Week 1 ACC and Pac-12 Previews: Bears, Beavers, and Cougs

Idaho at Washington State

Saturday, August 30
7:00 pm PT, The CW

Washington State opens its 2025 marketing campaign in opposition to Idaho on Saturday in one other version of the “Battle of the Palouse.”

Though this rivalry is just not extensively identified, it’s one of many oldest within the West. One purpose for the matchup’s longevity is the proximity of the 2 faculties: Pullman and Moscow are mainly the identical place.

For the Cougars, this is a chance to determine who they’re. WSU has a brand new Head Coach in Jimmy Rogers, and this rivalry must be a bizarre approach to begin.

Idaho is an FCS college, however they have been undefeated at dwelling final season and gave eventual Large Ten Champion Oregon a scare in Eugene.

WSU ought to maintain the expertise benefit however every little thing’s new.

Zevi Eckhaus is probably going the Cougs beginning quarterback and he seemed strong within the Vacation Bowl. Angel Johnson is again from his spring harm, and is hoping to be the star Washington State wants on the halfback place.

The highest three receivers are Jeremiah Noga, Josh Meredith, and Leyton Smithson.

Wazzu could have six switch starters on protection from South Dakota State. They need to win this opening matchup, however it’s a bit difficult.

Cal at Oregon State

Saturday, August 30
7:30 pm PT, ESPN

Oregon State is hoping to reinvigorate its program after a disappointing 2024 season.

Essentially the most notable transfer the Beavers made was bringing in Maalik Murphy, a switch from Duke, who led the Blue Devils to a 9-3 mark in 2024.

Murphy ought to present a spark for OSU’s passing assault, which completed 94th a 12 months in the past. Together with him, the Beavs have introduced in just a few different gamers to fill some holes from final season’s roster.

The Beavers may be extra excited for his or her opening week matchup than most.

California beat OSU 44-7 final 12 months. Within the rematch, the Beavs shall be dealing with a a lot completely different Golden Bears group. Cal’s greatest two gamers transferred within the low season, leaving the Bears barren on offense.

Oregon State additionally has a bunch of gamers returning on the talent positions.

Anthony Hankerson ought to show to be a standout at halfback. He was phenomenal in 2024. The highest receivers are Trent Walker, Taz Reddicks, and David Wells Jr. They only misplaced Darrius Clemons to a season-ending ACL tear.

On protection, the Beavers have to discover a approach to strain the quarterback; it actually doesn’t matter how. Skyler Thomas needs to be the OSU’s greatest defender at security.

Hawai’i at Stanford Postmortem

Stanford doesn’t wish to speak about soccer proper now.

The Cardinal had a 85.6 probability of successful with slightly below seven minutes left in opposition to Hawaii. It’s gonna be troublesome for Stanford to bounce again, however a minimum of they’ve a bye week to get it proper.

Although the Cardinal devoted most likely don’t imagine it, the Rainbow Warriors are alleged to be respectable this 12 months.

And Stanford virtually beat them in opposition to an amped up crowd in a brand new stadium.

The sport two weeks from now in opposition to BYU ought to show tough, however the Tree could make issues occur if they’ll get back-to-back victories in opposition to Boston School and Virginia.

They may discover themselves 2-2 and undefeated within the ACC.

Each of these matchups are literally winnable. Ben Gulbranson must play higher however he’s a veteran, and he was a winner at Oregon State.

The mix of Gulbranson, Andrew Luck, and Frank Reich feels credible. If Micah Ford can proceed to make an affect in convention play, they could possibly be respectable in 2025.