As we enter Week 5 of Pac-12 football, there are more questions than answers. Both divisions are up for grabs, the tie-breaker scenarios are complex and signing day is in less than three weeks! But with that said, there are some incredible games this weekend and some match-ups that will have me watching every snap with incredible attention. Before we get to the match-ups, be sure to watch this week's installment of ‘Dear Football,’ as it’s healthy to get a reminder that for three and a half hours each Saturday, we get to watch two teams compete and student-athletes play a game that they love. 

In epic fashion, the Stanford Cardinal brought the Axe back to Stanford’s campus for the 10th time in the last 11 years. Thomas Booker’s blocked PAT proved to be the difference in this game, but what I loved about this rivalry was the competitive nature of each snap. From the first play to the final, it was clear that even in 2020, this game had serious implications. Thomas Booker joined us on Pac-12 After Dark to share what it was like to be on the winning side of the Big Game. 

What to watch

 

I believe that every college football team has a moment, or a half of football, that allows it to gain an understanding of who it is in that particular season. For Jimmy Lake’s team, it was in the second half against Utah. He noted that the night before the game, he told his team that the game against Utah would be a street fight of sorts and at the half, down 21-0, he told his team that it was their turn to punch back. They did that and more. After the Elijah Molden interception, this team took control of the momentum and found out who it was in 2020 – a resilient team that embraces high-stakes environments in football games. That win--which was their biggest halftime comeback since 1998--along with the characteristics UW proved to have, will help this program over the course of the next three weeks, as UW is in the middle of a Pac-12 North title run.

 

He earned a game ball after his performance against Utah and after watching him play, what is so clear is that he understands how to ‘pluck’ the ball. A lot of tight ends, and some receivers, allow the ball to get to their body. Otton attacks each ball, regardless of where it’s thrown, as his catch radius is incredible. And when UW needed a play, he made it, as he walked into the locker room at halftime against Utah with one catch for five yards. By the time he received his game ball, he had added seven more receptions, 103 yards and two touchdowns becoming the first Husky tight end in at least 25 years to have back-to-back 100 yard games.

The Washington defensive line was hit hard by opt outs, as was Stanford’s offensive line with Walker Little moving on to the NFL. But after a few weeks, these two groups have found their football. If you want to nerd out, be sure to watch the offensive line of Stanford against the front of UW. Edefuan ‘Eddie’ Ulofoshio has been playing with incredible instincts, as in the first two games of the 2020 season he had 15 tackes and against Utah, tallied 14. Safe to say he is settling in. In addition, Zion Tupuola-Fetui not only got a game ball, but he is becoming a game wrecker. Against Utah he had six tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery! His 7.0 sacks this season are the most through the first 3 games of the season by any player since 2012.

 

The Buffs dominated San Diego State’s offense last week, holding the Aztecs under 200 total yards, something no one has done since 2008. Simply put, they seemed to be in the backfield during a large part of the game (11 TFLs, their most since 2010) and what impressed me most was that their defense rarely made big mistakes. I didn’t see defenders out of alignment, rarely saw missed assignments and there were no blown coverages. Granted, they faced the second and third string QBs for the Aztecs, but I do think that the defensive unit of Colorado is gelling and extremely confident. The early drives in this game will be key for the Buffs to continue that trend and for Arizona to slow down a defense that is steadily improving.

 

The offense never really found its flow last week, and rightfully so against the stauch 3-3-5 scheme of San Diego State, and only one day to prepare for it. I expect CU to improve and get back to the team we saw in its first two games with Sam Noyer and Jarek Brussard (three straight 100+ yard games) leading the way in the run game, which allows the talented receiving core to get downfield. If Brussard gets a 4th in a row he will be the first FBS player since Adrian Peterson to start their career with 4 straight 100-yard games.

 

Pac-12 Networks favorite and fan favorite K.D. Nixon returned for the Buffaloes and I’d expect him to continue to get early touches for the Buffs. With the loss of their top two tight ends, playing with four wide receivers will likely be a personnel grouping for OC Darrin Chiaverini. K.D. should find match-ups in the slot in which the Buffs are confident. On third down, find out where Nixon is and circle him.

 

We all know Mustafa Johnson and Nate Landman, but get to know Terrance Lang. The 6’7’’ 285 lb defensive end has evolved since he arrived on campus in 2017. His spatial awareness with his long frame is noticeably different and has become an every-down player for the Buffs. Watch how he uses his hands, specifically on third down.

 

The Wildcats have lost 10 in a row, but their last win was against Colorado and they’ve won three straight vs. the Buffs. Anyone remember Khalil Tate’s coming out party? I had a front row seat that day and will never forget it.

Will Plummer was thrust into action after the injury to Grant Gunnell on Arizona’s first play from scrimmage. Whoever plays QB will have to deal with a Colorado defense that is extremely confident. If I was broadcasting this one, I’d be watching how CU plays the wideouts of Arizona. I would mix up coverages to change the picture on either QB, particularly Plummer to try and disrupt his timing. I would also expect Plummer, if the QB, to be more efficient now that he’s had more reps with the starters. 

 

When I call games, I often chart out when a team chooses to bring pressure and blitz. I would do that again this weekend, as Colorado’s defense is based on bringing pressure and Arizona has struggled protecting their QB this season. They have allowed 11 sacks, tied with Cal for most in the Pac-12 this year, but I do expect the Wildcats to improve in this area while the Buffaloes will challenge them. And for fun, chart when the Buffs blitz and the result, then see where you net out after each quarter. Also, note that LT Jordan Morgan is questionable again this week for Arizona.

 

In a season that has not gone as Arizona hoped, it must be noted that senior CB Lorenzo Burns has been extremely impressive. Head coach Kevin Sumlin noted that Burns "has been phenomenal. Whatever we need him to do, he does it, special teams-wise, as a corner. He is giving it his all." When watching the film, that is evident. Paul Rhoads is getting the most out of Burns and hope he returns for another season.

 

That is what I’d remind my teammates after a brutal loss to Oregon State last week. Meaning, we still have a title to defend and we control our path back to the title game. I would expect that Mario Cristobal has his team extremely focused on that opportunity and from the sounds of it, practice this week has been upbeat, motivated and competitive.

 

Defensively, the Ducks aren't playing up to their standard, Cristobal acknowledged. "There’s no sugar-coating that," he said. "But there’s also no finger-pointing either. We’ve got to coach it better." #GoDucks

— Rob Moseley (@DuckFootball) November 30, 2020

Mycah Pittman. One of the most competitive players my eyes have seen at wide receiver, this sophomore will be back at full strength after missing the Washington State and UCLA games and not playing until late in the game against Oregon State. If I was broadcasting this game, I’d ask our director to dedicate a camera to Pittman, as the match-up against Camryn Bynum should be incredibly competitive.

 

Justin Wilcox’s defense against Joe Moorhead’s offense will be must-see television this weekend, especially when it comes to the Run/Pass Option element of Oregon. They can confuse defenses with their shifts and motions pre-snap and, most critical, how the backfield moves post-snap. I’d be glued to this element of the game.

The Cal Bears 2020 season has been the definition of frustrating. From UCLA on a Sunday with minimal preparation or practice time, to two tight losses by a combined 5 points over the last two weeks, it has been a challenging year for this program. But if we know one thing, it is the character of Justin Wilcox-led teams and I expect the same to shine through this weekend. The Bears should play their best football against the defending champions and the first two drives on both sides of the ball will indicate the flow of the Bears’ ‘bounce back’ ability.

 

Special teams. Having been around specialists for my playing and coaching career, and being college roommates with All-Pro Punter Andy Lee, one thing is clear about specialists: they can get in their own heads. With mistakes in the kicking and return game over the last two weeks, keep an eye on this aspect of the game. I do not expect the Cal kicker Dario Longhetto to change his approach to the ball, or returners to become more aggressive, but those are things that do happen when the special teams meet frustration. As Justin Wilcox said after the Stanford game, they are ‘unacceptable,’ and I expect them to play well in this phase.

 

While new Offensive Coordinator Bill Musgrave is known for his West Coast scheme, keep an eye on the run game with Chase Garbers, along with freshman running back Damien Moore, who ran for 121 yards last week against Stanford. Last year’s leading rusher, Christopher Brown Jr’s health improving is an added boost for this team’s run game. Also, Garbers had a few designed zone read plays vs Stanford and would track if he gets a few more runs in that regard.

 

A reminder that Cal head coach Justin Wilcox played DB at Oregon, and while he won’t mention it once all week, I am sure he will be asked about it every time he is with the media. For what it’s worth, when I asked our Nick Aliotti about Justin Wilcox as a player, he said, “One of the smartest, most disciplined team players I’ve ever been around. Moved him to safety from cornerback his senior year due to injury. I knew I could trust him to play corner. He didn’t give up a touchdown the whole season. Just a pleasure to coach — I knew then he would be successful in whatever he pursued. As evidenced by today — a great coach / star in the making.”

 

Jermar Jefferson. Get to know this man! While those of us out West know that Jermar Jefferson has been making plays for three years, the nation truly got a feel for him after his 226 yard performance in the Beavers upset over rival Oregon, as he had the most rushing yards in a game in the history of this great rivalry. It was incredible to watch him set up blocks, break tackles and finish forward, while being a catalyst for this team that has been so close to big wins and finally got one. I was reminded about him with signing day fast approaching and went back to my eval where I was reminded that Oregon State beat Colorado State, San Jose State and Rutgers to land Jefferson. And while USC came on late, he stuck with his commitment. A treasure of a find by Oregon State that is proving to be incredibly valuable. Watch him this past weekend as he also talks about his path and what he plans to do for his offensive lineman for the holidays.

The Beavs offense
Just a reminder that they tallied 532 yards of total offense against Oregon, did not turn the ball over and averaged 6.1 yards per carry. While explosive plays skew that number, it is still noteworthy, as Jefferson followed his offensive line for a career-long  82-yard touchdown on the Beavers’ second offensive play.

Linebacker play impressive

With a hamstring injury to Tristan Gebbia, I’m most curious to watch Chance Nolan potentially get his first start. Gebbia, who played his finest game as a Beav, finishing 23-37 for 267 yards and two touchdowns (1 pass/1 rushing), was impressive on the game-winning drive, completing his final 5 passes for 52 yards before exiting with an injury. Nolan, who won the game with his QB sneak, was impressive as a dual threat QB in junior college and could truly deal the ball around as a passer on film. He will be challenged by a quickly improving Utah defense that will be salty coming off an 0-2 start. His PACE (Plays After Critical Errors) will be what I’ll be watching.

 

The Beavers just won the biggest game in recent program history, snapping a 15-game losing streak against ranked opponents. A few may wonder, ‘will the Beavers be overconfident?’ I do not anticipate that at all. This team has been through a great deal of adversity and they know how quickly victory can be taken away from a team. Expect the most focused team OSU has put on the field all year.

 

I love going on Utah sports radio, as their community is as passionate as any in the nation about their college football. And while the Utes are 0-2, this season will be greatly beneficial to them. We know how young they are on defense and we know that Cam Rising’s season has been lost, but when you watch them play, it’s clear that this team is close - they just need experience. And while losing to USC and UW are not experiences anyone wants, if there was a ‘season’ to go through those growing pains, 2020 is the one in which to do it. I expect this team to play their best football this weekend against OSU and keep Salt Lake City excited about their beloved team.

 

Against UW, this defense forced three turnovers and have had their backs against the wall through two games, as the offense has nine turnovers (they had 13 all of last year!). When I watch the Utes defense play and just try to break it down snap by snap, this side of the ball is really impressive. As captain Devin Lloyd said this week when asked to summarize his side of the ball, “Resilience. We’ve got a lot of young guys that are playing their asses off. We’ve just got to find a way to make big-time plays when they matter most.”

 

Jake Bentley. The South Carolina transfer faced two of the top defenses in his first two games in the Pac-12, and while our friends in the South may not think West Coast teams can play defense, that is simply not true. UW has consistently been one of the top defensive units in the nation and Bentley struggled against them. He will face an improving defense in Oregon State and the Beavs will challenge him. I look forward to watching him compete against Tim Tibesar’s unit, as I would expect Oregon State to bring pressure, especially on third downs.

 

Oregon State’s run game vs. Utah’s run defense. Specifically, the OL of the Beavs against the linebackers of Utah, as they have gotten to the second level most of the season and often force the linebackers to choose a side. While Utah has not been "Utah" this season, their run defense is still 7th in the country, allowing 90.5 rush YPG.

 

UCLA has the #1 receiver in total yardage in the Pac-12, the #2 running back in total yards, the #2 and #5 in sack leaders, and the #2 in touchdowns thrown? While it might be hard to believe, guess again - it’s true. Greg Dulcich and Demetric Felton are making plays. Osa Odighizuwa and Caleb Johnson are getting after quarterbacks and while Dorian Thompson-Robinson has missed two games, he is still putting up impressive numbers with seven touchdown passes. While stats only get you so far, it is noteworthy for the Bruins in year three under Chip Kelly.

 

LB Caleb Johnson. I recall being on campus at practice when I heard about this Texas transfer coming to Westwood and watching him play, it is clear how impressive he is. This is a good read from the LA Times about the journey of Johnson. Him vs. the run game of ASU will be something on which to key on.

 

Demetric Felton. I think he is the most explosive player in the conference and on pace to be in the final running for Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year in my eyes. With 30+ carries in back-to-back games, he has the ability to score every time he touches the ball. In addition, UCLA ran for at least 200 yards for the third straight game (281 vs. Arizona) in 2020. The Bruins have run for at least 200 yards in eight of their last 12 games played.

 

Dorian Thompson-Robinson has missed the last two games but prior to that, played one of the more complete games of his career on his birthday weekend. All players have experienced the feeling of losing actual games during this shortened season, but with DTR losing two games he anticipated to play in stings in a different way. I expect to see a focused and efficient DTR against ASU, but it must be noted that he cannot try too hard and attempt to make up for ‘lost time.’ If he has early game excitement, expect Chip Kelly to run the ball with him and his all-everything playmaker Demetric Felton to settle his junior QB.

 

If it’s tight heading into the fourth: UCLA has outscored each of its opponents in the fourth quarter this season 28-3. The only points given up by the Bruin defense in the fourth quarter came on a field goal at Colorado.

 

It’s been over three years (October 2017) since UCLA was above .500 and this team can taste a turnaround within this program. Expect to see UCLA’s best and most focused effort. 

 

It’s a fair argument to make for ASU based on Week 1 against USC, where they lost in the final two minutes. With that said, this week's team may look significantly different than it did in Week 1 due to COVID-19, let alone practice time. This game and who plays in it is a fluid discussion but, if you know me, you know I’m a radical optimist so let’s plan as though the Sun Devils are at full strength, because at full strength, they looked like a top 25 team and a true contender for the Pac-12 title.

 

With no fans and the last month being so unique for them without a game, the leadership of Herm Edwards, Marvin Lewis and the rest of the Sun Devil staff will be vital. They are as experienced a staff as exists in the nation and I expect this team to be fully prepared to compete. In addition, this team is full of veteran personalities such as Jayden Daniels, Darien Butler, Merlin Robertson, Frank Darby and more. 

 

Merlin Robertson played the best game among all linebackers this fall in the Pac-12 and one look back on his game against USC will convince you. While it feels like years ago, Robertson finished with 10 tackles, an INT and a fumble recovery on his way to being named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week. What was most impressive was his awareness as he would drop into coverage. Most college LBs drop to their zones, but at times can be a foot off of their location or lose a receiver up the seam. Robertson seemed to be ahead of the receivers and played with an instinct that would flash during his first two seasons. His defensive front helped him, as Jermayne Lole, who I’ve said is the most underrated player in the nation, was dominant and Michael Matus had the best game of his college career in Week 1. If the defensive line can create confusion for UCLA up front, then the linebackers of ASU will have another big game.

 

While they’ve only played one game and I rarely like to make big, bold statements without a lot of film, I have to trust my gut on this one. ASU has two of the top running backs in the nation on their roster in Rachaad White and Chip Trayanum. White, who had 146 yards on 15 touches (9.7 per touch!) along with his 55 yard TD being the longest passing play of Week 1 in the Pac-12, might remind you of a longer Marion Grice, as his style was so smooth vs. USC, and his ability to make plays out of the backfield makes for an incredible match-up vs. UCLA’s productive front 7. Trayanum’s ability to get downhill gives the Sun Devils one of the most talented running back rooms in the Pac-12. How they use these two is something to study as the year goes on and they gain experience. 

 

Play After Critical Errors is a stat I love to track with QBs. But for ASU, it’s also one to note with their young wide receivers. We knew their talent on signing day would provide competitive depth, but those young wideouts became front-line players as soon as Frank Darby went out with an injury. While Johnny Wilson and LV Bunkley-Shelton likely walked out of the Coliseum in Week 1 upset, better days are ahead of them, and I’m looking forward to watching them compete against UCLA’s secondary. In addition, I can recall being a freshman wide receiver and the closing speed of DBs was the biggest shock when I transferred from high school to college, and that is what I saw with the ASU freshman receivers in Week 1. They have had a month to get those drops out of their system and I expect a much better performance this weekend.

 

In a game that has so much chaos and uncertainty to it, one thing remains dramatically true. This game will come down to execution. I am not sure who we will see play, but whoever does line up for ASU must play disciplined football and minimize unforced errors.

 

Having played in the Run N Shoot, I’ve always had an affinity for it. And with the addition of the Run/Pass Option (RPO) element, this offense, along with true freshman Jayden de Laura’s ability to get the ball out quickly with incredible anticipation, makes this a must-watch if you love offensive football. Overall, this system is about playing with ‘aggressive common sense’ and when you watch them on film, it’s clear that this team is playing with a confidence that is impressive when you take into consideration the impact that Covid-19 has had on preseason practice/preparation.

 

Running back was a position we all looked forward to watching at WSU this year, but it was Max Borghi for whom we had high hopes. While Borghi returned to practice this week it must be noted that Deon McIntosh has not only filled in, but done so at a high level. I loved what Coach Rolovich said about him, emphasizing that ‘he’s got a lot of desire when he runs.’ It’s clear that he not only runs with desire but an acumen that demonstrates his awareness of how defenses fit the run game. His numbers back it up, as on the field he is averaging 119.5 yards per game (11th in the nation) and seven yards per carry. In addition, he is the first Cougar running back to rush for at least 90 yards in each of WSU’s first two games to start a season since 2007 (Dwight Tardy vs. Wisconsin and San Diego State)! His story is notable, as he signed at Notre Dame out of high school and after two years, transferred to East Mississippi Junior College. He could easily have lost his love for the game, but the Florida native continued to stay the course and in this era of college football, especially amid a pandemic, that needs to be celebrated. 

 

We expected Drake Jackson and Kayvon Thibodeaux to thrive this season, but when it comes to the defensive line, there was not a lot of love for Brennan Jackson in the preseason. But this RS-Sophomore has thrived in two games for the Cougars. Each of his first two seasons were cut short due to injury, playing in no games as a freshman and only two last year. He has 11 tackles, including 2.5 TFL’s, 0.5 sacks and a forced fumble. I’ve enjoyed watching his energy back on film and look forward to seeing it against the offensive line of USC.

 

I wouldn't recommend this, but I must admit that I jumped out of my seat while watching at Pac-12 Networks when Jayden de Laura became a lead blocker. If I was calling a game, this would have to be pulled up during the broadcast, highlighting the intangibles and mindset of this talented freshman QB.

 

With the Trojans dealing with Covid-19 and last week’s cancellation, how did they practice for this game, specifically on defense, as you must prepare for the Run N Shoot + RPO scheme of WSU? I’d be watching if USC defenders are a little hesitant early in this game.

 

Every opponent that USC has faced in 2020 had been playing its first game of the season (ASU, Arizona, Utah). It’s notable because USC has had zero 2020 film to prepare for its first three games. With that said, in-game adjustments have been key for USC, as they have won each game thus far and held opponents to 2-of-15 on third downs in the second half and 1-of-10 in the fourth quarter. How they do against WSU in the second half, who has not played in two weeks, will be key. 

 

The USC defense. They had one of their most complete performances against Utah, as the Trojans had five takeaways and shut out Utah in the second half to get their first win at Utah since 2012. With the loss of their starting linebacker Palaie Gaoteote, Kana’i Mauga elevated and was all over the field with 11 tackles, including 1.5 TFL and a sack. If I was calling this game, I’d have a camera isolated on safety Talanoa Hufanga, as WSU will challenge him with their RPO (Run/Pass Option) game behind Jayden de Laura, and he is an All-Pac-12 and All-American safety in my eyes.

 

The opt out of Jay Tufele earlier this year hurt the Trojans defensive line, as he is a premier player in the nation at that position, but the Troajns have found their groove on the defensive line. Leading the way is Marlon Tuipulotu and his younger brother, freshman Tuli. Combined, the Tuipulotu brothers had seven tackles and two sacks vs. Utah and will challenge the WSU offensive line.

 

The Trojans took down the two-time defending South champion Utah two weeks ago and have the chance to win the South, as their final two games are both scheduled in Los Angeles. With COVID-19 still impacting games, the next two weeks will be critical for the Trojans regarding their CFP rankings and a possible Pac-12 title run.  

 

WR Tyler Vaughns, as he is currently tied for fifth on USC’s career receptions list with 207. He is tied with his current position coach, Keary Colbert, an all-time great wideout and an incredible human being. Also, watch the USC offensive line in the second half. I have always felt that it takes an OL a half of football to find their timing after time off and most teams coming off of a Covid-19 cancellation have improved on the offensive front as the game went on.