Week 5 is in the books and while it didn’t provide the same level of excitement and drama, we continue to get a clearer picture of just how good each team is halfway through the 2022 season.
A quick update to review where my own personal predictions stand, I’m currently sitting at 39-9 for an 81.25% on correct picks so far.
UCLA – 40 #15 Washington – 32
The first Friday night game during conference play was an electrifying matchup between the Huskies and Bruins. Over 900 yards of total offense was accumulated between these two teams, but for most of the game, it wasn’t as close as the final score indicates it was. UCLA had a 40-16 lead at the end of the 3rd quarter and Washington’s impressive comeback fell short in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson had arguably his best ever game in a UCLA uniform as he finished with 315 yards on 24/33 passes and three touchdowns. I predicted that Washington would beat UCLA.
#12 Utah – 42 Oregon State – 16
Oregon State’s turnover woes continued after quarterback Chance Nolan threw 4 interceptions last week against USC, he threw two more interceptions before leaving the game with a neck strain. Utah was able to capitalize on these turnovers and go up 21-7 early in the second quarter. The Beavers were able make things interesting in the third quarter cutting into the Utes lead and making it a 21-16 game before two more OSU interceptions from backup quarterback Ben Gulbranson and Utah’s offense were able to put the game away. I predicted that Utah would beat Oregon State.
Washington State – 28 Cal – 9
Coming off a disappointing loss at home last week, Washington State was able to bounce back against Cal. In a game where neither team could run the ball efficiently, it was quarterback Cameron Ward who was able to break out and have another explosive game going 27/40 for 343 yards and three touchdowns. Despite two interceptions by Ward, Cal’s offense could not capitalize when they needed to. It was a 14-9 game early in the fourth quarter in favor of the Cougars before Ward’s two final touchdowns to seal the win for Wazzu. I predicted that Washington State would beat Cal.
Arizona – 43 Colorado – 20
Colorado’s struggles continued once again as they traveled to Tucson and gave up 673 total yards of offense to Arizona. Wildcats quarterback put up another impressive stat line going 33/46 for 484 yards and 6 touchdowns. It’s tough to see where the Buffs go from here and if and when they could get their first win of the season. Colorado head coach Karl Dorrell was fired the day after the loss. I predicted that Arizona would beat Colorado.
#6 USC – 42 Arizona State – 25
After a narrow three point road win against Oregon State where USC had more than enough trouble on both sides of the ball, the Trojans were able to bounce back in a big way and remain undefeated in Lincoln Riley’s first year as head coach. Quarterback Caleb Williams was back to looking like a heisman candidate going 27/37 for 348 yards and three touchdowns. The USC defense only came away with one takeaway during this game but held the Sun Devils to only 88 rushing yards. I predicted that USC would beat Arizona State.
#13 Oregon – 45 Stanford – 27
Another team that is fresh off a narrow road win, Oregon returned home and took care of Stanford in impressive fashion. Once again quarterback Bo Nix put up a huge stat line going 16/29 for 161 yards and two touchdowns to go along with six rushes for 141 yards and two additional touchdowns including an 80 yard score. The Ducks put up 351 total rushing yards on 37 attempts for an impressive 9.5 yards per carry. PAC-12 refs were a huge topic of discussion during this game as there were a total of 19 penalties called however, 14 of those were called on Oregon for 135 yards. I predicted that Oregon would beat Stanford.
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