Pac-12 Round Up: Week 1

August 31, 2012; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Josh Nunes (6) passes the ball during the second quarter against the San Jose State Spartans at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

The Pac-12 finished the opening weekend with an 8-3 record. Here’s how it happened:

UCLA handled Rice, 49-24, in a Thursday night game littered with big plays and bizarre special teams mishaps. QB Brett Hundley led off with a 72-yard touchdown run on the first snap of his first game as a Bruin starter. Jonathan Franklin added two long scoring runs and finished with 214 yards and three touchdowns. However, the Bruins had three PATs blocked in a game that was in doubt until the fourth.

Stanford struggled in their Friday home opener with San Jose State, squeaking by the Trojans for a 20-17 victory. Andrew Luck’s replacement, Josh Nunes, threw a touchdown, had 125 yards and zero interceptions, but he didn’t lead the Cardinal when it counted on third down – they were just 2-13 on third down conversions, well below their 49% average from last year. Even though SJSU out-gained Stanford 288-280, they couldn’t finish a late drive to take the lead.

Cal faltered in their home opener against Nevada at the newly renovated Memorial Stadium. Zach Maynard led the Bears with two touchdowns after being benched for the first three series for missing a tutoring session over the summer. However, Wolfpack QB Cody Fajardo threw for 246 yards and ran for 99 yards and a touchdown, while RB Stefphon Jefferson added 150 yards and three touchdowns to complete 31-24 the upset.

Arizona State routed Northern Arizona, 63-6. Running back Marion Grice netted three touchdowns and quarterback Taylor Kelly efficiently collected 247 yards and a touchdown in his Sun Devil debut.

Arizona pulled out a 24-17 overtime win against Toledo. The Wildcats statistically dominated the Rockets, but three turnovers, two touchdowns called back by penalties, and two missed field goals kept the game close. QB Matt Scott secured the win with a 10-yard touchdown, his second of the game.

Washington grabbed a lead early and hung on to beat San Diego State, 21-12. Keith Price threw for 222 yards and a touchdown, but it was the new-look defense that stole the show with three turnovers, including a fumble return for a touchdown.

Washington State‘s new Air Raid offense fell short against BYU in a 30-5 loss. WSU’s Jeff Tuel threw two interceptions and struggled to get the offense going. Meanwhile BYU’s Riley Nelson amassed 285 yards and two touchdowns to secure the easy win.

Oregon demolished an outmatched Arkansas State team, 57-34. Marcus Mariota proved to be the real deal in his first start as the Ducks’ QB, leading the team with 200 yards and three touchdowns, two to De’Anthony Thomas who also added another TD rushing.

Oregon State’s game against Nicholls was postponed due to Hurricane Irene. It will likely be rescheduled in December.

Utah started slowly, but eventually found a groove and came away with a 41-0 win over Northern Colorado. Tailback John White carried for 119 yards and a touchdown while tight end Jake Murphy was dominant with six receptions, 78 yards and two TDs.

Colorado‘s season got off to a disappointing start as they fell to instate rivals Colorado State, 22-17. Quarterback Jordan Webb’s 187 yards and two touchdowns weren’t enough to overcome two Buffalo fumbles which set up two Ram touchdowns.