Not sure I buy it until and unless they can beat Utah in SLC on Saturday. And the way the offense struggled to start vs Stanford and vs WSU, I don't feel too optimistic unless they start off strong vs the Utes. Not easy to do at their house.
The article list contenders and pretenders for the playoffs.
Washington is considered a pretender. (I think the ASU game gives them room for doubt.)
Oregon is considered a contender.
Record: 7-1
Games left: California, No. 24 USC, at Arizona State, No. 11 Oregon State
Total offense: 2nd (551.6)
Total defense: 20th (312.6)
Contender or pretender: The Ducks should be 8-0 right now. Any unbiased observer who watched the way the Washington game unfolded knows that. Dan Lanning’s aggressiveness going for fourth downs got the best of them, but that attitude is a big part of why Oregon is to be feared coming down the stretch. Oregon has a balanced offense that can create explosive plays whenever it wants, and Lanning has the defense rounding into form. The Ducks are one of the most complete teams in the country and have the schedule to get to Las Vegas for the Pac-12 title game, where they will be a favorite against whomever they meet. Contender.
The LA times is still around?