This was supposed to be a top-heavy year in the Pac-12, with No. 2 USC and No.?4 Oregon ruling their respective divisions. Not so fast. While the Trojans and Ducks won unimpressively Saturday, three lightly regarded teams from the league toppled ranked squads at home. Here are the teams making noise:
UCLA » After one winning season in five years, new coach Jim Mora Jr. guided the Bruins to a 36-30 upset of then-No.?16 Nebraska. Senior Johnathan Franklin (215.5 yards a game) is leading the nation in rushing, and redshirt freshman Brett Hundley has thrown for 507 yards and six touchdowns as UCLA ranks third in total offense.
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Oregon State » After two straight losing seasons, Mike Riley got off the hot seat as the Beavers toppled then-No. 13 Wisconsin 10-7, corralling Badgers Heisman Trophy candidate Montee Ball (15 carries, 61 yards) and swarming quarterback Danny O’Brien (20-for-38, 172 yards, sacked three times). It was Wisconsin’s lowest yardage total in five years.
Arizona » The Wildcats entered this season having lost 13 of their previous 17 games, but they rolled up 501 yards in a 59-38 spanking of then-No. 18 Oklahoma State. After waiting two years behind Nick Foles, dual-threat quarterback Matt Scott looks like a fit for the distinctive offense of new coach Rich Rodriguez, passing for 709 yards and running for 129 in two games.
– Kevin Dunleavy
