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Heading into the 2010 season, it was not uncommon for media sorts to volunteer Oregon State as a program that had the best staff of assistant coaches in the Pac-10.

Why? Good numbers without stockpiles of elite recruits. Non-elite recruits becoming NFL draft choices. Thirty-six wins over the previous four seasons. You know, the usual suspects.

Oh, but how two down seasons can change things. After going a combined 8-16 over the past two years, many Beavers fans are either calling for head coach Mike Riley's head, or they are at least calling for the heads of his coordinators: Mark Banker on defense and Danny Langsdorf on offense.

How quickly can things change? Well, I wrote this heading into 2010 as part of a "Don't be surprised if..." series: "Don't be surprised if ... Beavers offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf becomes a hot head-coaching candidate when new starting quarterback Ryan Katz posts surprisingly strong numbers this fall."

Katz posted pretty good numbers in 2010 -- 60 percent completion rate, 18 TDs, 11 interceptions -- but he was promptly and surprisingly displaced as the starter by redshirt freshman Sean Mannion at the beginning of the 2011 season. And Langsdorf is now fighting for his job instead of presiding over his own program.

In fact, there now appears to be some question as to whether Riley will take over play-calling responsibilities from Langsdorf in 2012, which Riley gave to Langsdorf midway through the 2008 season. This question is being -- legitimately -- asked because Riley is calling plays this spring.

Riley was noncommittal -- and a tad uncomfortable -- with this line of inquiry Monday, and you can see video of his thoughts here. He called it "not a big deal." He said he was calling plays so he could see how the offense reacted against certain looks from the defense: "It's a way to orchestrate a big-picture look," he said.

When asked if it was for spring only, he said, "For right now, it's only for spring."

That qualifies as a "maybe," not a "Yes" or "No."

So here's my defense of Langsdorf, who also coaches the Beavers QBs. It might not be completely comforting for Beavers fans, but I think it's fair and accurate: The reason the Beavers offense has struggled the past two seasons ... drum roll please ... is a lack of good players.

I know: Thud.

The 2010 season likely would have been different if receiver James Rodgers hadn't blown out his knee during an impressive win at Arizona on Oct. 9. And the Beavers would have qualified for a bowl game if typically reliable tight end Joe Halahuni hadn't dropped a 2-point conversion that would have beaten homestanding Washington in double-overtime.

2011? Well, that was just pretty lousy. Riley, Langsdorf, Banker, the players -- everyone associated with the program -- surely spent some time wondering where they failed.

Still, as the Pac-12 blog observed while praising Langsdorf just two years ago:

In his six seasons as offensive coordinator, the Beavers have posted five of their top-nine all-time seasons of total offense. Remember the early careers of quarterbacks Matt Moore, Sean Canfield and Lyle Moevao? One word: Yucky. Remember their late careers? Two words: Dramatic transformation. Canfield earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors in 2009 and joined Moore in the NFL.

In 2008, with Langsdorf calling plays, the Beavers ranked 32nd in the nation with 30.5 points per game and 30th in the nation with 407.1 yards per game. In 2009, they ranked 26th in points (31.5 ppg) and 34th in yards (410.6 ypg).

In other words, Langsdorf has been a successful coordinator and playcaller. At least when he's shown up for battle with more than a pillow shield and plastic sword.

Things set up fairly well for the offense heading into 2012. Langsdorf has his returning starter at QB in Mannion. He has a good crew of receivers, led by Markus Wheaton. But the offense will struggle if it can't generate a running game, which mostly hinges on improved play on the offensive line, which has been sub-par two years running.

One of the criticisms of Riley has been his loyalty to his assistant coaches, but he's made tough decisions recently, including firing longtime linebackers coach Greg Newhouse in March of 2011 (mostly because of recruiting shortcomings). If Riley takes away play-calling responsibilities from Langsdorf, it will be a painful blow to both men.

But it appears that possibility is at least being considered, so it will be worth asking about in advance of the season opener on Sept. 1 against Nicholls State.

Points, points, points. This is the Pac-12 after all, where offense rules. Last season, five Pac-12 teams ranked in the top 30 in scoring average. Others, however, weren't as explosive. Colorado (12th in the conference/109th nationally), Oregon State (11/100), UCLA (10/88) and Utah (9/tied for 74th) all had trouble consistently finding pay dirt. So this week we're looking at which of these four teams has the best chance to show significant offensive improvement.

Ted Miller: Oregon State’s offense was bad last year. That’s the obvious bad news. More obvious bad news: It was bad for a fundamental reason: It couldn’t run the ball, ranking 118th in the nation with just 86.9 yards per game. The end result was an offense that ranked 11th in the Pac-12 in scoring (21.8 points per game) and 10th in total offense (373.7 yards per game). And while we’re being party poopers, why not note there are only eight healthy offensive linemen this spring, which makes it impossible to field a full second team?

Ah, but we come not to bury the Beavers, but to praise them! This half of the Pac-12 blog is providing Oregon State fans an iron-clad guarantee: The Beavers' offense will be better in 2012. Perhaps much better. And that’s why we believe they will win enough to earn a bowl berth after consecutive seasons at home during the postseason.

Why? Let’s start in the cockpit with quarterback Sean Mannion, who won the starting job as a freshman over returning starter Ryan Katz, only to discover THE NEW CAR! he’d been given the keys to was a Pinto. With little support from a running game to keep defenses honest, Mannion threw a lot but not always successfully, ranking ninth in the conference in passing efficiency with 16 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. But two numbers are notable: First, he completed 64.5 percent of his passes and was sacked just 27 times in 473 attempts. That suggests two things. Mannion is both accurate and has good pocket presence. Accurate? That completion percentage ranked fifth in the conference, ahead of Oregon’s Darron Thomas and Arizona State’s Brock Osweiler. As for pocket presence, the Beavers ranked fifth in the conference in sacks surrendered despite ranking third in pass attempts. And that was with no running game.

Mannion’s supporting cast at receiver is strong. Three of the top four receivers are back, including Markus Wheaton and speedy flanker Brandin Cooks. And essentially the entire cast at running back is back.

So, really, it comes down to the offensive line, where three starters are back, not including tackle Michael Philipp, a 2010 starter who is trying to get a once-promising career back on track. Don’t expect to hear glowing reports this spring. Tackle Colin Kelly and guard Grant Enger, both returning starters, are out with injuries, so there’s a lack of bodies. But in the fall they should be healthy just as a pair of intriguing reinforcements arrive: touted freshman Isaac Seumalo, rated the No. 19 overall player in the nation in 2012 by ESPN Recruiting, and junior-college transfer Stan Hasiak, who saw plenty of action during his tumultuous time at UCLA. Both are potential – even likely -- starters.

Mannion flashed plenty of potential in 2011. He will be far more seasoned in 2012. The offensive line will be better, too, which means at least a mediocre running game to keep defenses from pinning their ears back and going after the quarterback.

In other words, the Beavers offense will be much improved overall in 2012. Now ... about that defense ...

Kevin Gemmell: I'm glad you brought up Osweiler, because he's somewhat pertinent to the team I'm picking to improve offensively -- UCLA.

All together now: "Ding, dong, the pistol is dead." And not a half-snap too soon. Time to make way for the shotgun.

To see where the Bruins are headed on offense, you need only to look back at what Osweiler did the past two seasons with the Sun Devils -- specifically what he was able to do with Noel Mazzone running the show.

Now Mazzone is new coach Jim Mora's offensive coordinator at UCLA. I know there is a multi-quarterback competition in the works. That certainly will have some bearing. But even so, it's almost impossible for the Bruins not improve on last year's 23.1-ppg scoring average with this time-tested offense.

Consider the Sun Devils of 2009, pre-Mazzone: 90th in total offense (334.4 yards per game) and 91st in scoring average (22.3 points per game). Now, look at Mazzone's first season in 2010: 29th in total offense (425.6) and 28th in scoring average (32.2). Last year: 25th in total offense (445.8) and 28th in scoring offense (33.2).

Translation: The guy knows how to move the ball and create points.

I talked earlier this week with Brett Hundley, one of those quarterbacks in the hunt for the starting gig, he says this offense is much simpler and allows the quarterback to play more quickly and think less. Makes sense. And whoever wins the gig will have an experienced running back in Johnathan Franklin beside him. The fifth-year senior was 24 yards short of a 1,000-yard season despite an impressive 5.9 yards per carry average.

But this offense is about moving the ball in the air. And finding three or four receivers to consistently perform is going to be just as important as finding the right guy standing five to seven yards behind the center. Mazzone has said he's not married to four- or five-receiver sets. So bona-fide talent Joseph Fauria should get plenty of chances to catch the ball from the tight end position. Devin Lucien, Shaq Evans and Ricky Marvray are the likely wide receiver trio. But unlike the previous offense, the receivers won't be square pegs in round holes. This offense should accentuate the speed and athleticism that UCLA always seems to have, but never knows quite what to do with it.

The Bruins were in the bottom half of the nation in sacks allowed last year, but the return of tackle Xavier Su'a-Filo, who is back after an LDS mission, should help bolster the line. All indications out of spring are that he looks solid. Jeff Baca and Greg Capella both saw significant playing time last season (Capella started 14 games and Baca 13), so that experience should help cut back on the sacks.

Now, to the quarterback spot. Kevin Prince has the most experience, followed by Richard Brehaut. Both are seniors. But there is a call from fans to completely cleanse themselves of the previous regime and start fresh with Hundley, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound dual-threat quarterback who might be the most athletic of the bunch.

Whoever wins the job is destined for a pretty good season. Because given Mazzone's history of turning slugs into sluggers, UCLA looks like the team to drag itself up from the Pac-12's offensive cellar.

Oregon State coach Mike Riley and former quarterback Ryan Katz opened up about what went wrong in Corvallis and why Katz decided to make the move to San Diego State.

In interviews with the San Diego Union-Tribune, Katz and Riley both candidly explained the downfall of Katz at OSU -- from his injury, to the rise of Sean Mannion and Katz' eventual decision to leave the program.

Here's what Riley told the U-T's Brent Schrotenboer:

It wasn’t anything Ryan did or didn’t do. The other kid just played well. It was just a coach’s decision. It was competition. He was bitterly disappointed (to get benched) but handled it like a pro. When the right time came, he came to see me and said he wanted to find someplace he could play his senior year. I was all for him. I just encouraged him to find the right place. That’s why he’s at San Diego State.

Katz said he spoke with former USC wide receiver Brice Butler, who also decided to transfer to SDSU when things started falling apart with the Trojans.

Said Katz:

When you have a top player like that coming with you, it definitely went into the decision. I’m glad. I think I made the right choice.

While it seems like there were some hurt feelings -- understandable, considering Katz started 12 games for the Beavers the previous season -- the split appears to be fairly amicable.

Added Katz:

That’s behind me. It happened. I really don’t want to get into that, to tell you truth... Things happen. It was a bad situation what happened. I’m an Aztec now. I’m not really looking in the rear-view mirror and don't want to reflect on that.

According to reports, Katz has looked strong in SDSU's spring camp and appears to be the frontrunner to replace Ryan Lindley, a four-year starter who is likely NFL bound. In 2010, Katz completed 60 percent of his passes for the Beavers (213-of-355), throwing for 2,401 yards, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Athlon Sports takes a look at transfers to watch in 2012, and a number of comings and goings involve Pac-12 players.

Some of the top outgoing transfers: Former Oregon State QB Ryan Katz to San Diego State, former Oregon RB Lache Seastrunk to Baylor and former USC WR Brice Butler to San Diego State.

Here is what Athlon has to say about four top incoming Pac-12 transfers:

QB Connor Wood, Texas to Colorado – Wood made a push for playing time last spring with Texas, but eventually fell behind David Ash, Garrett Gilbert and Case McCoy in the fall. With playing time unlikely in Austin, Wood transferred to Colorado and will be expected to contend for the starting job this season. He ranked as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation coming out of high school, but never found his way onto the field with Texas. Wood will have to compete with Nick Hirschman for the No. 1 job, but Hirschman might miss spring workouts with a foot injury, giving the Texas transfer an early edge in the quarterback battle.

DL Brandon Willis, North Carolina to UCLA – Willis has transferred from North Carolina to UCLA twice, but finally appears to be staying with the Bruins and will be eligible in 2012. Willis has yet to play a down of college football, but ranked as one of the top defensive linemen coming out of high school. Willis is expected to contribute to the UCLA defensive line rotation this season.

LB Brian Wagner, Akron to Arizona – Wagner didn’t gather the fanfare of some of the transfers on this list, but he could end up being one of Arizona's most productive defensive players in 2012. He was a tackling machine in his three seasons at Akron, collecting at least 100 stops in every year. Wagner also picked up All-MAC honors in two out of his three seasons with the Zips.

Many are projecting Wood to win the starting job at Colorado. Wagner seems almost certain to start due to the Wildcats thin corps of LBs.

It seems likely Willis will get plenty of chances to break through with the Bruins. While UCLA welcomes back plenty of experience on its defensive line, that line was mediocre to bad in 2011, despite having a number of once-touted recruits.

Thursday, I don't care about you.

• Arizona quarterback Nick Foles will compete in the All-Star Football Challenge.
• New ASU coach Todd Graham is making progress on the recruiting front.
• Cal fans can still be thankful for this recruiting season.
• Some more fallout from Colorado recruit Yuri Wright and his infamous Tweets.
• Former Oregon cornerback Cliff Harris says he's still a 'Duck at heart.'
• Former Pac-12 players Ryan Katz (Oregon State), Dillon Baxter (USC) and Brice Butler (USC) are officially enrolled at San Diego State.
• Andrew Luck might not be the only No. 1 pick at Stanford.
• Washington's Chris Polk wins Seattle's Male Sports Star of the Year.
• A reaction to Texas Tech rejecting Mike Leach's settlement request.

The 2011 season is over. That means report cards are due.

Up next: Oregon State

Offense: The Beavers, who welcomed back seven starters from 2010, ranked 10th in the Pac-12 in total offense (373.7 yards per game) and 11th in scoring (21.8 points per game). Notably a year after running back Jacquizz Rodgers bolted early for the NFL, the Beavers ranked last in the conference -- and 118th in the nation -- in rushing with 86.9 ypg. That, of course, put a lot of pressure on redshirt freshman quarterback Sean Mannion, who ranked 10th in the conference in passing efficiency with a conference-high 18 interceptions and 16 TDs. The Beavers' 31 total turnovers was the most in the conference by seven, and they were by far the worst team in the red zone. Of course, Mannion was the story of the season. He was expected to be signalling in plays from the sidelines to Ryan Katz, but he -- in a surprise to many -- unseated Katz before the season was two games old. Why? He had consistently outplayed Katz in practice, which seems like a good enough reason, only not when a program accustomed to going to bowl games every year goes 3-9. Mannion flashed ability, but the outcome on offense was poor. Further, no Beaver earned All-Pac-12 first- or second-team honors on offense.

Grade: F.

Defense: The Beavers ranked seventh in the Pac-12 in total defense (411.3 ypg) and scoring defense (30.8). Those numbers actually are surprising in a positive way considering the Beavers ranked last in the Pac-12 and 1o1st in the nation in run defense (196.8 ypg) and were ninth in the conference and 104th in the nation in pass efficiency defense. The defense forced 23 turnovers, which was tied for fourth in the conference, and that helped a bunch. Other bright spots: Freshman defensive end Scott Crichton ranked second in the conference with 14.5 tackles for a loss, and junior cornerback Jordan Poyer earned second-team All-Conference honors. This unit welcomed back just four starters from 2010's mediocre unit, and the only one of them to start (almost) every game in 2011 was safety Lance Mitchell. An argument could be made that, based on what coordinator Mark Banker had to work with, the unit performed at least adequately.

Grade: C.

Overall: In the preseason, Oregon State had a lot of questions, and coach Mike Riley was the first to point that out. There were, particularly, concerns on both lines, but the defense seemed far more worrisome, considering it lost defensive tackle Stephen Paea, defensive end Gabe Miller and cornerback James Dockery from a unit that was below average in 2010. In August, few thought quarterback would generate the most controversy, and that the offense would end being perhaps the worst during Riley's tenure. Still, though the Beavers looked potentially down in 2010 -- 6-6 down or perhaps 5-7 down -- few foresaw a 3-9 record that included a loss to Sacramento State, an FCS team. In other words, it was a bad year in Corvallis, one that has Riley facing a critical year in 2012.

Grade: D

A mind not to be changed by place or time.
The mind is its own place, and in itself
Can make a heav'n of hell, a hell of heav'n.

• The Arizona coaching staff is now complete.
• Checking in with Arizona State's new co-offensive coordinator Mike Norvell. The Sun Devils are eyeballing future in-state talent.
• No, California QB Zach Maynard isn't ineligible.
• Breaking down Colorado's interior defensive line.
• Looking back and looking forward at Oregon's running backs.
• Former Oregon State QB Ryan Katz appears headed to San Diego State.
• Considering the good and bad of Stanford's 2011 season. Best & worst from the Fiesta Bowl.
• Some former UCLA players will play in all-star games. The Bruins offensive line will be better because of this guy.
• It appears that Katz will have a former USC WR as a top target. Transfers will test USC's depth.
• Is Utah a potential top-25 team?
• What does the Washington defense need to do? Former coordinator Jim Lambright has some ideas, which he gives to Washington Sportswriter of the Year, Jerry Brewer.
• It appears Washington State coach Mike Leach is trying to settle with his former school, Texas Tech. Where might longtime Cougs assistant Mike Levenseller end up? Maybe with an old buddy?

You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch,
You're a nasty wasty skunk,
Your heart is full of unwashed socks, your soul is full of gunk, Mr. Grinch,
The three words that best describe you are as follows, and I quote,
"Stink, stank, stunk"!

• Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez is doing the rounds in his new state.
• Arizona State's defensive coordinator Craig Bray acknowledges his unit fell apart.
• Honors have piled up for California LB Mychal Kendricks.
• Yes, someone did notice that Colorado State is paying its head coach nearly double what Colorado is.
• Poor itty-bitty Oregon, what is its defensive line to do against ENORMOUS Wisconsin?
• Where might former Oregon State QB Ryan Katz land?
• Stanford news & notes: Worrying about Oklahoma State and selling out Fiesta Bowl tickets.
• UCLA has a new QBs coach, but will former Washington QB Marques Tuiasosopo get to stick around under Jim Mora? Covered Tuiasosopo at Washington. Mora should hire him.
• Who was USC's No. 9 performer this year?
• Utah offensive coordinator Norm Chow is a candidate for the Hawaii head coaching job.
• UCLA has lured away one of Washington's best recruiters.
• New Washington State coach Mike Leach is filling out his offensive staff.
• Former UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel speaks out about the coaches poll.

Happy Pac-12 Championship Game Friday!

• This former walkon stepped up for Arizona. The Wildcats got a bargain with Rich Rodriguez.
• A look at top Arizona State coaching target Kevin Sumlin.
• Is quarterback Zach Maynard the future for California?
• An ex-Colorado player pleads guilty.
• Oregon's charge is to take care of business and crush UCLA.
• Now former Oregon State quarterback Ryan Katz thought he would get another chance.
• Handing out grades for Stanford's season.
• USC quarterback Matt Barkley is interested in the Heisman competition.
• What do the new Pac-12 coaching hires mean at Utah, which has coaching stability?
• Washington athletic director Scott Woodward is happy with the direction of the football program.
• Mike Leach has created buzz for Washington State football.

Oregon State QB Ryan Katz, who lost his job to Sean Mannion early this season, is transferring, the school announced.

Here's the official news release:

Oregon State University head football Mike Riley announced Sunday that quarterback Ryan Katz has requested and been granted a release so that he can pursue opportunities in education and football at another university if he so desires.

Katz, who recently completed his redshirt junior season, is on track to graduate from OSU in March with a degree in business finance. He graduated from Santa Monica (Cal.) High School in March of 2008 and arrived on the OSU campus in time for spring practice of that season. As an anticipated March graduate of OSU, Katz will have the opportunity to become immediately eligible to play the 2012 season at any institution outside the Pac-12 Conference provided that he is pursuing post-graduate studies during his senior season.

“After discussing this issue with my family I have decided to seek other academic and athletic opportunities,” Katz said. “I have been granted my release from Oregon State and I plan to transfer as a graduate student with one year of eligibility remaining. I have considered Corvallis home for the past four years and it's been filled with many experiences and life lessons. I want to thank all my supporters and I look forward to writing the next chapter of my story.”

Katz played in 18 games for his OSU career, starting 14 contests. He completed 239 of 406 pass attempts for 2,722 yards and 19 touchdowns.

“I want to thank Ryan for his contributions at Oregon State and he leaves our school with my utmost respect,” Riley said. “Everybody associated with the Oregon State football program wishes him great success in his future endeavors.”

The following from Utah coach Kyle Whittingham would be an example of a coach cutting to the chase.

"It's safe to say that was our poorest performance of the year against Cal," Whittingham said to open his weekly news conference. "We didn't do too much on offense, and we reverted back to turning the ball over, which was a big disappointment. I thought we had gotten past that, but it reared its ugly head again. Cal got 17 points directly off those turnovers. We couldn't make first downs, we couldn't run the ball, we couldn't throw the ball. There were no redeeming qualities and we've got to get that fixed."

That about sums up Utah's 34-10 loss at California, which served as the nadir of the Utes' first foray into the Pac-12. They are now 0-4 in conference play, saddled with an offense that can't score.

Oregon State is coming to town, and it can identify with seemingly hopeless struggles. While coach Mike Riley is a softer touch, Whittingham's assessment would aptly describe the Beavers' 0-4 start.

Yet the Beavers also offer some hope. They've reversed the course of their season, winning two of three and playing better in every area during that process.

"We had a horrible start and we're growing," Riley said. "That's about it right now. We'll see if we can finally win two games in a row this week."

Yet there is a very distinct difference between the teams. Oregon State opted to make a stunning change at quarterback at the beginning of the season, benching returning starter Ryan Katz in favor of redshirt freshman Sean Mannion. Mannion has started to play well, justifying the change, but if he got hurt, Katz would be a more-than-adequate replacement.

The Utes have no such luxury at quarterback. When starter Jordan Wynn went down with a shoulder injury, there wasn't much promise on the depth chart behind him. Jon Hays, a transfer from Nebraska-Omaha, has scrapped and clawed but has often seemed overmatched by opposing defenses that are ganging up against what used to be a solid running game with running back John White and daring Hays to throw downfield.

Anyone for more straight talk from Whittingham? Good.

"The first thing [against Cal] is that we turned the ball over four times, all from the quarterback position," he said. "That's a big downer."

Yes, but one without an obvious solution.

"The question is how to generate more competition at quarterback," Whittingham said. "Griff Robles and Hays have a walk-on behind them. [True freshman] Tyler Shreve was really the three going into this week. It made more sense to stick with the redshirt plan. We've got to figure out a way to get better."

So, to conclude, said Whittingham: "We feel Hays at quarterback gives us the best chance to win, and we still feel that way. If the practice week dictates otherwise, we'll adjust accordingly."

There are reasons, however, not to automatically write this one into the win column for Oregon State. For one, there is a common opponent: BYU. The Utes whipped their arch-rivals 54-10, while the Cougars beat the Beavers 38-28.

Of course, the asterisk on that one is that Wynn was Utah's quarterback in that game.

The other two elements in Utah's favor are an A-list defensive front that could challenge the Beavers' offensive line, and playing at home. As good as Mannion has been of late, young quarterbacks tend to have ups and downs. If the MUSS gets to him, that could create turnover opportunities and a short field for Hays and company to generate points.

But Riley points to an improved running game as a big reason Mannion has been able to make plays downfield in the passing game.

"The consistency of the run was a big factor and helped everything," he said. "It makes play-calling a lot easier and makes your opportunity, if you want to call something on third and short, it makes it real. Maybe you’ll fake somebody out.”

Utah has a forgiving schedule ahead, and beating the Beavers would give the Utes a fourth victory and leave them needing just two to get to bowl eligibility. But late-season runs are an Oregon State staple.

The Beavers could be on the cusp of one, though the remaining schedule is tough. Or are the Utes ready to -- finally -- notch a historical victory for the program?

It's a sportswriting cliché to take a single game, superimpose a racing metaphor on it and then assert a team is "turning the corner." The cliché part is bad enough. The near-certainty of a premature declaration is far more insidious.

On Friday, the Pac-12 blog wrote this: "Cougars, Beavers on opposite paths."

It was genius. See how it remains true on Sunday!

Only, of course, now the positions have reversed. Oregon State is turning onto a more pleasant road -- perhaps Robert Frost's "one less traveled by"? -- after a 44-21 pounding of Washington State in Seattle. And the Cougars clearly took a wrong turn on their way to Easy Street.

They may reverse again, of course. That's sports. But three consecutive losses have (again) provoked discussion about Cougars coach Paul Wulff's job status, while 376 yards and four touchdowns from Oregon State QB Sean Mannion probably have Beavers fans raising an optimistic eyebrow.

The Cougars have now lost a pair of must-win games that appeared winnable: at UCLA and against Oregon State. The only game ahead that appears to be a favorable matchup is Utah's visit to Pullman. And four wins probably won't be enough for Wulff. He's going to need an upset. Or two.

And what appeared to be a boon -- the quick healing of QB Jeff Tuel while backup Marshall Lobbestael played well in his stead -- now seems like a distraction. Tuel hasn't been sharp since returning and was knocked out of the game with a left shoulder injury of uncertain severity.

So who starts at QB at Oregon. And, really, does it matter?

As for Oregon State, it dominated both lines of scrimmage, despite missing defensive tackle Castro Masaniai and linebackers Cameron Collins and Feti Unga.

The Beavers scored on eight of nine possessions and rolled up 551 yards. RB Malcolm Agnew gave the Beavers a running game they've been lacking -- 103 of their 175 yards rushing -- and Mannion is doing more and more to justify his elevation over 2010 starter Ryan Katz.

Oregon State visits Utah on Saturday. Then the schedule's degree of difficulty ramps up considerably (Stanford, California, Washington, Oregon). The 2-5 Beavers' chances of rallying for a bowl berth are extremely remote.

But they are growing into this distinction: When matched with other desperate teams, they prevail.

On Oct. 8, they beat Arizona 37-27, and Wildcats coach Mike Stoops was fired the following Monday.

That's not going to happen with Wulff. But it's fair to say Saturday's game might be fingered in a few weeks as the moment when his tenure took a final turn.

Ten issues to consider heading into the sixth week of games.

Maynard vs. Autzen: California QB Zach Maynard has played at Colorado and Washington, but a night game at Autzen Stadium on ESPN is another level of loud and intense. Further, Maynard and the Bears have been off since Sept. 24, when they scored just three second-half points and had numerous red zone failures at Washington. Against the high-powered Ducks, you have to take advantage of every opportunity. This is a big opportunity for Maynard and the Bears to convince their fans the program is back on track. Ending the Ducks 18-game home winning streak probably would do that.

Hazing Hays? Utah QB Jon Hays thought he'd be facing Ouachita Baptist and Truman State this year. But when Nebraska-Omaha dropped football, he jumped at an offer from QB-deficient Utah. Now he gets No. 22 Arizona State and linebacker Vontaze Burfict, who has four of the Sun Devils' 14 sacks this year. It seems safe to assume that ASU is going to come after Hays, both with blitzes and coverages designed to confuse him. How will Hays handle the pressure of his first start against an extremely athletic defense?

Cougs run D: This is simple. Washington State must slow down UCLA's running game. Why is that notable? Well, UCLA rushed for 437 yards in a 42-28 win last year. While the Cougars are only allowing 127 yards rushing per game, they gave up 227 yards to San Diego State and 161 yards to Colorado, their only two quality opponents thus far. UCLA averages 200 yards rushing per game, but it still isn't terribly efficient throwing the ball. Washington State has a good chance to win if it holds the Bruins to their average rushing numbers.

Luck vs. Colorado secondary: Perhaps the biggest mismatch of the weekend appears to be Stanford QB Andrew Luck -- at home -- facing off with a Colorado secondary that was a big question even before injuries knocked out several top players. Luck completed 23 of 27 throws -- 85 percent -- against UCLA's beaten-up secondary last week. The biggest thing for the Buffs: Don't let receivers get behind you, see Marquess Wilson from Washington State.

Foles, Foles, Foles: Arizona has become a one note team: The passing game with QB Nick Foles, who ranks third in the nation with 375 yards per game. The defense has been bad. The running game has been bad. But Foles showed last week at USC that the Wildcats are not an easy out because of him. Oregon State has been rotten against the pass this year. If the Beavers are going to notch their first win, they will have to slow Foles down -- at least a bit -- or hope the Wildcats (Foles) make mistakes.

Fighting for Neuheisel? UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel sits on one of the hottest seats in college football. In fact, it's unlikely he will survive into 2012 if the Bruins lose at home Saturday against Washington State. You'd suspect his players know this. If the Bruins come out flat and uninspired, that would indicate they don't really care what happens to their coach. And, by the way, they'd also look like spineless patsies. But if they come out with focus and intensity, it would suggest they want Neuheisel to keep his job. It's get good or get gone time, and at this moment it's on the Bruins to show they care.

Clean sheet for Sun Devils? With Utah missing its starting QB, Arizona State has a lot going for it in Salt Lake City. But if the Sun Devils duplicate the sloppy performance they produce during their last road game -- a 17-14 defeat at an inferior Illinois team -- they will lose. The key here: Protect the football, minimize the penalties. Force the Utes and Hays to make plays to win.

James on the loose? Oregon running back LaMichael James had just 91 yards -- 3.1 per carry -- against California last year. His best performance that night, in fact, was his cavalier attitude in front of reporters who asked about his obviously hurt ankle. Then, he said he was fine. This week, he admitted it was a bad injury. James is healthy now. An ESPN audience will be watching. Many aren't including him in the Heisman Trophy discussion, which doesn't make much sense but is the reality. It would be a nice time for one of those tour de force performances we've seen from him on big stages in the past.

Balanced Buffs? Colorado's best -- only? -- chance at Stanford is playing keep-away with Luck. There is no way that can happen if the Buffaloes can't run, which has been an issue this season. Unfortunately for Colorado, Stanford ranks fourth in the nation in run defense, while the Buffs are eighth in the conference in run offense. But if Rodney Stewart gets in a groove early, it will open things up in the passing game. And if the Buffs are forced to pass 50 times? Things will get ugly.

Mannion becomes the Man? Wow, what a month for Sean Mannion. He becomes Oregon State's starter as a redshirt freshman, which seems like a good thing, only he displaced a guy who was widely thought to be pretty good -- Ryan Katz -- and Mannion is in the cockpit for an 0-4 team. It is unlikely, however, he will be presented a better opportunity to win over Beavers fans than this weekend: At home versus a terrible Arizona defense. If Mannion puts up big numbers in a victory, his life -- and coach Mike Riley's life -- will become much easier. If not, the dark clouds of winter will come early in Corvallis.

Here's a quick look at Week 6 in the Pac-12.

USC and Washington are off. All times are ET.

Thursday



California (3-1, 0-1) at No. 9 Oregon (3-1, 1-0) 9 p.m. ESPN: Last year, Cal held Oregon to just 377 yards in a 15-13 loss, the best defensive performance against the Ducks all season. What did each team learn from that game? And how much of a difference will playing in Autzen Stadium make? Ducks have won 13 consecutive Pac-12 games and 18 in a row at home.

Saturday

Arizona (1-4, 0-3) at Oregon State (0-4, 0-2) 3:30 p.m. FCS: Oregon State won a barn burner last year in Tucson, 29-27, a game that seemed like the "hello world" moment for then-starting quarterback Ryan Katz. That game is also when wide receiver James Rodgers blew out his knee. Rodgers is back but the Beavers starting quarterback is Sean Mannion. Both teams have been terrible against the pass, which should help Mannion. But in the other corner is Nick Foles. The Wildcats have lost nine in a row to FBS teams and seven in a row to Pac-12 teams.

No. 22 Arizona State (4-1, 2-0) at Utah (2-2, 0-2) 3:30 p.m. FSN: This looked like a potential Pac-12 South Division game of the year in the preseason, but the Sun Devils could practically end the division race with a victory. Further, the Utes will be without quarterback Jordan Wynn. Of course, if the Sun Devils play like they did against Oregon State, they might have a bad trip.

Colorado (1-4, 0-1) at No. 7 Stanford (4-0, 2-0) 7:30 p.m. Versus: The Buffaloes are coming off a crushing home loss to Washington State, but Stanford is not where a team wants to go to feel better about itself. The Buffs secondary, a worry to begin with, has injury issues. Got a feeling Andrew Luck is looking forward to this game. These teams haven't played since 1993, a 41-37 Stanford win.

Washington State (3-1, 1-0) at UCLA (2-3, 1-1) 10:30 FSN: Last week was a must-win for Washington State at Colorado. This feels like a must-win for UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel, who not unlike Cougars coach Paul Wulff, is in the midst of a win-or-else season. Last year's game was tied entering the fourth quarter, but the Bruins overpowered the Cougars with their running game, piling up 437 yards in a 42-28 win. Cougs haven't started 4-1 since 2003.

Here's a consolation prize for Oregon State QB Ryan Katz, who recently lost his starting job: He nonetheless made the first cut on the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award's new 25-player watch list.

Stanford's Andrew Luck and Arizona's Nick Foles are also on the list. It's curious that Oregon's Darron Thomas, second-team All-Pac-10 in 2010, isn't.

Candidates must be completing their college eligibility or be a fourth-year junior, on schedule to graduate with their class. Previous winners include Colt McCoy, Matt Ryan, Brady Quinn, and both Peyton and Eli Manning.

The 2011 winner will be presented with his award Dec. 9 in Baltimore, Md.

The list of this year’s top 25 candidates includes:

• John Brantley, Florida
• Zach Collaros, Cincinnati
• Kirk Cousins, Michigan State
• Dayne Crist, Notre Dame
• Austin Davis, Southern Mississippi
• Nick Foles, Arizona
• Robert Griffin III, Baylor
• Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois
• Tim Jefferson, Air Force
• Landry Jones, Oklahoma
• Ryan Katz, Oregon State
• Case Keenum, Houston
• G.J. Kinne, Tulsa
• Andrew Luck, Stanford
• Ryan Lindley, San Diego State
• EJ Manuel, Florida State
• Bryant Moniz, Hawaii
• Kellen Moore, Boise State
• Dan Persa, Northwestern
• Chris Relf, Mississippi State
• Sean Renfree, Duke
• Ryan Tannehill, Texas A & M
• Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State
• Russell Wilson, Wisconsin
• Tyler Wilson, Arkansas