Colorado's big test highlights this week in the Pac-12
Colorado faces another big test in its bid to stay atop the South and two other teams face off to stay in the division race in the Pac-12 this week.
Here's what to look for:
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GAME OF THE WEEK: No. 21 Colorado at Southern California. The Buffaloes have been the surprise of the Pac-12, maybe all of college football. Picked to finish last in the Pac-12 South, they lead a division this late in the season for the first time since 2007, when they were atop the Big 12 North. Colorado gained a huge dose of confidence by beating Oregon and followed that with last week's blowout win over Oregon State. Another big test awaits. The Trojans have been just as surprising as the Buffaloes, only in the opposite direction. Among the favorites to win the South, USC opened 1-3 for the first time since 2001. But the Trojans may have found something last week against Arizona State. In that game, all those talented offensive players got into a rhythm and USC won going away.
BEST MATCHUP: UCLA at Arizona State. A game to stay in the Pac-12 South race. The Sun Devils and Bruins enter the game each at 1-1, a game behind Colorado. The winner will remain a game behind the Buffaloes or move into a tie if Colorado loses. The loser has a long road ahead in the division. The Sun Devils opened the season with four straight wins, but were blown out by USC last week in a game filled with big plays against their secondary. Starting QB Manny Wilkins also injured his left foot and is questionable for Saturday's game, meaning redshirt freshman Brady White could start. UCLA opened conference with a loss to Stanford, but rolled over Arizona last week.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS: Oregon has won 12 straight meetings against No. 5 Washington heading into Saturday's game. End the streak and the Huskies will start a season 6-0 for the first time since 1992. ... Arizona State K Zane Gonzalez needs to make two field goals to tie the FBS career record of 88 set by Florida State's Dustin Hopkins from 2009-12. ... Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has 99 career victories entering Saturday's game against Arizona.
IMPACT PLAYER: California QB Davis Webb. He leads the nation with 22 touchdown passes and 2,143 yards passing after throwing for 306 yards and four TDs in last week's win over Utah. The Bears play at Oregon state.
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Compiled by AP College Football Writer John Marshall
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AP college football website: collegefootball.ap.org
