By Nick Bartlett, SuperWest Sports activities
The standing of groups within the West from these two conferences may be summed up succinctly.
It was an important week for the tandem from the ACC and a disastrous week for the two-team Pac-12.
Cal might have notched the area’s most spectacular win this week in dispatching Minnesota, whereas Stanford shocked many by upending Boston Faculty to go 1-0 in convention.
Against this, Washington State performed one in all its worst video games in years, and Oregon State’s struggles have been magnified.
Right here’s my tackle all 4 groups heading into Week 4.
Cal’s large win over Minnesota opens the door for a doubtlessly nice season
The Golden Bears are beginning to make a reputation for themselves once more. The win over Minnesota may rank amongst Cal’s largest in current reminiscence.
The Bears might not have elite expertise, however due to a straightforward schedule in a down convention, they might emerge because the ACC’s consultant within the Faculty Soccer Playoff.
Whereas Cal didn’t play completely in opposition to the Gophers, they utilized their home-field benefit and capitalized on Minnesota’s errors.
The Gophers missed a area purpose and muffed a punt within the fourth quarter, and that second mistake led to the game-sealing landing for the Bears.
Freshman Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele continues to shine, ending with 279 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
His efficiency was doubly spectacular as a result of the Gophers traditionally have an impressive protection and had solely allowed 10 mixed factors getting into the competition.
The Bear protection additionally did its factor, limiting Minnesota to 14 factors. Cal has the whole lot to play for now, and this looks like a particular season within the making.
Stanford revives 2025 marketing campaign with bounce-back victory over Boston Faculty
The Cardinal acquired a vital win over Boston Faculty final week, and amazingly, as dangerous as their season began, they’re presently undefeated atop the ACC.
Stanford’s offense stepped up in opposition to the Eagles, with Micah Ford main the way in which on the bottom, speeding for 157 yards and a landing.
Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson confirmed encouraging flashes from his Oregon State days, managing the sport whereas throwing for 186 yards and a landing, with no interceptions.
The Tree had two receivers end with at the least seventy receiving yards in Sam Roush and Bryce Farrell, every of whom hauled in a landing cross.
Stanford’s protection struggled within the first half, however rebounded sufficient to carry BC scoreless within the second.
If the Cardinal offense can proceed to carry out at this clip, they might pull an upset deeper of their convention schedule.
Stanford travels to Charlottesville subsequent in what needs to be one other winnable matchup. If Tree can get a win on the street, it might create some buzz on the farm.
Winless Beavers going through a tricky four-game stretch after Texas Tech loss
Oregon State soccer is in a tough spot. Whereas this season isn’t misplaced, it’s fairly near being gone.
The Beavs’ remaining schedule isn’t any cakewalk, with Oregon, Houston, Appalachian State, and Wake Forest looming of their subsequent 4 matchups. They in all probability want two wins amongst them to go bowling.
Oregon State must discover a option to achieve some momentum earlier than getting into the brand new Pac-12, and happily, the schedule will get a lot simpler down the stretch.
Maalik Murphy’s confidence is the important thing to salvaging what’s left of the season. He went 9-3 at Duke, and didn’t come to Corvallis to lose.
If he can carry out properly in opposition to the Geese, it may encourage the remainder of the gamers to point out some combat.
The Beavers might not be capable of flip their season round, however crazier issues have occurred. They gotta have coronary heart.
Dangerous loss to North Texas doesn’t need to derail Washington State’s season
As a Washington State alum, I’m peeved by our fanbase proper now. It looks like a number of the Cougars devoted is falling into the negativity entice. I imply, we’re 2-1.
As humbling because the loss to North Texas was, the Imply Inexperienced just isn’t a FCS staff. They’re additionally undefeated.
The Cougs haven’t any time to lick their paws, as they host Washington within the Apple Cup this week. WSU in all probability received’t win the competition, however they gotta try to compete.
If Washington State can hold their morale afloat, they might nonetheless make a bowl recreation with winnable video games Colorado State, Louisiana Tech, and Oregon State, twice.
Initially of the season, many Coug followers would’ve been completely satisfied to be 2-1 three video games in. They should fill out Martin Stadium subsequent week and signify this system. Little doubt, Husky followers would fill theirs.
It’s simple to neglect that Mike Leach had three shedding seasons in Pullman earlier than swinging his sword. He additionally misplaced the 2015 opener to Portland State.
As ugly as final week was, Washington State may nonetheless be alright. Actual Cougs don’t give up.
Writes about soccer and basketball as a Senior Author and hosts “The Nick Bartlett Present” for SuperWest Sports activities.
