Utah Falls Flat as ASU Escapes; Rivalries Shift in Pac-12 Showdowns
The Pac-12 football landscape witnessed significant upheaval on September 30, 2023, as the results from Week 4 revealed unexpected outcomes and shifting rivalries. Utah suffered a severe defeat at the hands of Texas Tech, while Arizona State University (ASU) narrowly secured a victory over Baylor. Additionally, California faced a crushing loss against San Diego State, further complicating their season.
Utah’s Disappointing Performance
The day began at Rice-Eccles Stadium, where Utah, favored to contend in the Big 12, faced Texas Tech. The Red Raiders established themselves as formidable contenders with a decisive 34-10 victory, propelling concerns within the Utah football program.
Utah struggled in key areas, particularly along the offensive line, failing to assert their physicality. Coach Kyle Whittingham expressed disbelief at the loss of the line of scrimmage, stating, “I never would have believed if you were to say we would lose the line of scrimmage.” Quarterback Devon Dampier faced a challenging game, throwing two interceptions and averaging a mere 4.3 yards per passing attempt. This lack of offensive production raises questions about Utah’s ability to compete against top-tier teams in the conference.
ASU’s Thrilling Escape
Meanwhile, ASU found themselves in a nail-biter against Baylor in Waco. The Sun Devils initially struggled, committing three turnovers while allowing Baylor to remain competitive. Despite their challenges in the Red Zone, ASU managed to tie the game with a touchdown in the dying minutes, thanks in part to a personal foul penalty against Baylor.
As time expired, Jesus Gomez delivered a 43-yard field goal, securing a 27-24 victory for the Sun Devils. This win improves ASU’s record to 3-1 and maintains their hopes of clinching a second consecutive Big 12 title. The upcoming schedule, featuring potent opponents like TCU and Texas Tech, will be crucial for ASU’s championship aspirations.
Rivalry Games Turn Lopsided
In other matches, traditional rivalries showcased stark contrasts in performance. Oregon and Washington, both heavily favored, dominated their respective opponents. Oregon trounced Oregon State with a staggering 47-10 scoreline, outgaining the Beavers by a margin of 585 yards to 147. Coach Dan Lanning had the opportunity to score even more, as the Beavers struggled to maintain possession with a series of ineffective drives.
Washington also delivered an impressive performance, defeating Washington State 59-24. Despite a competitive start by the Cougars, the Huskies pulled away in the final quarter, displaying their offensive prowess. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. led the charge, contributing to the Huskies scoring on seven of eight possessions.
California’s Shocking Shutout
The most alarming result of the day came from California, who suffered a humiliating 34-0 defeat against San Diego State. This marked the most significant shutout loss for a Power Five team against a non-Power Five team since 2008. California, under coach Justin Wilcox, appeared disorganized and outmatched, further complicating their trajectory in the ACC.
This performance raises critical questions about the team’s ability to compete effectively in future games. If California does not improve, they risk a challenging season ahead.
Overall, Week 4 in the Pac-12 highlighted the unpredictable nature of college football, with surprising losses and intense rivalries reshaping expectations as the season progresses.
