Pac-12 Football: Week 12 in review

Herbert is back and the Ducks shut down Khalil Tate on the ground

Sophomore quarterback Justin Herbert returned to the starting lineup Saturday for the first time in five weeks since he injured his collarbone against Cal and led Oregon (6-5, 3-5 Pac-12) to a 48-28 victory over Arizona (7-4, 5-3). Herbert showed out in Eugene as he threw for 235 yards, one touchdown, a pick, and added a rushing touchdown. The Ducks also played well on the defensive end as they contained Heisman candidate Khalil Tate. For the first time this season Tate was held to under 100 yards rushing as he only rushed for 32 yards and was also prevented from scoring a rushing touchdown for the first time this season.

USC takes the Victory Bell

Sam Darnold and the USC Trojans (10-2, 8-1 Pac-12) edged out Josh Rosen and the UCLA Bruins (5-6, 3-5 Pac-12) 28-23 Saturday night. In a battle of two potential first round draft picks, Darnold threw for 264 yards, but he failed to produce a passing touchdown. Despite the loss, Rosen actually outplayed Darnold as he threw for 421 yards and three touchdowns and an interception.

No. 18 Washington escapes Utah in OT during #Pac12AfterDark

No. 18 Washington (9-2, 6-2) outlasted Utah (5-6, 2-6) Saturday night, 33-30, in an overtime thriller. Quarterback Jake Browning led the Huskies to victory, but it was Myles Gaskin who had the greatest impact for the Huskies as he ran for two touchdowns and added 114 receiving yards and a touchdown.

No. 22 Stanford pulls out a W in a close game against Cal

Heisman candidate Bryce Love led Stanford (8-3, 7-2 Pac-12) to a 17-14 victory against Cal (5-6, 2-6), which was closer than the spread predicted. Stanford was a 13.5 point favorite heading into Saturday’s contest, but the Cardinal offense couldn’t produce touchdowns early. Quarterback K.J. Costello is still developing as this was only his third game as a starter. He threw for 185 yards and one touchdown with an interception, but it was Love who put the offense on his back as he rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown.

Bowl Projections (according to ESPN):

Arizona State: Las Vegas or Cactus Bowl

Arizona: Hyundai Sun Bowl

USC: Playstation Fiesta Bowl

Stanford: Foster Farms Bowl

Washington: San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl

Washington State: Valero Alamo Bowl

Utah: Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl or Quick Lane Bowl

Oregon: Las Vegas Bowl or Cactus Bowl

UCLA: Frisco Bowl or Birmingham Bowl