September 22nd 2024.
My initial reaction to the developments in Week 4, both on and off the field, was a mix of excitement and concern. It was the first week of the Realignment Era for the former Pac-12 schools, as they faced off against new conference opponents. While some teams had impressive performances, it was also evident that the challenge ahead would be a tough one.
USC, Washington, Stanford, Cal, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah all played their conference openers, with five of them traveling to the other side of the Rockies. And while UCLA didn't face a conference foe, they were still on hostile ground in their game against LSU. The results of these games were mixed, with four losses and four wins among the seven teams that faced conference opponents.
Stanford stood out with their strong performance against Syracuse, controlling the game and securing a victory. However, their upcoming game against Clemson will be an even bigger challenge. On the other hand, USC suffered a tough loss to Michigan, a team with a struggling passing game. This loss will surely haunt them for the rest of the season. UCLA, while not able to pull off a win against LSU, still put up a good fight and avoided a complete embarrassment.
Arizona State's hot start to the season came to a halt in their game against Texas Tech, where they only managed to score three touchdowns. This result suggests a difficult road ahead for the Sun Devils. Cal also faced a tough challenge in their game against Florida State, where despite a strong offensive performance, they were unable to secure a touchdown and ultimately lost the game. These games served as a reminder of the difficult road trips that lie ahead for the former Pac-12 teams.
Moving on to the Big 12 conference, it's clear that the Utes are a team to watch out for. Despite losing their starting quarterback right before the game, they dominated Oklahoma State and secured a 22-19 victory. Their tough and determined performance was a testament to the strength of their program, and it's clear that the Big 12 will have a tough time adjusting to the Utes.
Another exciting moment in Week 4 was Colorado's Hail Mary play, reminiscent of their iconic Miracle at Michigan from 30 years ago. This time, they tied the game against Baylor on the final play of regulation, and ultimately secured a victory in overtime. It was a vital win for the Buffaloes on their quest for a bowl game, and they'll need to win three of their remaining eight games to secure a postseason bid.
The Friday night game between Washington State and San Jose State was another wild and thrilling moment, with the Cougars ultimately coming out on top in double overtime. With this win, they remain undefeated and could potentially enter the College Football Playoff conversation if they continue to perform well.
Lastly, an update on Pac-12 expansion: the conference is actively pursuing teams from the American Athletic Conference, with Memphis as their primary target. Other schools on their list include Tulane, UTSA, and South Florida. However, the decision ultimately lies with these schools, and it's uncertain if they will meet the Pac-12's timeline for expansion. We'll have to wait and see how things unfold in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, Week 4 was a rollercoaster of emotions for the former Pac-12 schools, with both highs and lows. It's clear that the road ahead will be challenging, but also full of exciting moments and opportunities. As always, I'll be keeping a close eye on all the developments and sharing my thoughts and analysis. Stay tuned for more updates and don't hesitate to share your own thoughts and suggestions with me.
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