Pac-12 Notebook: Rosen brilliant in UCLA debut

Josh Rosen dropped back after taking the first snap of his career and launched a deep threw down the middle, the ball arcing over the defender and falling into the hands of Kenneth Walker III.

Who dropped it.

Just about everything else went right for the touted true freshman quarterback and UCLA, which controlled visiting Virginia throughout the game and came away with a 34-16 victory.

“I think what you saw today was an offensive line that has played together well and gave him some time to make some throws,” said coach Jim Mora. “I think what you saw today was a receiving crew that can get open and make some tough catches. And then you saw a freshman quarterback that took advantage of that.”

Rosen, if the hype is to be believed, is something of a cross between John Elway and Andrew Luck. In his debut, Rosen showed the qualities that made him the nation’s top quarterback recruit last season — big arm, touch, off-the-charts football IQ.

He completed 28-of-35 passes for 351 yards and three touchdowns, with no turnovers.

“I did not see a deer in the headlights look with him at all,” Mora said. “I didn’t think that I would either. I didn’t know how he’d perform, but I didn’t get the feeling that it was going to be too big for him.”

Rosen was one of three true freshman quarterbacks in the Pac-12 to start his team’s season-opener. Washington’s Jake Browning looked confident and poised in a tough assignment at Boise State, which held on to beat the Huskies 16-13. Oregon State’s Seth Collins was exciting, rushing for 152 yards and throwing for two scores against lower-division Weber State.

But Rosen stole the show.

“It was surreal, it was really surreal,” he said of his debut. “I mean, you should try it, it’s definitely a good time.”

NFL teams might already be tanking to get the first pick in the 2018 draft.

If Rosen can be this good, then UCLA is a legitimate contender for the conference championship and the College Football Playoff. The talent around him is not in dispute. The Bruins return 18 starters, including preseason All-American linebacker Myles Jack and Pac-12 rushing leader Paul Perkins, from a team that went 10-3 last season.

“It’s only going to get harder for him because he had some success,” Mora said. “People are going to start patting him on the back and telling him how great he is. We have to do the best we can to make sure he doesn’t listen to the noise — keep pushing him, keep demanding a lot out of him, and keep supporting him.”

ARIZONA (1-0, 0-0)

Game: Arizona 42, UTSA 32. The Wildcats scored on the second snap of the game — a 23-yard interception return by safety Anthony Lopez — but then slogged through a tougher-than-expected game against a Roadrunners squad that returned just six starters from a four-win team. Running back Nick Wilson (22 carries, 97 yards) and quarterback Anu Solomon (22-of-36, 229 yards, four touchdowns) played better after halftime, but this was not a happy, momentum-gathering game for the Cats.

Takeaway: Arizona needs linebacker Scooby Wright. Last year’s national defensive player of the year made one tackle before leaving in the first quarter with a left knee injury. Without his playmaking skills for the bulk of the game, the Wildcats gave up 525 yards and 29 first downs to UTSA. To say he is irreplaceable is an understatement, especially because his likely would-be backup, Cody Ippolito, suffered a torn ACL late in fall camp. Wright could be back early in Pac-12 play, and not soon enough.

Next: at Nevada, Sept. 12.

ARIZONA STATE (0-1, 0-0)

Game: Texas A&M 38, Arizona State 17. The Sun Devils never found a rhythm on offense behind quarterback Mike Bercovici, overwhelmed by Texas A&M’s defensive front. ASU had only 291 yards and failed to hit 20 points for just the third time in 41 games under coach Todd Graham. It was a tight game, though, until late. Texas A&M true freshman Christian Kirk caught a short pass and weaved his way down the field for a 66-yard score with 3:45 left to put the Aggies up 31-17. ASU turned the ball over on downs and then gave up another TD for the final margin.

Takeaway: Looking for a bright spot? An always-aggressive Graham-coached ASU defense made eight tackles for loss, including three sacks, and came up with three turnovers. That was a good sign against an A&M team that has a lot of young talent on offense. You have to think that the Sun Devils offense will come around, as it likely won’t face a more dangerous defensive front all season … although it is fair to wonder if the ASU offense misses wide receiver Jaelen Strong more than anyone even guessed.

Next: vs. Cal Poly, Sept. 12

CAL (1-0, 0-0)

Game: Cal 73, Grambling 14. Coach Sonny Dykes’ third season at Cal got off to a flying start as the Bears scored 35 first quarter points and simply cruised past the lower-division opponent. Junior quarterback Jared Goff threw for three touchdowns — all to Kenny Lawler — and the Bears returned two interceptions for scores. Goff passed for 309 yards before sitting out the second half. Cal’s 52 points at the break set a modern school record for most points in a half.

Takeaway: Can’t read too much into this. It’s no surprise that Dykes’ “Bear Raid” offense can score points in bunches; getting to a bowl game requires the defense to improve greatly after Cal ranked among the bottom six nationally in points allowed per game in each of the past two seasons. It’s nice that the Bears created five turnovers and scored twice off interceptions, but the proof will have to come against better competition.

Next: vs. San Diego State, Sept. 12

COLORADO (0-1, 0-0)

Game: Hawaii 28, Colorado 20. Colorado, reviving a theme from last season, lost a close game in its 2015 season-opener. The Buffaloes had an edge in yards, 373 to 302, but made too many mistakes against the underdog Warriors — they had three turnovers and also had a punt blocked that led to an easy score. Two of the turnovers wiped out good scoring chances.

Takeaway: Coach Mike MacIntyre called the loss “disheartening.” It’s easy to see why. For the Buffs to make a bowl push in the rugged Pac-12 South — playing without a bye in their 13-game schedule because of the “extra” game at Hawaii — pretty much required a win on the islands. Now, Colorado has to sweep non-conference foes UMass, Colorado State and Nicholls State while winning four conference games to get above .500. Not easy at all.

Next: vs. UMass, Sept. 12

OREGON (1-0, 0-0)

Game: Oregon 61, Eastern Washington 42. The Ducks’ offense didn’t seem to miss a beat without Heisman winner Marcus Mariota at quarterback. Vernon Adams, the Eastern Washington graduate transfer who only became eligible after the start of fall camp, showed what all the fuss is about. He completed 19-of-25 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns, without an interception, and ran 14 times for 94 yards. Sophomore stud running back Royce Freeman ran 21 times for 180 yards and three scores.

Takeaway: The big news was Adams. Everyone wanted to see how he would do and he did more than fine against his old team, and that shot he took to the head late in the game doesn’t seem to be an issue, even though he was wobbly for a while afterward. “For a first time out, his first game in our program, I thought he did some great things,” said offensive coordinator Scott Frost. “He’s a playmaker — extended some plays, did some things with his arms and his feet. (There were) a couple mistakes we need to clean up, but that happens with any quarterback. I was really pleased with the performance.”

Next: at Michigan State, Sept. 12.

OREGON STATE (1-0, 0-0)

Game: Oregon State 26, Weber State 7. Gary Anderson won his debut as Oregon State’s head coach and found a starting quarterback in the process. True freshman Seth Collins took the first snap, but he came into the game knowing he would share time with redshirt Marcus McMaryion. But Collins completed 10-of-18 passes for 92 yards, and he ran for 152 yards, the most by an Oregon State quarterback in 19 seasons. There will be no quarterback question moving forward. “I think we’d say after that game, that performance, that Seth is our starter,” Anderson said.

Takeaway: So who is Seth Collins? He graduated early from Granite Hills High School in San Diego, and then spent spring and fall camp winning a three-way quarterback competition. He was a three-star recruit who also held offers from Utah, Colorado State and San Jose State. He was known for his running ability, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see more efforts like his hurdle of a would-be tackler against Weber State. “He made some tremendous plays with his feet, which is what Seth is,” Anderson said.

Next: at Michigan, Sept. 12

SOUTHERN CAL (1-0, 0-0)

Game: USC 55, Arkansas State 6. Cody Kessler passed for four touchdowns, Tre’ Madden rushed for 106 yards and an easy win is what USC needed to start moving past the drama and distraction created by Steve Sarkisian’s unseemly public behavior at a recent booster event. Madden, who missed last season because of a toe injury, had a 65-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter and also had a receiving touchdown.

Takeaway: With NCAA scholarship sanctions in the past, the Trojans are becoming deep again, using more substitution patterns and using 22 players Saturday night who were making their USC debut. This new depth, combined with NFL talent such as quarterback Cody Kessler, linebacker Su’a Cravens, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, center Max Tuerk, etc., is what will help define USC’s season. “What I’ve been preaching to these guys is, ‘Don’t save yourself. Give us amazing effort for one, two, three, four plays, whatever you got, and then we can sub you,'” Sarkisian said.

Next: vs. Idaho, Sept. 12

STANFORD (0-1, 0-0)

Game: Northwestern 16, Stanford 6. The Cardinal could not wake up its offense in an early-morning game at Northwestern, falling behind 10-3 at halftime and unable to mount a comeback. Stanford’s last chance was snuffed out when quarterback Kevin Hogan was intercepted in the end zone with about one minute left in the game. Hogan completed 20-of-35 passes for just 155 yards with an interception.

Takeaway: Hogan and Stanford appeared to have turned a corner late last season, including winning at UCLA to prevent the Bruins from winning the Pac-12 South and routing Maryland in a bowl game. But the offense reverted to having no pizzazz, and Stanford isn’t in a place offensively where it can just overwhelm defenses with a great offensive line and power running backs. Hogan’s throwing mechanics looked off again, so coach David Shaw has his work already cut out for him to either open up the offense, fix his quarterback, or both.

Next: vs. UCF, Sept. 12

UCLA (1-0, 0-0)

Game: UCLA 34, Virginia 16. Josh Rosen was the big story, being the first true freshman to ever start a season-opener at UCLA. He wasn’t the only true freshman on offense to make a good debut. Somewhat lost in all the Rosen glare was that true freshman running back Soso Jamabo led UCLA with 79 yards on nine carries. The Bruins led 17-9 at halftime and pulled away in a game that never really felt that close, as UCLA finished with a decisive 503-336 edge in total offense.

Takeaway: The Bruins, with interior defensive linemen Kenny Clark and Eddie Vanderdoes and inside linebacker Myles Jack, should be tough to run against — and they were in the opener. Virginia managed only 98 yards on 34 carries. In a Pac-12 filled with great running backs, UCLA might have the best antidote. After stopping the run, UCLA can unleash linebacker Deon Hollins off the edge as an elite pass-rusher.

Next: at UNLV, Sept. 12.

UTAH (1-0, 0-0)

Game: Utah 24, Michigan 17. Utah came up with three interceptions and a defensive touchdown to win a slugfest against Michigan in the highly anticipated debut of Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh. (The Utes also spoiled the debut of Rich Rodriguez at Michigan in 2008). It was, as expected, a slugfest, which is just fine by Utah. The Utes took a 24-10 lead with 7:58 to go on a 55-yard interception return by Justin Thomas. Michigan scored a touchdown with 54 seconds left, but failed to recover the on-side kick, allowing Utah to run out the clock.

Takeaway: Quarterback Travis Wilson looked good. He completed 24-of-33 passes for 208 yards, and his only interception came on a deep, desperation throw at the end of the first half. Utah could use that kind of stability at quarterback after coach Kyle Whittingham bounced back and forth between Wilson and now-senior Kendal Thompson. Lingering questions will be whether Utah has enough skill at wide receiver and in the secondary (which Michigan didn’t have the ability to attack).

Next: vs. Utah State, Sept. 11

WASHINGTON (0-1, 0-0)

Game: Boise State 16, Washington 13. Huskies coach Chris Petersen knows as well as anybody how hard it is to win on the blue turf in Boise, because he almost never lost there when he was the Broncos coach. He’s rebuilding at Washington in his second season but the Huskies found a way to hang on and have a chance Friday night. After falling behind 16-0 at halftime, Washington got a 76-yard punt return for a touchdown from Dante Pettis to get within 16-10 in the third quarter. A 28-yard field goal made it 16-13 with 7:29 left, and the Huskies had a chance to tie but Cameron Van Winkle’s 46-yard field goal attempt with 21 seconds left was wide right.

Takeaway: With no running game to support him, true freshman Jake Browning completed 20-of-34 passes for 150 yards, with an interception. He doesn’t have the same supporting cast that Josh Rosen does at UCLA, so a head-to-head comparison isn’t fair, but that was a solid debut for Browning, who won a three-way competition at quarterback. It’s easy to see the Huskies building around him for the next few years. “It’s hard to talk encouragement when we just lost,” Browning said after the game. “There were some positive things, but we lost. There’s no pity points.”

Next: vs. Sacramento State, Sept. 12

WASHINGTON STATE (0-1, 0-0)

Game: Portland State 24, Washington State 17. The Cougars’ fourth season under coach Mike Leach got off to a horrible start, as they lost to an FCS opponent for the first time in 20 such games. The Air Raid attack was grounded by rain during the game, and then WSU allowed 24 second half points, including a 1-yard touchdown run with just over two minutes left. “We haven’t had a practice that was as bad as that game,” Leach said.

Takeaway: The loss was brutal and now Washington State awaits word on quarterback Luke Falk, who had to leave the game late in the fourth quarter after taking a hit to his left shoulder. He had completed 27-of-41 passes for 289 yards. His replacement, Peyton Bender, threw an interception that sealed the loss for the Cougars. Leach is now 12-26 at Washington State, so it will be hard to keep him off “hot seat” lists.

Next: at Rutgers, Sept. 12

NOTES, QUOTES

–The Pac-12 won’t play the SEC again this season, unless it’s a bowl matchup. Texas A&M got bragging rights with its 38-17 victory over Arizona State in Houston, improving the SEC’s record over the Pac-12 to 15-13 since 2000, although the Pac-12 has a 16-9-3 lead against the spread in those games. There will be two monster clashes between the conferences next season — USC plays Alabama in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and UCLA will play at Texas A&M.

–Oregon’s Royce Freeman rushed for a career-high 180 yards on 21 carries, giving him eight career 100-yard efforts in 16 career games. The Ducks, even with Thomas Tyner out for the season, are incredibly deep behind Freeman with sophomore Kani Benoit (11 carries, 83 yards), redshirt freshman Tony Brooks-James (six carries, 63 yards, two TDs) and true freshman Taj Griffin (a 61-yard rush among his three carries). “We’re an unselfish backfield,” Benoit said. “So when somebody’s tired and somebody else has to go in and handle business, that’s just what we do.”

–Arizona apparently avoided major disaster regarding linebacker Scooby Wright’s knee injury. Reports over the weekend, first from SI.com, said that Wright could be back for the UCLA game on Sept. 26 after undergoing surgery on his meniscus. That might be an optimistic timeline, but at least Wright apparently isn’t going to miss a huge chunk of the season. Coach Rich Rodriguez likely will offer further information in his weekly Monday press conference.

–USC’s Cam Smith became the first true freshman to start at inside linebacker for the Trojans since Riki Gray (Ellison) in 1978. Smith tied for the team lead with seven tackles.

–Oregon welcomed back two key pieces on offense in the season-opener. Wide receiver Bralon Addison and left tackle Tyler Johnstone, both of whom missed 2014 because of injuries, were back in the starting lineup. Addison had three catches for 24 yards and a touchdown.

–UCLA all-conference cornerback Ismael Adams was suspended indefinitely last week after being arrested on suspicion of felony robbery for allegedly using force to steal a cell phone from an Uber driver. As a defender and a returner, Adams is one of the top playmakers in the Pac-12.

–Arizona suspended three players for its season-opener — starting wide receiver Samajie Grant, starting safety Tellas Jones and second-string defensive tackle Anthony Fotu — for what was deemed a violation of team rules. Coach Rich Rodriguez didn’t address their status after the game, but the trio is expected to be available Saturday at Nevada.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “I don’t think I did a very good job of having our guys prepared and being ready to execute the game plan. One hundred percent of this is on me.” — ASU offensive coordinator Mike Norvell, in the Arizona Republic, after a 38-17 loss to Texas A&M.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

FIVE BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS FROM WEEK 1 IN THE PAC-12:

1. Oregon could coast in the North. There appeared to be only one legit challenger to Oregon in the North, and that was Stanford, which looked slow against Northwestern, so imagine how sluggish the Cardinal will look against the Ducks. Cal looked good … against an FCS team. Washington and Oregon State are a year or more away. Washington State … enough said. The Ducks have a pass to the league title game.

2. The Ducks are in the game of the week. It’s not a great week for major matchups across the country, but the best will be Oregon’s trip to Michigan State. The Ducks beat MSU 46-27 last season in Eugene, wearing down the physical Spartans in the second half. But if the secondary doesn’t improve in a hurry over its performance against Eastern Washington, Michigan State’s Connor Cook will carve it up.

3. USC is replenishing its stable of running backs. A trio of true freshmen played Saturday night: Ronald Jones II scored on a 44-yard run against Arkansas State, Aca’Cedric Ware scored on 6-yard rush and Dominic Davis also got his feet wet with one carry. The future looks bright, even if Tre’ Madden can’t stay healthy this year.

4. The new QBs are for real. How could you not get excited over UCLA’s Josh Rosen and Oregon’s Vernon Adams, newcomers who could affect the national championship race? And it will be fun to chart the progress of true freshmen at Washington (Jake Browning) and Oregon State (Seth Collins).

5. Stanford needs some spice. Senior QB Kevin Hogan struggled in an unimaginative Cardinal offense, which posted only two field goals in an upset loss at Northwestern. If Hogan doesn’t improve, and coach David Shaw doesn’t expand the playbook, it will be a longer-than-expected season for Stanford.