Title game berths on line in Pac-12
Two down, four to go. Stanford and USC have secured victories in rivalry games this season, but there are four left in the Pac-12 with both berths in the league championship game still on the line.
Colorado controls its own destiny when it hosts Utah on Saturday. With a win, the Buffaloes claim the Pac-12 South Division outright. If Colorado loses, it drops into a tie in the standings with USC, and the Trojans, who have finished conference play, will win the South because they beat the Buffaloes 2117 back on Oct. 8.
The showdown between Washington and Washington in the Apple Cup on Friday night will decide the Pac-12 North. Both teams are 7-1 in conference play.
The league title game is set for Friday, Dec. 2, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Stanford won the Big Game against rival Cal 4531 last weekend and now finishes the regular season at home against Rice, while the Golden Bears host UCLA. The Trojans, who beat the rival Bruins 36-14 at the Rose Bowl, host longtime non-conference rival Notre Dame on Saturday.A look at the conference rivalry games this weekend in the Pac-12: Series began: 1900. victory in the biggest comeback in Apple Cup history and gave Mike Leach the rivalry win in his first season with the Cougars. Of course, the 2002 triple-overtime marathon in Pullman is high on the list: The Huskies upset the No. 3 Cougars 29-26.
This year: The game is crucial to the Huskies (10-1 overall) to preserve a shot at the College Football Playoff. Washington is currently No. 6 in both the CFP rankings and the Top 25 . Series began: 1894. Series record: Oregon leads 63-46-10.
Trophy: Called the Civil War, the game’s unofficial prize is the Platypus Trophy, awarded each year to the alumni association of the winning team. Lore has it that the platypus was chosen because it has a duck bill and a beaver tail, so it represents the mascots of both schools.
Why it’s a big deal: The winner will avoid finishing in the Pac-12 North basement. Three teams — Oregon, Oregon State and Cal — are currently 2-6 in league play with one game to go.
Best game: The Ducks entered the 1994 Civil War tied with USC for the Pac-10 championship and needed a win to clinch their first Rose Bowl berth since 1957. Trailing 13-10, Danny O’Neil drove the team 70 yards, hitting Dino Philyaw for a 19yard touchdown with 3:47 to play, giving Oregon a 17-13 victory.
This year: The Ducks have just four wins this season, but they’re coming off a 30-28 upset of No. 11 Utah.
ARIZONA STATE ARIZONA
Series began: 1899. Series record: Arizona leads 48-40-1.
Trophy: Territorial Cup, which is recognized by the NCAA as the oldest rivalry trophy.
Why it’s a big deal: It’s at Arizona Stadium, which is key because the home team has won in each of the past three seasons and the Wildcats are still looking for their first conference win. Arizona and Rutgers are the only two teams in the Power Five conference that are winless in their leagues.
Best Game: Arizona was ranked No. 12 and Arizona State was No. 8 in 1975 when the two teams met with the Fiesta Bowl in reach. Arizona State receiver John Jefferson made an amazing catch to narrow Arizona’s lead to 14-10.