AutzenZoo Top 10 PAC-12 North Games of 2014
By Mike Vamosi
Last week we reviewed some of the worst games that will appear on PAC-12 schedules this upcoming fall. We’re beginning with the six north schools and let me clarify we’re doing the south on Thursday however games appear on this list depending on who’s the host.
You’ll see crossover games based on who’s the home team for conference match-ups so there won’t be any repeats of these games selected. Another note is that all six teams got at least one mention if you’
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Top 10 PAC-12 North Games
10) Rutgers v. Washington State in Seattle on Thursday, August 28 at 7 pm on FOX Sports 1
Why it’s on the list: Wazzu will be the answer to a future trivia question that begin with who did Rutgers play in their first game as a Big Ten team. Seriously this game is on the list because I think it has the potential to be a fun match-up just when the Scarlett Knights played at Fresno State last year.
9) California at Northwestern on Saturday, August 30 at 12:30 pm on ABC or ESPN2
Why it’s on the list: You’ll notice a reoccurring them during this 10 ten that I choose games with rivalry implications or revenge. This game has a revenge factor for the Bears who played Northwestern close last season in Berkeley and will won’t to finish the job this season.
8) San Diego State @ Oregon State on Saturday, September 20 at TBD
Why it’s on the list: I’m intrigued by this meeting between Rocky Long’s team and head coach Mike Riley’s squads. The Aztecs and Beavers should provide for a fun shootout at Reser Stadium on the third college football Saturday of the fall.
7) No. 11 Stanford @ No. 17 Notre Dame on Saturday, October 4 at 12:30 pm on NBC
Why it’s on the list: Last time the Cardinal played in South Bend the home team won in controversial fashion winning 20-13 in overtime. Though some of the faces have changed but I’m sure David Shaw and Stanford will want to defeat ND more than it just being a rivalry game.
6) No. 11 Stanford @ No. 25 Washington* on Saturday, September 27 at TBD
Why it’s on the list: Two years ago on a Thursday night Washington knocked off Stanford 17-13 at a loud CenturyLink Field. This game will be on campus at rowdy Husky Stadium in Seattle which the home team will again have a chance to give new coach Chris Petersen a big victory.
5) No 15 Southern California @ No. 11 Stanford* on Saturday, September 6 at 12:30 pm on ABC
Why it’s on the list: I know we’ve included Stanford a lot here but for good reason, they’ve won back-to-back north division crowns. This game is week two on the Farm and will be a great test for coach Sark a week after opening against Fresno State.
4) No. 7 UCLA @ No. 25 Washington* on Saturday, November 8 at TBD
Why it’s on the list: This begins a rough three week closing stretch for UCLA that starts in Seattle against Washington. It’ll be another tough game for the Huskies they’ll have their home crowd yelling for 60-minutes which could help the home team.
3) No. 25 Washington @ No. 3 Oregon* on Saturday, October 18 at TBD
Why it’s on the list: This will be the first meeting between Petersen and Mark Helfrich in this great Pacific West rivalry. Oregon will be coming off a road game at UCLA where the Huskies will be playing at Autzen following a game at California.
2) No. 11 Stanford @ No. 3 Oregon* on Saturday, November 1 at TBD
Why it’s on the list: The Ducks have lost only three games over the past two seasons with two of them coming against Stanford. In 2012 it was the Cardinal winning 17-14 in overtime and last season Oregon fell 26-20 on the Farm, this is appointment viewing.
1) No. 8 Michigan State @ No. 3 Oregon on Saturday, September 6 at 3:30 pm on FOX
Why it’s on the list: Had this early season match-up of top 10 teams not been on the schedule well our number two game would occupy this spot. In previous years this could be considered a Rose Bowl preview but with the College Football Playoff this game will be important for both teams.
* = PAC-12 Game
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