SALT LAKE CITY — The Pac-12 opened conference play this past weekend — excluding Stanford and USC, who played each other two weeks ago, and Colorado finishing up its nonconference play — and what a thrill it was.

Three teams remain undefeated in the league. Washington State had a bye, missing out on the opening weekend.

California (4-0, 1-0) at Washington (2-2, 0-1)

Score: California 30, Washington 24

Game recap: They say defense wins games. Well, it remains true — at least for the Bears. California's defense forced five turnovers and didn't allow Washington quarterback Jake Browning, who finished with 152 yards, to complete a pass until the second quarter. It was a pretty close game throughout, despite the largest spread being 27-7 in the third quarter, but the team with the better defense sealed the deal.

Key stat: The Huskies had 20:11 time of possession compared to the Bears' 39:49. The Huskies also trailed in total plays, running 55 to California's 92.

Conference implications: What a difference one season can make. California is on a roll, starting the season undefeated. The next game should be in the Bears' favor, too. The real challenge will be in two weeks when they travel to Utah.

It's time for the Huskies to compose themselves. Even though they lost, there are some positive takeaways from this game heading into their bye week. Yes, having five turnovers isn't great, but there were moments that shined.

Next opponent: California hosts Washington State next week; Washington enters its bye week and travels to USC Oct. 8

Nicholls State (0-3) at Colorado (3-1)

Score: Colorado 48, Nicholls State 0

Game recap: This game went as expected. Colorado led 24-0 at halftime and doubled its score in shutting out the Colonels.

Key stat: The game marked Colorado's first shutout since 2009 when it defeated Wyoming 24-0.

Conference implications: The Buffaloes begin their conference schedule next week with a proud three-game winning streak. They'll need to make sure they finish games with poise as they gear up for Oregon.

Next opponent: Colorado hosts Oregon next week.

Stanford (3-1, 2-0) at Oregon State (2-2, 0-1)

Score: Stanford 42, Oregon State 24

Game recap: A sprained ankle didn't stop Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan. The Cardinal wanted to ease any pressure the Beavers may cause to its quarterback, so it was running back Christian McCaffrey to the rescue. Hogan and McCaffrey helped their team remain undefeated in the Pac-12 with their second straight win.

Key stat: McCaffrey had a career-high 206 yards on a career-high 30 carries.

Conference implications: Stanford needs to get healthy to stay in contention. Despite Hogan already being hurt, defensive ends Aziz Shittu and Brennan Scarlett left the game with injuries. Shittu's injury came in the second quarter. Scarlett wasn't on the field after the first quarter nor was he on the sideline during the latter half of the game.

Oregon State is slowly improving. Forget about the loss for a minute and take note that good things are beginning to happen. Quarterback Seth Collins is reducing freshman mistakes. He threw for a career-high 275 yards and a touchdown, completing 20 of 36 passes. Collins also scored on a 4-yard rush. There were also many firsts for the Beavers, including freshman Ryan Nall's first career touchdown and defensive back Cyril Noland-Lewis' first career interception.

Next opponent: Stanford hosts Arizona next week; Oregon State enters its bye week and travels to Arizona Oct. 10.

UCLA (4-0, 1-0) at Arizona (3-1, 0-1)

Score: UCLA 56, Arizona 30

Game recap: UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen didn't look like a freshman in his debut against a Pac-12 rival. Even though the Wildcats started well, by halftime the Bruins had a 28-point lead. It didn't help that Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon left the game in the second quarter with a head injury.

Key stat: Rosen completed 19 of 28 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for another score.

Conference implications: The No. 7 Bruins are the highest ranked team in the conference and rightfully so. Things are looking good for this undefeated team. Whenever Rosen struggles, the running game makes sure it does its part.

With Solomon taking a hit to the head Saturday, the Wildcats need backup quarterback Jerrard Randall to clean up his game. A chance at the division title seems like a long shot without Solomon at the reins.

Next opponent: UCLA hosts Arizona State next week; Arizona travels to Stanford next week.

USC (3-1, 1-1 Pac-12) at Arizona State (2-2, 0-1)

Score: USC 42, Arizona State 14

Game recap: The moral of this story is that the Trojans will capitalize on their opponent's mistakes. They took an early lead after recovering a fumble by Arizona State running back Demario Richard. The Sun Devils' best drive came just before halftime, but it ended in disaster. On first-and-goal at the 1, quarterback Mike Bercovici ran into Richard and dropped the ball. USC defensive back Chris Hawkins picked it up and ran 94 yards for the third of four USC second-quarter touchdowns. The rest of the game is history.

Key stat: USC quarterback Cody Kessler completed 19 of 33 passes for 375 yards and five touchdowns.

Conference implications: For the Trojans, this game showcased what they can do after losing a week earlier. If they keep playing like they did Saturday night the Trojans will find themselves a playoff contender.

Arizona State's lack of execution each week is sending it further away from bowl eligibility. The Sun Devils must quickly find solutions.

Next opponent: USC enters a bye week and will host Washington Oct. 8; Arizona State travels to UCLA next week.

Utah (4-0, 1-0) at Oregon (2-2, 0-1)

Score: Utah 62, Oregon 20

Game recap: Call it what you want, but the Utes absolutely annihilated the Ducks. Utah threw out its conservative playbook and exposed trick play after trick play, stunning Oregon. There was nothing the Utes couldn't do. Running back Devontae Booker threw a touchdown pass to Britain Covey, punter Tom Hackett turned a bad snap into a 33-yard run and a special teams diversion sent punt returner Boobie Hobbs 69 yards to the end zone.

Key stat: Utah quarterback Travis Wilson returned from a shoulder sprain to pass for 227 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 100 yards and another score.

Conference implications: Utah is on the radar with every phase of the game looking great. A win at Autzen Stadium is a huge accomplishment, especially in the fashion it happened. The next big test comes in two weeks at home against California. If they keep working their magic, the Utes have a great chance winning on the road at USC and at home against UCLA.

Oh, Oregon. The team looked lost as the Utes made it rain touchdowns. Most knew the Ducks' secondary was inexperienced, but now every opponent will seek to expose it. It's time to see how Oregon responds to this embarrassing loss.

Next opponent: Utah enters its bye week and will face California Oct. 10; Oregon travels to Colorado next week.

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