Arizona Upends California; Four Teams Share Pac-10 Lead

The Pac-10 race is jumbled after Arizona defeated California last night. The Golden Bears slid from first place to fifth. California (2-1) is one-half game behind the co-leaders USC, Arizona, Oregon and Oregon State, all of which are 3-1 in conference play. Stanford (3-2) is alone in sixth place. UCLA (2-2) and Arizona State (1-2) are next. Washington (0-4) and Washington State are at the bottom.

Arizona 42, California 27: The Wildcats have a veteran quarterback they trust in Willie Tuitama. The Golden Bears don’t. That was the difference Saturday. California led, 27-21, in the third quarter before Arizona scored the game’s last three touchdowns.

UCLA 23, Stanford 20: I got this one right. Neither team played exceptionally well. That should be expected of also-ran teams. However, UCLA was able to hold Stanford to a field goal on the Cardinal’s final drive. Stanford led by just four points, 20-16, instead of by eight points. Bruin quarterback Kevin Craft struggled most of the way again but conjured a last drive including a touchdown pass with 10 seconds to play. It’s clear now both teams finish in the middle of the conference pack.

Oregon State 34, Washington 13: The Beavers did what they were expected to do. They handled an overmatched opponent. Washington needs to play the Apple Cup against Washington State now. Combined with Idaho, the three worst I-A teams in the nation are likely in the Northwest.

USC 69, Washington State 0: Ouch! The Cougars had absolutely nothing to show Saturday. USC played well for a half, leading 41-0, before letting the reserves pound on WSU during the second half. The question is, will the Trojans be overconfident heading into their showdown in Tucson next week against Arizona?