Dane Miller's Week 1 Pac-12 Football Previews

Posted on September 2, 2021


  By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports

College Football officially returns in full force for Week One of the 2021 season, bringing an end to the offseason discussions that have permeated social media over the summer.

And while the results of this weekend won’t determine the trajectory of the year, the final scores could indicate where the Pac-12 sits in the hierarchy of the Power 5.

Often discounted by the East Coast Media, the Conference of Champions has more Playoff wins than the Big 12, despite the committee invariably penciling in Oklahoma before the year even begins.

Forced to go undefeated or 12-1 with a well-respected defeat and a win in the Conference title game, the Pac-12’s march to the Playoff begins today.

I preview all 12 matchups here, and my picks, along with the other football writers, appear at the bottom.

Weber State (0-0) at Utah (0-0)

Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT
Thursday, September 2
4:30pm PT, Pac-12 Network

Kicking off the first of two games on Thursday night, Charlie Brewer and the Utah offense face in-state FCS opponent Weber State.

Favored by more than four touchdowns, the storylines to watch are Brewer’s efficiency in Kyle Whittingham’s offense and the production of Utah’s running backs.

Oklahoma transfer T.J. Pledger figures to get the first touch, but the UU depth chart lists four backs as possible starters. The yards per carry is the stat to keep an eye on, as the leading ball carrier in Salt Lake City has yet to be decided.

An early emergence of a star rusher behind Brewer would raise the projection of Utah’s ceiling in 2021.

But with arguably the Pac-12’s top defense, look for the Utes to generate several turnovers and hold Weber State to less than two touchdowns.

Southern Utah (0-1) at Arizona State (0-0)

Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, AZ
Thursday, September 2
7:30pm PT, Pac-12 Network

Saying all the right things in the buildup to this matchup, the Sun Devils aren’t overlooking the Thunderbirds.

The FCS opponent was blown out of the water by San Jose State in Week Zero, but Jayden Daniels and the Arizona State offense are ready to go full-pedal.

Although staying healthy is the primary goal, it’s not out of the question to expect Zak Hill’s offense to put up 50 points or more.

And after Southern Utah managed to score only 14 against San Jose State, Herm Edwards may challenge his defense to hold SUU scoreless.

Yet, favored by more than seven touchdowns, the microscope is arguably focused on ASU’s wide receivers. The position group is one of the few questions on the Sun Devil roster, and the emergence of a star wideout could do wonders for Edwards’ season.

Northern Colorado (0-0) at Colorado (0-0)

Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
Friday, September 3
6:00pm PT, Pac-12 Network

The Brendon Lewis Era officially begins in Boulder with a matchup against FCS opponent Northern Colorado on Friday night.

The defending Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year returns in running back Jarek Broussard, bolstered by a healthy Alex Fontenot and Ashaad Clayton.

The potent CU run game should be the star of the night, but Lewis’ chemistry with his receivers figures to be the development to watch.

Colorado’s Jarek Broussard | cubuffs.com

Dimitri Stanley is a potential All-Conference talent with Brendon Rice the Number Two threat. Yet, Lewis’ measuring stick against the Bears could well be his decision-making and efficiency.

Keeping his throws under control and limiting turnovers might be more important to the success of CU’s season than lighting the world on fire through the air.

And with the return of Nate Landman and Carson Wells on defense, the Buffs should hold UNCO to no more than two touchdowns.

Stanford (0-0) v. Kansas State (0-0)

AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
Saturday, September 4
9:00am PT, FS1

In an early-morning neutral sight matchup with the Big 12, the Cardinal are the first to carry the Pac-12’s torch against a quality opponent in the 2021 season.

The result of this game will likely be noted by the Playoff Committee, if only to gauge the strength of the two conferences at the end of the season.

Stanford’s Austin Jones | Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The Wildcats are on a five-game losing streak and Stanford is probably undervalued heading into the season. A defeat would damage the Conference of Champions brand in the short run, but the Tree are primed for a strong year on the ground.

Austin Jones might be the top running back in the Pac-12, and David Shaw has his strongest offensive line in years. Led by Walter Rouse, the efficiency of Stanford’s run game could overshadow the quarterback battle still raging between Jack West and Tanner McKee.

Fresno State (1-0) v. No. 11 Oregon (0-0)

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
Saturday, September 4
11:00am PT, Pac-12 Network

The Ducks face a Fresno State team coming off a shellacking of UConn in Week Zero, setting the table for a solid warm up game for the matchup with Ohio State next week.

Projected by some as the Pac-12 team most likely to make the Playoff, Oregon’s impression on the Committee starts in this matchup.

Oregon’s Anthony Brown | John McGillen/USC Athletics

Anthony Brown leads the way under center after winning the starting role over true freshman Ty Thompson, and the UO starting backfield has returned to full health after CJ Verdell was hampered last year.

With weapons to pass to in Mycah Pittman and Johnny Johnson III, the Oregon offense projects to shine. And after the naming of true freshman Troy Franklin as one of the starting receivers, the Ducks should handle their business against the Bulldogs.

[Sign up for the FREE superwestsports.com newsletter and get Pac-12 news and features sent to your email inbox daily.]

San Jose State (1-0) v. No. 15 USC (0-0)

Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, September 4
2:00pm PT, Pac-12 Network

After winning the Mountain West in 2020 and finishing the season 7-1, San Jose State enters the Coliseum full of confidence. But this isn’t the West Division of the MWC, and the Trojans are no Southern Utah.

Yet, returning their starting quarterback and second-leading running back, the Spartans are not an easy out. The Trojans are favored by just two touchdowns and some view this matchup as closer than expected.

USC’s Keaontay Ingram | Keith Birmingham/Pasadena Star-News

Graham Harrell’s Air-Raid is not friendly to the USC running backs, but Texas transfer Keaontay Ingram could force the pass-heavy coordinator to alter his play calling.

The effectiveness of the Trojan ground game figures to loom large this year, with a stronger rushing attack undoubtedly relieving pressure on the offensive line which struggled last year to protect the quarterback.

From the 30,000 foot perspective, USC’s red zone efficiency in this matchup is the statistic to watch that could indicate the success of its season.

Oregon State (0-0) at Purdue (0-0)

Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN
Saturday, September 4
4:00pm PT, FS1

Sam Noyer has been named the starting quarterback for the Beavers, raising expectations for their season. Last year, the potency of the ground game on the back of Jermar Jefferson probably covered up mediocre quarterback play at times.

But Noyer is a stronger runner than Tristan Gebbia and has the potential to be a more efficient passer depending on decision-making. And on the road against Purdue, taking care of the football could arguably be the difference in the game.

Oregon State’s Sam Noyer | Leon Neuschwander for The Oregonian

If the Oregon State defense forces more than one turnover and its offense holds steady, a victory over the Big 10 opponent wouldn’t be a shock.

Purdue is on a four-game losing streak and Jonathan Smith has built momentum within his program over the past several seasons.

If ever there was a time for a statement nonconference win on the road, this is it.

Montana (0-0) at No. 20 Washington (0-0)

Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA
Saturday, September 4
5:00pm PT, Pac-12 Network

Facing FCS opponent Montana, the Dawgs get an easy initial test before their battle with Michigan.

Dylan Morris retained the starting role under center, and the Husky defense projects to once again lead the way.

Avoiding injuries and allowing playing time for the second and third string players is arguably the goal in this matchup, but getting Morris into a rhythm might take precedence.

Washington’s Dylan Morris | Bettina Hansen / The Seattle Times

There’s no reason this game should be close, and any struggles from the Washington offense would be examined by the Michigan coaching staff next week.

Ideally, Sam Huard will play most of the second half and Jimmy Lake will be able to keep part of his playbook under wraps.

But the development to watch is UW’s adjustment to new defensive coordinator Bob Gregory. Washington has allowed just three touchdowns to FCS opponents since 2015, and holding the Grizzlies to a goose egg could be the team goal.

No. 16 LSU (0-0) at UCLA (1-0)

Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
Saturday, September 4
5:30pm PT, Fox

Arguably overrated, LSU enters the Rose Bowl with an army of fans behind it.

This matchup is the Game of the Week for the Pac-12, and a victory over the Tigers would substantial boost the Conference’s image. Two seasons removed from its National Championship, LSU gave up 492 yards per game last year and stumbled its way to a 5-5 mark.

Forced to start their second-string quarterback against the Bruins after starter Myles Brennan suffered a broken arm, the opportunity is there for the taking.

UCLA’s Dorian Thompson-Robinson |Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press

UCLA’s defense shut down Hawaii in Week Zero, but the traditional powerhouse Tigers out of the SEC are no Rainbow Warriors.

Yet, if Jerry Azzinaro’s defense plays like it did last week, the deciding-factor could be the production of Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the passing game.

Ed Orgeron figures to stack the box against the Bruin run game, daring DTR to beat them through the air. And on the biggest stage to date of the Chip Kelly Era, it’s DTR’s time to shine.

BYU v. Arizona

Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Saturday, September 4
7:30pm PT, ESPN

In what is shaping up to be the most-attended college football game in the history of the State of Nevada, Arizona takes on BYU at Allegiant Stadium.

Washington State transfer Gunner Cruz is set to start the game for the Wildcats, but Jedd Fisch has indicated that Will Plummer will get an opportunity as well.

Led by its wide receivers, the UA offense must implement its new Pro-Style scheme against an older BYU defense.

Arizona’s Stanley Berryhill III | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

Stanley Berryhill III and Tayvian Cunningham are the primary weapons on the edges, and it will be up to the Cats’ quarterbacks to get the ball in the playmakers’ hands.

At the end of the day, a game-changing play on special teams from Cunningham could be the difference. Yet, the play of Don Brown’s defense and its ability to slow down BYU figures to be the key to an Arizona upset.

Nevada at California

Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, September 4
7:30pm PT, FS1

It’s only Week One, but the Bears seemingly face a “can’t lose” matchup against Nevada in Berkeley. The Wolfpack finished 2020 with a record of 7-2 and a victory over Tulane in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

Defending Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year and starting quarterback Carson Strong returns to lead the Nevada offense that put up 30.8 points per game.

Cal’s Christopher Brooks | Cal Athletics

But the Wolf Pack’s weakness is its defense, and Chase Garbers should be able to put up points with a healthy Christopher Brooks in the backfield.

The X-Factor, though, is the departure of defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter to Oregon and the attenuating effect it has on the Cal defense.

In a classic strong offense vs. strong defense matchup, the head to head battle between the strengths of each program will likely determine the result. If California frustrates Nevada’s offense, the Bears should find a way to win.

Utah State vs. Washington State

Martin Stadium, Pullman, WA
Saturday, September 4
8:00pm PT, Pac-12 Network

The final game of the Pac-12’s Week One slate, Nick Rolovich’s Cougars take on Utah State in Pullman. The Aggies were 1-5 last year and haven’t won a nonconference road game since the 2018 season.

Max Borghi enters the year fully healthy after missing most of last season with an injury, and Deon McIntosh returns alongside him to create a one-two punch that projects to be among the top in the Pac-12.

Washington State’s Max Borghi | WSU Athletics

Running the ball about a third of the time, Rolovich’s Run-and-Shoot should carve up the Utah State defense.

But the storyline to watch is the quarterback battle and the effectiveness of the named starter. Rolovich is hesitant to play a two-quarterback system, and the production of the starter could generate controversy if he doesn’t meet expectations.

Yet, after a formal offseason to implement his schemes, the improvement of Jake Dickert’s defense might be the key to the game.

[Read Stephen Vilardo’s Week 1 Previews by the Numbers]