T25-OREGON-CHASING BARNER
Kenjon Barner rushes into Heisman consideration
UNDATED (AP) __ Kenjon Barner modestly said the No. 2 Oregon Ducks did "pretty well" in their big win against USC. As for his own record-setting effort, the ever-humble running back credited his teammates.
So it fell to former Ducks running back and good friend LaMichael James to come right out and say it: Barner has proven he's one of the best running backs in the country and deserves late consideration for the Heisman Trophy.
Barner rushed for a school-record 321 yards and scored five touchdowns in the 62-51 victory over the then-No. 18 Trojans this past Saturday, a game many saw as a preview to the Pac-12 championship. No one had ever run for as many yards against Southern California before, and the five rushing TDs tied the Pac-12 record.
T25-STANFORD-QB CHANGE
Kevin Hogan is No. 16 Stanford's new starting QB
STANFORD, Calif. (AP) — Even though Kevin Hogan grew up the son of a lobbyist and attended high school six blocks from the Capitol building, nobody had to do any politicking for him to be Stanford's starting quarterback.
The way Hogan has played made him a nearly unanimous choice.
In one of the smoothest and least controversial changes any major program will ever have, Hogan has quietly supplanted Josh Nunes under center. Stanford coach David Shaw says the redshirt freshman will make his first start for the No. 16 Cardinal (7-2, 5-1) on Saturday against No. 13 Oregon State (7-1, 5-1) in what is essentially a Pac-12 North semifinal.
The winner will face Oregon with a chance — assuming neither loses it's only other league game left — to advance to the conference championship.
CALIFORNIA-QUARTERBACKS
California may use backup QB vs. No. 2 Oregon
BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — California begins preparations for its toughest game of the season with backup quarterback Allan Bridgford getting the bulk of the snaps at practice.
Coach Jeff Tedford said Tuesday that starter Zach Maynard remains day to day with an injured left knee. Maynard wore a heavy brace on his left leg and did not practice as the Golden Bears (3-7, 2-6 Pac-12) get ready for Saturday's game against No. 2 Oregon (9-0, 6-0).
Bridgford relieved Maynard late in Cal's 21-13 loss last week to Washington. He was 2 for 7 for 26 yards and is just 4 for 16 for 32 yards in two brief stints this season.
PAC-12-MUDDLED SOUTH
Pac-12 South race still clouded
PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona State was in control of the Pac-12 South when the conference season started.
Southern California had a turn at the top before falling back. Now UCLA has taken the wheel.
The way the division has gone so far, there might be three more changes before the season is over.
As it stands now, UCLA leads at 4-2, a half-game ahead of Southern California. Arizona State is right behind them at 3-3.
Arizona State and USC face each other on Saturday, so one team could get knocked out of the race.
If the Trojans win, it would set up a huge game against the Bruins on Nov. 17 at the Rose Bowl, one that would likely decide which team will represent the South in the Pac-12 championship game.
WHITWORTH-IDAHO ST
Chris Hansen helps Idaho State beat Whitworth
POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) — Chris Hansen scored 23 points, and Melvin Morgan added 20 to help Idaho State beat Whitworth 68-65 in an exhibition game Tuesday night.
Hansen's 3-pointer gave Idaho State a 63-58 lead with 4:51 left, Division II Whitworth cut it 63-62 on Mack Larkin's basket with 4:12 to go, and the Bengals pulled away with five straight free throws.
George Valle led Whitworth with 15 points. Dustin McConnell added 13, and Taylor Farnsworth had 12.
WASHINGTON-KEMP JR
Washington's Kemp sidelined by knee injury
SEATTLE (AP) — Washington forward Shawn Kemp Jr. is expected to be sidelined six to eight weeks after tearing the patella tendon in his right knee.
Huskies coach Lorenzo Romar said Tuesday that Kemp, the son of the former NBA player, doesn't need surgery and should be back in time for the Pacific-12 opener Jan. 5 against Washington State.
Kemp averaged 1.6 points in 28 games last season as freshman.
