Looking At 12 Iconic Pac-12 Moments With The Conference Breakup Looming

The Pac-12 Conference is currently about to embark on its last week as a conference

With the conclusion of the college football season looming, most fans, and rightfully so, are focused on who will be in the College Football Playoff. 

However, we would be remiss if we didn't take a second to recognize that the Pac-12 as we know and love has just one week left of existence before 10 programs leave. The departures obviously stem from the mismanagement of the conference dating back to the Larry Scott days and continued up until this season with George Kliavkoff somehow not assembling a media rights deal or expanding despite having ample opportunities.

Regardless, what's done is done, as USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington are all leaving for the Big Ten, Arizona Arizona, State, Colorado, and Utah are going to the Big 12, while Stanford and Cal will be joining the ACC. While this conference was chaotic the majority of the time, it was always fun to watch and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans.

That is why it felt appropriate to honor each team in the conference with an iconic moment to commemorate all the fun we had. So, with that being said, here are 12 iconic Pac-12 moments to remember as the conference sings its swang song this week. 

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Colorado: Deion Sanders' First Win (2023)

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Colorado had a couple of bright moments in the Pac-12, but none shine as bright as Deion Sanders' debut as the head coach. With doubts flooding the minds of college football fans and analysts everywhere, Sanders led his squad to a win over a ranked TCU team on the road as double-digit underdogs. Colorado instantly became the biggest story in the sport, and there was hype around this program that we'd never seen in the modern era. 

Stanford: Christian McCaffrey's Rose Bowl Performance (2016)

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After he was snubbed for the Heisman, Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey put together arguably one of the best performances by an individual in college football history. McCaffrey finished with 368 all-purpose yards, as he amassed over 170 yards rushing, 100 yards receiving with a touchdown, and also had a 63-yard punt return for a score. The Cardinal went on to win 45-16, as they dominated No. 5 Iowa. 

Arizona State: Kalen Ballage's 8-Touchdown Game (2016)

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As much as the iconic fox on the field incident seemed like another good pick, Kalen Ballage tied an NCAA record at the time by scoring eight touchdowns. He also had 185 all-purpose yards, and led Arizona State to a Big 12-like (sorry) victory over Texas Tech by a score of 68-55. 

Washington State: Mike Leach's Fake Mustache (2018)

Amid what was the program's best and arguably most fun year, quarterback Gardner Minshew put a fake mustache on Mike Leach's face during his interview with ESPN after a huge win. The mustache had become the star quarterback's signature look that fans would often wear in support of him. Leach didn't skip a beat as he embraced the fake mustache and carried on in true Mike Leach fashion. 

Cal:The Band Is On The Field (1982)

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Known as "The Play", Cal's kick return unit had four seconds to try and score after Stanford took the lead. Five laterals later, while also running through Stanford's 144-member band who had stormed the field prematurely. The play had players, cheerleaders, and band members all over the field but Cal's Kevin Moen caught the last lateral and ran over a trombone player to score the game-winner.

UCLA: Dorian Thompson-Robinson's Hurdle Against USC (2021)

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UCLA had lost to USC in each meeting since 2018, but quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson took matters into his own hands. He ended up with six touchdowns, with his final one seeing him hurdle a defender. The Bruins went on to win 62-33, and Thompson-Robinson's hurdle play will never be forgotten. 

Utah: First Pac-12 title (2021)

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Utah had always been a very tough and gritty program, but they had yet to win a conference title after coming up short twice. The stage was set in 2021, as the Utes were taking on Oregon who had a chance to win their third straight Pac-12 title and also avenge an earlier loss to the Utes. However, the Utes blasted the Ducks again, winning 38-10. It was their first title as members of the conference, and they went on to repeat the following year.

USC: The Bush Push (2005)

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In a game that still is controversial, USC's Matt Leinart pushed Reggie Bush into the end zone to beat rival Notre Dame. Both teams were undefeated and ranked in the top 10, and the play essentially has lived on and evolved into the "tush push".

Oregon State: 21-point comeback against Oregon (2022)

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With the Ducks leading by 21 points and seeming to be on their way to yet another victory against the Beavers, Oregon State charged all the way back. Thanks to their elite rushing attack, and mistakes by the Ducks, Oregon State went on to win 38-34. The best part of course was the fact that they ran the ball down Oregon's throat 16 plays in a row, and could not be stopped.

Arizona: Khalil Tate Game Vs. Colorado (2014)

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Khalil Tate came into the game as a backup and left a legend. He rushed for 327 yards, which was an FBS record by a quarterback while scoring five touchdowns in a 45-42 win over Colorado. He completed 12-of-13 passes, and at one point was in the Heisman discussions after this game. 

Oregon: De'Athony Thomas' Rose Bowl Record (2012)

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De'Athony Thomas was lightning in a bottle for the Ducks, and in their Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin, he got two touches. He took them both for scores, and ended up with 155 yards rushing on the day. The Ducks went on to win their first Rose Bowl in nearly 100 years.

Washington: Chris Petersen's Pac-12 Title Win (2016)

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The Huskies had decent seasons in years prior, but nine wins was their peak with Steve Sarkisian. In his third season on the job, Chris Petersen led the Huskies to a conference title for the first time since 2000. It was a huge moment for the program, and it also earned them a spot in the College Football Playoff.

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