Big Ten

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.

With the future of the Pac-12 still unsettled, the College Football Playoff managers will be making a difficult final decision for them on whether the number of places reserved for conference champions.

No. 8 Washington scored 45 first-half points on its way to a 59-32 win over California. Washington led 14-0 before star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. ever saw the field.

Since the creation of the Pacific Coast Conference more than 100 years ago, Washington and California have always been members of the same conference.

No. 21 Duke and No. 22 Colorado have jumped into the Associated Press Top 25 college football poll after scoring the biggest upsets of the opening weekend of the season.

The Big Ten’s westward expansion could challenge the league’s reputation for smashmouth football.

College sports realignment will bring big challenges to fans who travel to see their teams on the road. Longer plane rides and potentially higher costs are two key challenges.

Jennifer Cohen has been hired as Southern California’s athletic director after seven years in the same post at the University of Washington.