No. 11 Oregon vs. No. 3 Georgia tops week in Pac-12 football

By The Associated Press

Here are some things to watch this week in the Pac-12 Conference:

GAME OF THE WEEK

No. 11 Oregon vs. No. 3 Georgia on Saturday in Atlanta. As nonconference games go, it doesn’t get much bigger in the Pac-12 than one of the conference’s best teams facing the reigning national champions. The first game under coach Dan Lanning will be a huge test for the Ducks against a loaded Georgia team that could be a barometer for the Pac-12’s College Football Playoff chances. Lanning was an assistant under Georgia coach Kirby Smart the previous four seasons before landing in Eugene, so he knows how ferocious the Bulldogs’ defense can be. Oregon is one of eight FBS schools to return all five starting offensive linemen, which should help, but Lanning has yet to name a starting quarterback. Former Auburn QB Bo Nix is considered the frontrunner.

MATCHUP OF THE WEEK

No. 7 Utah at Florida on Saturday. The Utes were picked to repeat as Pac-12 champions and have loads of talent returning, including quarterback Cam Rising and running back Tavion Thomas. The Gators are rebuilding, but Utah’s first true road game against an SEC opponent in 38 years doesn’t figure to be easy; Florida has won 32 straight home openers, the longest active streak in FBS. Keep an eye on Utah linebacker Mohamoud Diabate, who transferred from Florida after leading the Gators with 89 tackles last season.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Kalen DeBoer will make his debut as Washington’s coach when the Huskies host Fresno State on Saturday. He was Fresno State’s coach the previous two seasons and takes over for Jimmy Lake. … The two Arizona schools will have new quarterbacks to start the season, both via transfer. Emory Jones will be the Wildcats’ starter at San Diego State after transferring from Florida, and former Washington State QB Jayden de Laura will lead the Sun Devils against Northern Arizona on Thursday. … Stanford has five offensive linemen with a combined 101 starts heading into Saturday’s game against Colgate.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Caleb Williams, Southern California. Trojans coach Lincoln Riley boosted his chances of having a successful first season by bringing Williams with him from Oklahoma. The dual-threat quarterback was the only FBS freshman to have 20 touchdowns passing and five rushing last season, and is among the Heisman Trophy favorites this year.

UPSET WATCH

Boise State over Oregon State on Saturday. The Beavers are 2 1/2-point favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, but the Broncos have won the past three meetings. The key will be stopping Oregon State’s running game. The Beavers averaged 212.4 yards per game last season and have another talented backfield.

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