Los Angeles groups fail as Pacific Northwest colleges lead

The most effective and worst of the Pac-12 postseason…

Greatest Story I: The Rise Continues (Barely)

The Pac-12’s resurgence, evident through the common season and confirmed by the location of six groups within the remaining playoff rankings, continued into the postseason.

That mentioned, every part is relative. In absolute phrases, a 3-4 bowl document that included an 0-2 mark in six video games on New 12 months’s Day (Cotton and Pink Cups) is nothing to have fun all through the convention.

However in comparison with latest postseason appearances, the Pac-12 was winless in two video games in 2020, and 5 video games and not using a win in 2021 — efficiency within the final 17 days qualifies as an enchancment.

Greatest story II. Los Angeles Tango

Perpetually in one another’s shadow, resulting from their proximity, UCLA and USC have grown nearer since declaring themselves the Massive Ten six months in the past. Their seasons have been on parallel tracks, too, with first-rate offenses and third-rate defenses.

Accordingly, their cup video games have been extra related than completely different; each crew misplaced a recreation they need to have received, and each fan felt deeply dissatisfied.

Greatest Offensive Participant: USC’s Caleb Williams

The Heisman Trophy winner turned in one other stellar efficiency, finishing 37-of-52 passes for 462 yards and 5 touchdowns and main the Trojans to a 45-30 lead over Tulane earlier than their protection withered.

Subsequent 12 months, Williams might should play protection as nicely.

Greatest Defensive Participant: Washington’s Bralen Treece

The sophomore confirmed why he is one of many prime younger abilities within the convention with two sacks and 6 tackles in a win over Texas. For his efforts, Trice was named the Alamo Bowl Defensive MVP.

Particular Groups Participant of the 12 months: Oregon State’s Jack Colletto

In his remaining recreation for the Beavers, Jackhammer had a number of assists in a 30-3 win over Florida. Along with his normal work on offense and protection, Colletto blocked a punt and ran for a primary down on a faux punt.

Mr. Every part to the top.

Greatest win: Oregon State

The Beavers demolished Florida within the Las Vegas Bowl, scoring the primary 30 factors earlier than the Gators kicked a discipline objective within the closing seconds. The end result, on Dec. 17, snapped a two-year Pac-12 dropping streak and pushed OSU’s win complete to 10.

What a season for coach Jonathan Smith and his program.

I am the worst ending. UCLA:

The Bruins led Pittsburgh by two touchdowns late within the third quarter, however have been outscored 23-7 within the Solar Bowl. Dorian Thompson-Robinson had three interceptions and the protection was depressing (once more).

UCLA’s nine-win season appears to be like extra like 7-6.

Greatest crew: Washington

The Huskies by no means trailed in a 27-20 victory over Texas that not solely snapped a three-game Pac-12 dropping streak within the Alamo Bowl, but in addition secured UW’s eleventh win of the season.

Solely USC can match that complete inside the convention. If any Pac-12 crew has performed higher than the Huskies since Nov. 1, we’ve not seen it.

Worst ending II. USC:

The Trojans led Tulane 45-30 with 4 minutes left within the Cotton Bowl and fell on a 16-0 run.

The entire and complete collapse included safety; USC working again Austin Jones was tackled in the long run zone, and people two scores loomed giant when the Inexperienced Wave punted with 9 seconds left.

Greatest Drive: Oregon

Down six factors to North Carolina with slightly below three minutes remaining within the Vacation Bowl, the Geese drove 79 yards in eight performs and scored the game-winning landing with 19 seconds left on a move from quarterback Bo Nix to receiver Chase Cota.

The Knicks nailed the drive.

Most Predictable End result: Washington State

The Cougars overcame postseason challenges past the atypical, dealing with a extremely motivated, well-coached opponent (Fresno State) within the LA Bowl with out their coordinators; Eric Morris and Brian Ward left WSU for different gigs earlier than the sport.

Though we did not count on such a lopsided end result, the 29-6 loss was straightforward to see in itself.

Probably the most surprising end result: Utah

Of all of the doable situations for all of the video games, the Utes getting kicked out of the Rose Bowl was not the one we envisioned. However the shut affair turned the wrong way up within the third quarter after quarterback Cam Rising left with an harm and Penn State scored two lengthy touchdowns.

The 35-21 loss was Utah’s fourth of the season and its largest loss (in a non-COVID 12 months) for the reason that Alamo Bowl in 2019 (towards Texas).

The worst greatest trash can. Utah President Taylor Randall

Not often do college presidents ever get trashed, however Randall did there Throughout Pep’s rally. He recounted Penn State’s all-time document towards USC within the Rose Bowl, then supplied the next remark (in keeping with KSLsports.com).

“So that they’ve crushed the Trojans 3 times within the final 100 years and we have crushed them twice within the final 48 days. Possibly that is why USC needs to hitch the Massive Ten.”