The loss to Stanford was pretty heartbreaking. We were left with a ton of "what ifs", and instead of celebrating an upset victory and feeling great about ourselves, we're stuck debating moral victories and improvement. The life of a Cougar fan is not an easy one, but that means the victories are even sweeter, I suppose. So let's upset Utah, ok? I just hope the MUSS doesn't rush the field on accident.

Mark Rypien Offensive POTW:

Jeff Tuel -- 43/60, 401 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 10 sacks (!)

Tuel was sacked 10 times? Holy cow. I know we talked about how poorly the offensive line played, and it seemed like he was sacked a million times, but to actually see the number in double digits is a bit alarming. Tuel threw a costly interception that was returned for a TD -- a TD that wound up being the difference in the game -- but looked great other than that. He was finding receivers in space, and not forcing much. His 72% completion percentage is a welcome change from the low 50s we've seen all year.

Marquess Wilson had a nice day, snagging 9 passes for 100 yards. Dominique and Kristoff Williams both had nice days as well, catching a TD each. In the end though, it's tough to argue against Tuel here.

Steve Dildine Defensive POTW:

Justin Sagote -- 7 tackles, 4 solo, 0.5 sacks, 1 FF

I almost went with Deone Bucannon again, but I feel like Sagote's been playing extremely well all year without much recognition. Bucannon led the way with 10 tackles, but Sagote forced a fumble that unfortunately bounced right back to Stanford QB Josh Nunes, or the game might have ended differently. For a guy who came in without much pub at all, Sagote has been one of our best defensive players. The additions of Sagote and Ioane Gauta have been pleasant surprises, as I can't remember the last time two JC transfers were this important on defense. But that's probably because I can't remember when anyone was important on defense.

Darryl Blunt Special Teams POTW:

Wes Concepcion -- 2 punts, 82 yards, 41.0 average, L51

WHAT? Yes, our special teams was pretty unspectacular this past weekend, so I went with the walk-on punter who took over after Michael Bowlin forgot how to punt. Not sure what happened to Bowlin, but I haven't seen that many shanks since the last time I watched Oz. Concepcion came in and booted one 51 yards. At first, I was happy because I thought it meant Bowlin had it figured out. Then I realized it wasn't Bowlin, but #10. Then I went, wait, WHY IS TUEL PUNTING? I was so confused. I promise alcohol had nothing to do with it.

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Last week's predictions:

Starting QB, Deone Bucannon, Andrew Furney

1/3, and I could have given myself 2/3, but I don't want Jason accusing me of cheating at my own game.

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Next week's prediction:

Gabe Marks, Travis Long, Brett Bartolone

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(stats vs. Stanford)

(2012 season stats)