College Football: Four Must-Watch Pac-12 Games For Week 12

The Pac-12 is again loaded with marquee games that all fans should tune in to

Author:
Kevin Borba
Publish date:
Nov 17, 2023 12:52 PM EST

In this story:

The College football regular season has two weeks remaining, which means just about every game from here on out determines the fate of someone's season.

Some teams are hoping to reach a bowl game, some have College Football Playoff aspirations, and others teams are just hoping to cause chaos because neither of those things is in the cards for them. The Week 12 Pac-12 slate has a little bit of everything and is also the last time that some teams will play against one another which makes it that much more special.

With conference title and College Football Playoff hopes at stake, among other scenarios, here are the four games that stand out as must-watch.

#22 Utah vs. #17 Arizona

Jan 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Utah Utes running back Ja'Quinden Jackson (3) scores a touchdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the second quarter of the 109th Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports — Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Favorite: Arizona (-1)

The Utah Utes are a long shot to make the Pac-12 title game, but they still have a chance despite being decimated by injuries. Standing in their way is the hottest team in the conference, and maybe even college football. The Arizona Wildcats have won four straight, three of which came over a ranked opponent. They are looking to continue their dream season, and surpass seven wins for the first time since 2014. The loser of this game is out of Pac-12 title contention, so the stakes are as high as ever for both.

Cal vs. Stanford

Nov 20, 2021; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Tanner McKee (18) readies to start the play during the first quarter against California Golden Bears at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports — Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Favorite: Cal (-7)

These two teams are facing off for the 126th time and the last time as Pac-12 members, with the game being played in front of a sold-out crowd. Cal has no room for error down the stretch as they are looking to make a bowl game and need to win their final two, while Stanford is looking to continue to improve. Also, Stanford's new head coach Troy Taylor happened to be a star quarterback at Cal during his playing days, and is looking for his first win at home as the head coach of Stanford.

UCLA vs. USC

Keaontay Ingram #28 of the USC Trojans rushes as he is tackled by Mitchell Agude #45 of the UCLA Bruins, losing his helmet, during the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. — Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Favorite: USC (-6)

The battle of Los Angeles while it doesn't have the stakes it once appeared to have will still be a fascinating watch. UCLA is a team that is expecting their head coach to be fired and is looking to build some momentum, while ending a two-game losing streak. USC on the other hand is a major disappointment and has lost four out of their last five after at one point being a playoff contender. These two started the beginning of the end of the Pac-12 and will be off to the Big Ten, so that is also a storyline to monitor.

#5 Washington vs. #11 Oregon State

Nov 11, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Deshaun Fenwick (1) jumps over Stanford Cardinal corner back Terian Williams (29) during the second half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports — Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Favorite: Oregon State (-1)

This game was snubbed for hosting College GameDay and is the most important meeting in all of college football this weekend. While most of the SEC teams are playing their annual cupcake game, the Big Ten's biggest game is next week, and the Big 12 only has one team that's truly playing for anything, this game determines the fate of the Pac-12. Oregon State can stay in the Pac-12 title race with a win, while a win for Washington keeps their College Football Playoff hopes alive. A loss for the Huskies would see them fall down below the likes of Texas, Alabama, and maybe even Oregon whom they beat earlier in the year. It'll be a freezing cold battle in Corvallis in front of a rowdy crowd. This one should end up being the game of the week.