Pac-12 Round Up: Week 7

Oct. 13, 2012; South Bend, IN, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Stepfan Taylor (33) attempts to stretch across the goal line in overtime against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE

Arizona State (5-1) waited until viewers of the Thursday night Vice Presidential debate could tune in before blowing a surprisingly-small three-point half time lead into a dominant 51-17 win over Colorado (1-5). Rashad Ross returned the opening kickoff of the second half 100 yards and it was all ASU from there. QB Taylor Kelly  the Wildcats with 308 yards passing, 67 yards rushing and five touchdowns, three of which went to Marion Grice, whose five receptions and 101 yards topped all receivers.

UCLA (5-2) recovered from last week’s disappointing loss with a home win over Utah (2-4). Brett Hundley in particular rebounded from his four interception outing by throwing for an efficient 183 yards passing with one touchdown. He added 68 on the ground. Jonathan Franklin managed 79 yards, just the second time this season he’s been held to under 100 yards for just the second time this season, but added what turned out to be the deciding touchdown in the third quarter. Utah QB Travis Wilson had 220 yards passing, but threw an interception.

Stanford (4-2) fell in overtime to Notre Dame in rainy South Bend. The game concluded on a controversial call where it appeared that Stepfan Taylor stretched the ball across the goal line on 4th down, but was ruled down by contact on the field. Replay upheld the call. The Stanford offense produced just one field goal as Josh Nunes threw for a measly 125 yards and two interceptions, while Taylor finished with 102 yards. Everett Golson lost a fumble in the end zone and was later knocked out of the game. Tommy Rees was 4-4 for 43 yards and a touchdown in relief.

Oregon State (5-0) celebrated with In-N-Out again this week as they handled BYU, 42-24. It was actually close at 28-24 with nine minutes left in the game, but Marcus Wheaton added a rushing touchdown to go with his two receiving scores and then Jordan Poyer intercepted Riley Nelson, for a touchdown to put the game out of reach. Nelson finished with three interceptions, 305 yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile, the Beavers didn’t miss a beat without starter Sean Mannion as Cody Vaz had 332 yards and three touchdowns.

Cal (3-4) extended their win streak to two by beating Washington State, 31-17. The Cougars pulled Connor Halliday after he threw two interceptions in just ten passes. Jeff Tuel came in and threw for 302 yards and two touchdowns but it wasn’t enough to overcome Cal running back CJ Anderson’s 112 yards and two touchdowns. Zach Maynard threw two interceptions of his own, but also put up 187 yards through the air and 78 yards on the ground with a rushing and passing touchdown.