By Nick Bartlett, SuperWest Sports activities
Teams from the West within the ACC and Pac-12 have skilled cut up fortunes within the first two weeks.
Cal is rising as Stanford falls, whereas Washington State ascends and Oregon State descends.
The Cardinal and Beavers have each misplaced two straight, whereas the Bears and Cougars have every received two. The opponents and venues have differed, however the outcomes have been clear.
Right here’s a standing replace on all 4 groups heading into Week 3.
Beavers Dealing with Uphill Battle after Second Loss
Oregon State has had a disappointing begin to the 2025 season, and that’s the understatement of the last decade.
The Beavers wanted to win one in every of their first two video games to keep away from preventing a steep battle. The opening loss in opposition to Cal might’ve been defined, however the defeat in opposition to Fresno State is unacceptable.
The offense performed quite a bit higher, which makes the loss much more regarding. The protection struggled in opposition to each the Bulldogs and Golden Bears, two packages not recognized for offense.
If OSU goes to save lots of its season, it’ll want Maalik Murphy to go Tom Brady mode. Murphy performed alright in opposition to the Dawgs, however he missed a pivotal throw on a two-point conversion that value them the sport.
Had he accomplished the go, Fresno State’s remaining discipline purpose would’ve tied the sport, moderately than giving them the lead. Murphy performed properly, however the Beavers are nonetheless 0-2.
Oregon State travels to Lubbock this week in a tricky matchup in opposition to Texas Tech.
The Crimson Raiders haven’t performed any noteworthy groups but, however they’ve received their first two contests by a mixed rating of 129-21.
Bears Look to Construct Resume, Keep away from Letdown
Cal is certainly higher than I assumed they’d be. However I’m cautious due to what occurred a yr in the past. The Golden Bears began 3-0 with a victory over Auburn in 2024.
They’ve a chance to construct the same resume in 2025, with a victory over Minnesota this week.
The Bear protection has performed properly, contemplating they needed to change their total secondary within the low season. They’ve solely allowed 18 factors within the first two contests.
Cal’s offense has additionally proven enchancment, scoring a mixed 69 factors of their first two matchups, which is a testomony to Bryan Harsin.
The offense might’ve sputtered with the losses of Fernando Mendoza, Jaydn Ott, and Jack Endries.
However the true take a look at comes this week. Minnesota has performed strong protection of their first two video games and options final yr’s ninth-ranked stopper unit.
Oregon State wasn’t inept on protection two weeks in the past, however that is completely different. Sooner or later, these are the video games Justin Wilcox wants to start out profitable. I hope he finds his groove.
Cardinal Can Save Face with Win over Boston School
Stanford has had a tricky begin to their yr, however has a chance to save lots of face this week in what may very well be an important sport of their season.
If the Cardinal lose to Boston School, they’re in an actual unhealthy spot.
Towards BYU, nothing labored. Ben Gulbranson completed with 142 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. Micah Ford was additionally restricted to 12 carries for 21 yards.
The lone vibrant spot on offense was Bryce Farrell, who completed with 5 catches for 68 yards. The outcome in opposition to the Cougars ought to’ve been anticipated.
Transferring forward, the Eagles are coming off a disappointing additional time loss in opposition to Michigan State. BC’s quarterback Dylan Lonergan had a stellar outing, throwing for 390 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Boston School is favored by 9 factors, however Stanford’s gotta get it carried out. Perhaps Clay Patterson could make a game-changing play; he has three sacks of their first two matchups.
The Cardinal have two winnable ACC video games on their schedule earlier than issues flip disheartening.
Outdated College Punt Beats Analytics for Wazzu in Second Win
Washington State appeared like a unique group in opposition to San Diego State, or did they? It felt just like the Cougars had been going to repeat the sloggy Idaho outcome till Jimmy Rogers stepped in.
Rogers punted the ball close to the top of the primary half as a substitute of going for it. Coaches nonetheless do this. The outcome was a game-changing security on a sack by Isaac Terrell.
This gave WSU a five-point lead. The Cougs then proceeded to attain touchdowns on the subsequent two drives, one earlier than the top of the primary thirty, and the opening drive of the second half.
Earlier than the Aztecs knew what hit them they had been trailing by nineteen. It was refreshing to see Rogers punt on SDSU’s 38-yard line, moderately than go for it.
It was a reminder that in an age dominated by analytics, the texture of a coach will all the time be extra necessary than algorithms. However it’s additionally necessary to notice this most likely received’t work in opposition to North Texas.
The Eagles have a greater offense than both of WSU’s first two opponents. Washington State’s protection has improved, however we’ll discover how actual they’re in opposition to the Eagles.
The Cougar fanbase ought to get pleasure from being 2-0, however champions are by no means glad.
Writes about soccer and basketball as a Senior Author and hosts “The Nick Bartlett Present” for SuperWest Sports activities.
