Pac-12 Week 3: 7 teams remain undefeated, UCLA suffers 1st loss


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A FOOTBALL FIELD NEAR YOU — Seven Pac-12 teams are undefeated entering league play.

Cal, Colorado, Oregon, Utah, USC, Washington and Washington State have a perfect record through three weeks. UCLA suffered its first loss in a close competition against Memphis.

Here’s a look at how play went for the conference of champions.

Arizona (2-1) at UTEP (0-3)

Score: Arizona 63, UTEP 16

Game recap: As a 25-point favorite, Arizona struggled against winless UTEP in a scoreless first quarter. The Wildcats went on to score 28 unanswered points thanks to three Brandon Dawkins touchdowns and a Shun Brown 63-yard punt return. UTEP scored nine points before the half, but with Arizona already at 35, a comeback wasn’t in the cards.

Key stat: The Wildcats went 4 for 4 on fourth downs.

Conference implication: Arizona has played 24 freshmen in the first three games of the season. This young team will need consistency as it heads into conference play next week.

Next opponent: Arizona hosts Utah on Friday.

> .[@ShunBrown16](https://twitter.com/ShunBrown16) put 'em in a spiral. 😳 Feast your eyes on the [@OpusBank](https://twitter.com/OpusBank) [\#12Best](https://twitter.com/hashtag/12Best?src=hash) Moment for [@ArizonaFBall](https://twitter.com/ArizonaFBall). [pic.twitter.com/pODesFVx5U](https://t.co/pODesFVx5U) > > — Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) [September 16, 2017](https://twitter.com/Pac12Network/status/908930911927902208)

Arizona State (1-2) at Texas Tech (2-0)

Score: Texas Tech 52, Arizona State 45

Game recap: Arizona State rallied from a three-score deficit to tie the score halfway through the fourth quarter. The Sun Devils forced Texas Tech to go three-and-out on the following drive but couldn’t capitalize on offense. The Red Raiders got the ball back with just under two minutes left. They went 90 yards in 12 plays to score on a 3-yard run to escape with a win.

Key stat: Arizona State rushed for a season-high 168 yards.

Conference implication: The Sun Devils were down 18 points on two occasions and came from behind to give themselves a chance. However, this is the first time in six seasons that they finished with a losing non-conference record.

Next opponent: Arizona State hosts Oregon on Saturday.

> REAL. DEAL. N'KEAL. [@footballasu](https://twitter.com/FootballASU) has TIED the game. [\#ASUvsTTU](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASUvsTTU?src=hash) > > (📺 [@foxsports](https://twitter.com/FOXSports)) [pic.twitter.com/AeyHrDWHSO](https://t.co/AeyHrDWHSO) > > — Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) [September 17, 2017](https://twitter.com/Pac12Network/status/909269146356957184)

California (3-0) vs. Ole Miss (2-1)

Score: Cal 27, Ole Miss 16

Game recap: Cal put 20 second-half points on the scoreboard while the defense held Ole Miss scoreless in the second half to capture the win. With three minutes in the game and up by four, freshman linebacker Cameron Goode locked in the win with a 32-yard pick six.

Key stat: The Bears have trailed at halftime in every game this season but have come from behind with 57 total points to win.

Conference implication: The Bears' defense is improving. They had three interceptions and forced punts on five-straight drives.

Next opponent: Cal hosts USC on Saturday.

> When your pick-six is so Goode you're the [@OpusBank](https://twitter.com/OpusBank) [\#12Best](https://twitter.com/hashtag/12Best?src=hash) Moment! [\#Pac12FB](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pac12FB?src=hash) [pic.twitter.com/FXcpPyH07p](https://t.co/FXcpPyH07p) > > — Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) [September 17, 2017](https://twitter.com/Pac12Network/status/909302455946534913)

Colorado (3-0) vs. Northern Colorado (1-1)

Score: Colorado 41, Northern Colorado 21

Game recap: After Northern Colorado marched 70 yards to start the game 7-0, Colorado responded with 28 unanswered points. At the end of the first half, the Bears added another touchdown to stay in the game. They continued scoring with the opening kickoff to cut the Buffs’ lead by one score. However, Colorado separated itself in the second half with three more touchdowns and denied Northern Colorado another score to ensure a win.

Key stat: Colorado quarterback Steven Montez threw for 357 yards and four touchdowns, both career highs.

Conference implication: It’s the first time the Buffs are 3-0 to start the season since 2008 thanks to some offensive consistency. They’ll need to strive for perfection as they enter conference play.

Next opponent: Colorado hosts Washington on Saturday.

> Steven Montez dances from danger and gets it to Shay Fields for the [@OpusBank](https://twitter.com/OpusBank) [\#12Best](https://twitter.com/hashtag/12Best?src=hash) Moment![\#UNCOvsCU](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNCOvsCU?src=hash) [pic.twitter.com/0qJFW9xvqy](https://t.co/0qJFW9xvqy) > > — Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) [September 16, 2017](https://twitter.com/Pac12Network/status/909166261275213824)

Oregon (3-0) at Wyoming (1-2)

Score: Oregon 49, Wyoming 13

Game recap: The Ducks scored on their first two possessions thanks to running back Royce Freeman. But a muffed punt and fumble let Wyoming score 10 points to cut Oregon’s lead. The Ducks' defense buckled down while the offense added four more touchdowns before halftime. By then the game was in Oregon’s hands as it led 42-10.

Key stat: Oregon scored 42 points in the first half for the third time in three games this season.

Conference implication: The Ducks are off to a rolling start as they’re 3-0 for the first time since 2014 entering conference play.

Next opponent: Oregon travels to Arizona State on Saturday.

> TOUCHDOWN! Freeman with his THIRD touchdown of the first half and Oregon leads Wyoming, 35-10. [\#GoDucks](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoDucks?src=hash) [pic.twitter.com/dkEfoc8U0Y](https://t.co/dkEfoc8U0Y) > > — Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) [September 17, 2017](https://twitter.com/oregonfootball/status/909219112483643393)

Oregon State (1-3, 0-1 Pac-12) at Washington State (3-0, 1-0)

Score: Washington State 52, Oregon State 23

Game recap: Quarterback Luke Falk got Washington State on the scoreboard halfway through the first quarter and piled on the touchdowns throughout the game to win. Two of Oregon State’s three touchdowns came from running back Ryan Nall, who rushed for 118 yards. Falk and Company were deemed too much for this Beavers team.

Key stat: Falk completed 37 of 49 passes for 396 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions.

Conference implication: The Cougars are off to their best start under sixth-year coach Mike Leach. Falk is consistent and can lead Washington State to a division title.

The Beavers continue to struggle, losing 14-consecutive road games. Things continue to go downhill as quarterback Jake Luton was injured in the fourth quarter and was carted off the field.

Next opponent: Washington State hosts Nevada on Saturday. Oregon State enters its bye week.

> TOUCHDOWN WASHINGTON STATE! [\#GoCougs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoCougs?src=hash) [pic.twitter.com/yRZLQ35pKx](https://t.co/yRZLQ35pKx) > > — WSU Cougar Football (@wsucougfb) [September 17, 2017](https://twitter.com/wsucougfb/status/909209146620125184)

Stanford (1-2, 0-1) at San Diego State (3-0)

Score: San Diego State 20, Stanford 17

Game recap: After a scoreless first quarter, the game was close throughout the last three quarters. Running back Bryce Love gave Stanford the lead twice, including a 53-yard run to boost its score to 17-13 to start the fourth quarter. To make things even more interesting, the power went out for 25 minutes near the end of the game. The Aztecs lit up as the lights came back on and scored an 8-yard touchdown with 54 seconds to win.

Key stat: The Cardinal finished with 64 passing yards.

Conference implication: Though Love had a career night, the Cardinal have less-than-great games the past two weekends. Stanford needs to execute its playbook before playing division foes.

Next opponent: Stanford hosts UCLA on Saturday.

> ¯\_(ツ)\_/¯ [\#Pac12InTheDark](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pac12InTheDark?src=hash) [pic.twitter.com/TLjLjzuBV0](https://t.co/TLjLjzuBV0) > > — Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) [September 17, 2017](https://twitter.com/StanfordFball/status/909295176622809089)

UCLA (2-1) at Memphis (2-0)

Score: Memphis 48, UCLA 45

Game recap: UCLA suffered its first loss of the season with a scoring shootout that saw seven lead changes. The Tigers got on the scoreboard quickly, set up by an 80-yard reception on their first possession. UCLA’s first lead came in the beginning of the second quarter; however, Memphis scored 13 unanswered points, which helped it go into halftime with a 27-24 lead. The Tigers' defense continued to make key stops, including an interception and 42-yard return in the red zone, and denied UCLA on fourth and five to seal the upset.

Key stat: The Bruins net a season high of 633 offensive yards.

Conference implication: UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen made some bad decisions that led to turnovers, which the Tigers capitalized on. If Memphis was able to score off UCLA’s mistakes, Pac-12 foes will certainly do the same.

Next opponent: UCLA travels to Stanford on Saturday.

> This Rosen to Andrews touchdown is the [@OpusBank](https://twitter.com/OpusBank) [\#12Best](https://twitter.com/hashtag/12Best?src=hash) Moment! [\#UCLAvsMEM](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLAvsMEM?src=hash) [pic.twitter.com/m8Ufom6a28](https://t.co/m8Ufom6a28) > > — Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) [September 16, 2017](https://twitter.com/Pac12Network/status/909150765779886080)

USC (3-0, 1-0) vs. Texas (1-2)

Score: USC 27, Texas 24

Game recap: The score was close throughout the game with USC at a 14-7 halftime advantage. Texas freshman quarterback Sam Ehlinger led the Longhorns 91 yards downfield to set up a field goal and the lead with 45 seconds left in the game. The Trojans answered with a field goal of their own as time expired to take the game into overtime. Texas reached the goal line in the second overtime, but USC lineman Christian Rector forced a fumble that ultimately set up a Trojans field goal to clinch the win.

Key stat: The Trojans have won 12 straight games and 12 consecutive home games.

Conference implication: In its first two games, USC scored a combined 91 points. Texas held the Trojans to a closer game than most anticipated.

Next opponent: USC travels to Cal on Saturday.

> USC's defense steps up yet again! It's USC's ball on the 25. [\#FightOn](https://twitter.com/hashtag/FightOn?src=hash) [pic.twitter.com/UQW4T1RLuQ](https://t.co/UQW4T1RLuQ) > > — USC Trojans (@USC\_Athletics) [September 17, 2017](https://twitter.com/USC_Athletics/status/909275071083986945)

Utah (3-0) vs. San Jose State (1-3)

Score: Utah 54, San Jose State 16

Game recap: Utah started slow, then pressed the gas pedal to race ahead of San Jose State. The first quarter started with three Utes field goals, including a 56-yarder from Matt Gay. Quarterback Tyler Huntley connected with receiver Darren Carrington for three of his four touchdowns. By halftime, the Utes led 30-13, confident in their game plan.

Key stat: The passing game is clicking for the Utes as Huntley threw for 341 yards and four touchdowns and Carrington recorded his third-straight 100-yard game with three touchdowns.

Conference implication: The Utes’ defense is powerful as ever. Their special teams is exquisite per usual. Now the offense is rolling. Utah is improving every week, which is promising as it enters its conference schedule.

Next opponent: Utah travels to Arizona on Friday.

> Darren Carrington was Ute Proud tonight! His 3 TDs make up the [\#SJSUvsUTAH](https://twitter.com/hashtag/SJSUvsUTAH?src=hash) [@opusbank](https://twitter.com/OpusBank) [\#12Best](https://twitter.com/hashtag/12Best?src=hash) Moment. [\#Pac12FB](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pac12FB?src=hash) [pic.twitter.com/p1gNYhM3aa](https://t.co/p1gNYhM3aa) > > — Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) [September 17, 2017](https://twitter.com/Pac12Network/status/909298863772639232)

Washington (3-0) vs Fresno State (1-2)

Score: Washington 48, Fresno State 16

Game recap: Receiver Dante Pettis led Washington with four touchdowns to a win over Fresno State. Two of his scores came in the first quarter where the game got out of hand for the Bulldogs. The Huskies led 41-7 going into the half. Fresno State scored nine unanswered points in field goals at the end of the game, but Washington’s victory was already stamped in the books.

Key stat: Pettis returned a punt for a touchdown for the third-straight game. He now has eight in his career, tying for the NCAA record.

Conference implication: Washington needs to improve its run game. Fresno State allowed 305 rushing yards in last week’s game against Alabama. The Huskies yielded just 92 yards.

Next opponent: Washington travels to Colorado on Saturday.

> WOOF! Browning ➡️ Pettis for a 73-yard touchdown! [\#PurpleReign](https://twitter.com/hashtag/PurpleReign?src=hash) > > Watch: [@Pac12Network](https://twitter.com/Pac12Network) [pic.twitter.com/p5JZ70oQyZ](https://t.co/p5JZ70oQyZ) > > — UW Football (@UW\_Football) [September 17, 2017](https://twitter.com/UW_Football/status/909259001954656262)

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