Not complicated. They were spoiled by Mariotta. He averaged more than 9 yards per attempt the past two seasons. Now that they have average quarterback production everything has fallen apart. That conference has plenty of teams capable of springing upsets in a given week. Loads of talent in the Pac 12.
Last week was a treat. I don't like Mike Leach or Oregon. I didn't care who won that game. Somebody was going to suffer a third defeat.
Oregon's defense is rarely special. Last season they made the championship game despite allowing more than 5.5 yards per play. This year it's up to 5.8 yards per play, which is barely above the Canes, BTW.
Miami is allowing more than 1 yard per play worse than last season, good for 97th overall in that category and 105th in the nation in yards allowed per rush. So that aspect is out the window for Golden, D'Onofrio and the apologists on WQAM to tout.