Week 14 ACC, Pac-12: OSU-WSU Half 2 to Set Tone for 2026

California

California’s loss to Stanford could also be the most effective factor that’s occurred to this system in a very long time. Despite the fact that the Golden Bears have had a stable yr underneath Justin Wilcox, they’ve lacked consistency.

This transfer permits this system to start out looking for its new Head Coach earlier than the bowl season.

There are loads of names to think about, and it’s too early, however DeSean Jackson can be a notable choice. Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi is the present favourite, based on varied sources.

Cal has already certified for a bowl, however a win towards SMU may get them into a much bigger recreation. At present, ESPN has them projected to play within the Hawaii Bowl.

However earlier than the postseason begins, the Bears have a possibility to play spoiler this week towards the Mustangs. SMU secures a berth within the ACC title recreation with a victory towards Cal.

If the Golden Bears wish to pull off the upset, they’ll have to restrict the Stangs’ passing assault, which ranks 14th nationally in yards per recreation.

In concept, the Bears match up effectively on this contest, however logic doesn’t apply to Cal video games. Both manner, this is a chance for them to point out what they must a possible new coach.

Notes

• Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele ranks fifth nationally with 412 passing makes an attempt.
• Jacob De Jesus ranks third within the nation with 87 catches.
• Hezekiah Plenty is tied third nationally with 5 interceptions.
• Justin Wilcox completed with a 48-55 report at Cal.

Stanford

What an epic win for Stanford. The Cardinal performed effectively towards Cal and secured an enormous victory that ought to bolster their program going ahead.

Minus the Hawaii loss, Stanford has a formidable first season underneath the mix of Andrew Luck and Frank Reich.

Reich was solely employed for one season, however they might take into account re-hiring him for a second yr. However earlier than the offseason, the Tree do have yet another contest towards Notre Dame.

After their win towards the Golden Bears, strain has been faraway from this rivalry. They’ll play free and throw the bag on the Combating Irish.

The Cardinal is outmatched from a expertise standpoint, but when they will replicate the best way they performed within the first half towards Miami for 4 quarters, it’s potential.

If Stanford’s going to compete on this matchup, they have to cease the speeding duo of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Worth, who’ve. mixed for 1,965 yards and 27 speeding touchdowns.

This may bode effectively for the Tree, which ranks twenty fifth in speeding yards allowed per contest, and have a stable purple zone protection.

The Cardinal will most likely lose, however no less than they’ve a enjoyable matchup to finish their marketing campaign.

Notes

• Elijah Brown has thrown for 625 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
• CJ Williams is tied thirty fifth nationally with six landing receptions.
• Micah Ford leads the crew in speeding makes an attempt, speeding yards, and speeding touchdowns with 145, 643, and 4.
• Matt Rose is ranked twenty fifth within the nation with 97 complete tackles (Linebacker).

Washington State

Washington State must discover a solution to end video games subsequent yr. The Cougars performed James Madison robust, however let the competition slip away within the second half.

This additionally occurred towards Virginia earlier this season. From a holistic standpoint, the important thing to WSU’s yr depends on beating Oregon State of their last recreation.

If the Cougs can knock off the Beavers, they’ll seize their sixth win and qualify for the postseason. A loss, they usually’re 5-7 with two losses to one of many worst FBS groups within the nation.

The results of this recreation dictates how Washington State’s season will probably be perceived by their fanbase.

The important thing to beating the Beavs this time round is scoring greater than seven factors. The Cougars protection may additionally do a greater job stopping Anthony Hankerson, however that’s nitpicky.

Oregon State enters this contest with a whole lack of momentum.

Since upsetting the Cougs, the Beavs have misplaced to each Sam Houston State and Tulsa. There’s nothing else to say aside from this can be a should win for Washington State, a loss is catastrophic.

Notes

• Zevi Eckhaus has thrown for 1,563 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. He’s additionally added 274 yards and 7 touchdowns on the bottom.
• Josh Meredith is tied 94th nationally with 47 receptions.
• Kirby Vorhees leads the crew in speeding makes an attempt and speeding yards with 124 and 534 yards. He additionally added 4 touchdowns on the bottom.
• Isaac Terrell is tied at forty ninth within the nation with 5.5 sacks (Defensive Finish).

Oregon State

Oregon State is in an fascinating spot proper now, however with hopes on the horizon.

Nobody is aware of precisely what the Beavers’ subsequent transfer is, however Brent Vigen was noticed in Portland, which suggests he’s most likely interviewing for the teaching job. Vigen has been quiet about his journey, including additional intrigue.

So far as OSU’s subsequent contest, they’ll look to get a repeat victory over Washington State. The Beavers protection performed phenomenal within the first outing towards the Cougars, and Anthony Hankerson chipped in 132 yards and the Beavs solely landing through the bottom.

It ought to show tougher in Pullman, particularly with the Cougs in search of bowl eligibility. Oregon State additionally doesn’t have a a longtime beginning quarterback coming into this matchup. They’ve used three completely different sign callers this yr.

Whoever will get the nod will have to be ready towards a WSU protection that ranks thirty seventh in factors allowed per recreation.

He’ll additionally have to reap the benefits of Washington State’s offense on third downs. The Cougars rank one hundred and first in third down conversion share.

If the Beavs can beat the Cougs once more, they’re Pac-12 champs. Perhaps they will do it twice.

Notes

• Tristan Ti’a has thrown for 145 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
• Anthony Hankerson is tied third nationally with 231 speeding makes an attempt.
• Trent Walker is twenty fourth within the nation with 762 receiving yards.
• Aiden Sullivan is tied fifteenth nationally with three pressured fumbles (Linebacker).