The exodus is here, the happy ones are near;
Let's get together before we get much older.
Leading off
The Eliminator blew through the Pac-12 this week with brimstone and hell-fire, slashing its way through a quarter of the league. You can now add Stanford, Oregon State and Washington to the teams officially out of a contention for a spot in the first-ever College Football Playoff. After holding on by their roots, paws and teeth, the Cardinal, Huskies and Beavers all suffered losses that the Eliminator deems too significant to recover from. Her justice is swift, if not fair. Here's some thoughts on the Huskies:
Losing 11 consecutive games to Oregon is pretty bad, but losing in the manner in which they lost to the Ducks was even worse. Oregon dominated in every facet of the game, and Washington proved that Chris Petersen's first season in the Power 5 is not going to be like his first season at Boise State.
So who is left? Arizona and Oregon are the two Pac-12 teams still listed as "In Contention" while Arizona State, UCLA, USC and Utah continue to dangle "On the Fence."
Cardinal seeing red
As noted above, things haven't gone swimmingly for the two-time defending conference champions. Athlon Sports took a look at some of the issues facing the Cardinal. And if you're looking on the offensive side of the ball, there are more than a few. They key in specifically on the offensive line:
The most likely reason Stanford’s offense has been struggling this season may be due to the fact the Cardinal had to start an almost entirely new offensive line this season. Stanford lost four starters up front, as well as a starting tight end from 2013. Good teams tend to have experience and depth on the offensive line, and that does not appear to be the case for Stanford this season and it is showing. Stanford has allowed 15 sacks this season, which ranks 73rd nationally.
Also from Athlon, a look at some crazy Pac-12 stats, and why the Utes must be taken seriously in the South.
News/notes/practice reports
Some video of Rich Rodriguez talking about Washington State.
ASU's special teams are coming along.
California's grades for the week.
Mike MacIntyre has to measure his words when talking penalties.
The Ducks find themselves back in the playoff hunt.
An Oregon State practice report.
Stanford's grades for the week.
Marcus Rios talks about his game-clinching pick.
Some more on the bizarre LenDale White situation.
Travis Wilson back at starter for the Utes.
Notes and quotes from Chris Petersen's meeting with the media.
Some thoughts on WSU's depth chart.
Just for fun (the pucker-up edition)
By now, you've probably seen "The Kiss", a moment of celebratory passion between ASU quarterback Mike Bercovici and his girlfriend, who also happens to be an ASU cheerleader.
#TheSunDevils QB Mike Bercovici after winning #STANvsASU @ASU_Alumni #FearTheFork #SunDevilNation #azcphotos pic.twitter.com/x50a8m9lt1
— Rob Schumacher (@RobSchumacher1) October 19, 2014Here's a little story on the lip-locking moment. The Pac-12 blog isn't quite ready to place it among history's best kisses ... like this one ... this one ... or this one. But it ain't bad. However, you must remember this ...