By Nick Bartlett, SuperWest Sports activities
It was a tough week for the 4 groups from the West within the Pac-12 and ACC.
Oregon State and Washington State fell sufferer to their in-state rivals in sobering routs.
Cal and Stanford every noticed the momentum from their earlier week’s residence wins go up in smoke on the highway.
Right here’s my tackle all 4 groups heading into Week 5.
Expertise Disparity Too A lot for Cougars vs. Huskies
Washington State performed effectively by means of three quarters earlier than Washington broke open the sport. The Husky offense proved unstoppable for the Cougars’ protection; they didn’t power a punt within the contest.
WSU at all times desires to beat UW, however the expertise disparity was just a bit an excessive amount of for the Cougs.
The Cougars ought to be ok with their progress within the rebuilding course of. They don’t have any egregious losses, they usually nonetheless have winnable video games on their schedule.
One other plus for Wazzu is discovering a beginning quarterback, though nothing is for certain with Jimmy Rogers. Zevi Eckhaus appeared good within the Apple Cup, and the Dawgs have the most effective protection WSU has performed this season.
A 2-2 file is a good spot for Butch T. and the Cougars to be, however a win in Fort Collins is a should. WSU’s schedule will get extraordinarily troublesome after Colorado State.
WSU has a bye earlier than going through Ole Miss and Virginia on the highway. If Washington State want to make a bowl, a win this week is every thing.
Struggling Beavers Going through Should-Win State of affairs vs. Houston
Oregon State is in a brutal spot. The loss to Oregon ought to’ve been anticipated, however their schedule stays troublesome all through the subsequent month.
If the Beavers need to do something with their season, they’ll have to win two out of their subsequent three matchups.
They host Houston and Wake Forest, and journey to App State in between.
The matchup towards the Cougars is a life vest for his or her season. If they will win this sport, they’ll acquire important momentum earlier than touring to Boone.
UH is undefeated, however they’re not the Geese. That is the kind of matchup the Beavers should win in the event that they need to re-establish themselves as a aggressive staff.
The Beavs have the expertise to compete with the Cougars, however they gotta make Conner Weigman uncomfortable. Weigman has carried out effectively this yr, however struggled in 2024 at Texas A&M.
Houston traditionally has an excellent protection, so if he will get going, Oregon State may not be capable of hold tempo.
A loss may warmth up Trent Bray’s seat significantly, making it a second of transition.
Bears Should Rebound Rapidly After Sudden Loss to San Diego State
What the flavour occurred to Cal final week? The Golden Bears’ loss was sudden, however the way it occurred was flabbergasting.
Fortunately for Justin Wilcox, San Diego State isn’t within the ACC and Cal faces Boston School this week.
Sadly, any such early-season defeat has change into all-too-regular below Wilcox. But it surely’s how Cal responds that’ll decide its destiny.
The Bears began off 3-0 a season in the past, then misplaced their subsequent 4 video games.
The Eagles are a gentle touchdown spot, even when the matchup is in Chestnut Hill, however Cal can’t afford to lose this. A loss to BC would deliver again all of the recollections of final yr, and would possibly get Ol’ Ball Coach again on the new seat.
The play of Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele was notably disappointing. Whereas he was capable of transfer the ball every now and then, throwing for 208 yards, he left the sport with two interceptions and no touchdowns.
There’s a good likelihood that the Golden Bears missed SDSU and will likely be able to go subsequent week. Typically issues occur. However some issues can’t occur twice.
Stanford Seems to Bounce Again (Once more) vs. San Jose State
Stanford suffered a tricky loss final week in Charlottesville.
The Virginia offense proved an excessive amount of, scoring 48 factors and tallying 590 yards of offense. Chandler Morris threw for 380 yards and 4 touchdowns for the Cavaliers.
This loss was doubly robust as a result of it was one of many few video games on the Tree’s remaining schedule that appeared winnable.
Stanford will get a bounceback sport towards San Jose State this week, however then they enter the thick of ACC play.
If the Cardinal need to retain any curiosity degree from their fanbase, they can not lose to the Spartans.
Ben Gulbranson performed effectively final week for the second straight week.
And Bryce Farrell is beginning to turn into an influence receiver. Farrell has 207 yards and one landing in his final two video games.
If Micah Ford can play the best way he did towards Boston School, this offense may show first rate.
Stanford doesn’t have loads of expectations, however a win towards SJSU could be two outta three, and would hold them within the combine for the postseason.
Writes about soccer and basketball as a Senior Author and hosts “The Nick Bartlett Present” for SuperWest Sports activities.
