Pac-12 Football Power Rankings, Week 15: Utah still in playoff hunt

What we learned: The program is improving

Oregon State’s over/under to start the season was two wins, so obviously this season was above expectations. The Beavers were one win away from bowl eligibility, and nearly beat Washington State to get there, so there has to be some positives taken away from this season.

The offense is fun, and they were held to under 20 points just three times all season. Replacing Jake Luton will be the biggest challenge for 2020.

What we learned: Mike Leach can replace QBs, but not defenders

The Cougars wilted to the finish line this season, losing six of their last nine after starting the season 3-0. This team was never the same after the loss to UCLA, particularly the defense. They’ve lost their best defensive players in back-to-back seasons, and losing Jalen Thompson this last year was too much to handle.

For Mike Leach, it still seems like he’s on his way out. He batted his eye lashes at a few teams last season and with all the openings this year, I think Leach is looking toward the next job.

What we learned: Ride or die with Chase Garbers

Two big wins to end the season for Cal and Chase Garbers ends the year 7-1 as a starter for the Golden Bears. Obviously that’s a little skewed, as he missed the games against Arizona State, Oregon, Utah and didn’t start against USC, but it still speaks volumes to how much this offense relies on him.

If he’s healthy next year, can Cal make a leap? We’ll see, all I know is he’s a gamer who got better with every start under his belt.

What we learned: We’re a little confused on this one

Black Sunday came and went, and many thought that Matt Luke was the biggest surprise of the offseason, and then Chris Petersen stepped down to “recharge.”

I’m not going to go into a whole breakdown of the Petersen situation, and try to understand his thinking, but I would bet a fair amount of money he’s going to get back into coaching within a year from today. Whether that’s in Washington or not. I find the situation a little odd, but I don’t think it will actually effect the Huskies very much.

Jimmy Lake is a very good coach, and was talked about as a head coaching candidate all season. He could have a Ryan Day-like introduction to his tenure with the Huskies.

As for the team, Jacob Eason is about what we thought he was, fantastically talented but maddeningly inconsistent. I think one thing is for certain, this offense needs a reboot in scheme and personnel. Everything from the Huskies felt really bland this season. Maybe it was Petersen thinking about retirement or maybe they just need a new scheme.

What we learned: Herm Edwards is all in

It seemed crazy when that Herm Edwards could make it in the NCAA in 2018 after being away from the sideline from so long. But he’s proven himself plenty capable, and has an answer at quarterback for two more years in Jayden Daniels who was magnificent and threw for 2,478 yards and 17 touchdowns to only two interceptions — a fantastic number for a true freshman.

Now, Edwards needs to build around his young signal-caller, and that includes the coaching staff. Early reports are that Hue Jackson is the target for the vacant offensive coordinator position, and the embattled coach may be able to find his old quarterback whisperer ways for the Sun Devils.

The fact is, it’s clear that Edwards cares, and he has the hardest part of team building down. If Eno Benjamin comes back one more season, watch out.