Teresa Gould makes history as the first female commissioner of an Autonomy Five conference, stepping into the role with deep knowledge and commitment to student-athletes.
Isaac Jones scored 26 points and Washington State held off Southern California 72-64. The Cougars beat the Trojans on the road for the first time in nearly nine years.
Michael Penix Jr. passed for 430 yards and two touchdowns as No. 2 Washington beat No. 3 Texas 37-31 in the Sugar Bowl to advance to the College Football Playoff championship game,
Conference realignment and the downfall of the Pac-12 is The Associated Press Sports Story of the Year. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors.
Michigan State had enough competition from Power Five college football teams also hoping to hire Jonathan Smith that it added a seventh year to his contract, helping a shaken program land the former Oregon State coach.
But Friday’s game at Autzen Stadium could be the last for the foreseeable future. Sixth-ranked Oregon is departing for the Big Ten next season, and No. 15 Oregon State will stay as one of two remaining teams in the Pac-12.
Both USC and Washington have aspirations of winning the conference title and elite quarterbacks in Michael Penix Jr. for the Huskies and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams for the Trojans.