I know it was against an FCS team but still), and the conference was 12-0 straight up in Week 1. It was also the first time since 1980 that a conference went 13-0 to open a season.
Take a bow.
What’s the most staggering storyline in my opinion is that this might be one of the best QB conferences we’ve seen in years. The Pac-12 very well could have five of the top 10 QBs in the country this season with Caleb Williams, Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix, Shedeur Sanders, and Cam Rising (if healthy). Throw in DJ Uiagalelei, who looks much improved in a new system, Wazu’s Cam Ward, and perhaps even UCLA’s Dante Moore if he continues to pan out, and you’ve got an electric offensive conference.
However, I said this a few weeks back and I will say it again: the Pac-12 may end up being its own worst enemy in terms of having a playoff team in 2022. It stinks, but it’s the harsh reality that this conference has endured ever since the year after Washington made an appearance back in 2016.
It’s the scheduling that has snakebit the Pac-12 and forced these teams to beat each other up for four straight months, and the depth this season implies a similar outcome.
Whether or not a diamond comes out of the ruff in this conference and punches a ticket to the playoff, shame on the NCAA for destroying the Pac-12 in a span of a year. It’s the unique tradition and history that make this sport so special, but nah, TV deals and revenue must be the main priority nowadays, right?
Regardless, this conference is going to kick ass in 2023. Stay tuned.
