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1. Stanford defense vs. Oregon on Nov. 17

We could've given all five spots to Stanford and nobody would've complained, because the Cardinal were that good. Against Oregon on Nov. 17, though, they were never better. In a 17-14 overtime win, Stanford held a Ducks offense that ranked second in scoring, third in rushing and fourth in total offense to just 14 points and 405 yards, down from season averages of 50 and 550. Somehow, the Cardinal caught lightning in a bottle, trapping RBs Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas from busting loose. Wait, we know how: a devastating run defense with top-to-bottom gap integrity and a hardened attitude.

2. UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks vs. Arizona on Nov. 3

We're not trying to pile on QB Matt Scott, and in fact, the Wildcats' frequent presence on this list attests to the overall strength of the offense. It was a unit, after all, that did average 520-plus yards and 37 points.

But in the early November matchup, Scott and Arizona went nowhere. Or, to be more precise, they went directly into the ground, mainly because of Kendricks. Kendricks had 13 tackles and two sacks, helping the Bruins to a 66-10 win.

3. Oregon State defense vs. Wisconsin on Sept. 11

When the Montee Ball-led Badgers marched into Corvallis to face a team coming off a 3-9 season, no one had any clue the magic that lay ahead.

Magic Mike Riley, that is.

Riley's fantastic defensive game plan limited Ball to 61 rushing yards in the Beavers' shocking 10-7 victory, which came a week after their season was delayed by a hurricane. On that September morning, though, the Oregon State defense was a storm, constantly providing pressure, holding Wisconsin to 2-of-14 third downs and, most surprisingly, Ball out of the end zone.

4. USC defensive end Morgan Breslin vs. Cal on Sept. 22

The much-maligned USC defense had a few bright spots this year, but no one gleamed like Breslin. The junior college transfer was an absolute stud, a true force at times, and he helped generate a pass rush that ranked fourth nationally in sacks.

Against the Bears in a 27-9 win, Breslin had three sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss and six total tackles as the Trojans rebounded from a season-derailing loss at Stanford. Breslin stayed strong, finishing the season with 12 sacks, and he could contend for conference defensive player of the year honors next year.

5. Arizona State defense vs. Arizona, 4th quarter on Nov. 23

The battle for the Territorial Cup was an intriguing matchup between two new coaches with vastly different schemes and styles. For a while, it was back and forth.

Then the Sun Devils toughened up in the fourth quarter and sent Matt Scott away frowning.
Trailing 27-17 early in the fourth, Arizona State climbed its way back and then ultimately ahead as it forced a Scott fumble, blocked a punt and intercepted Scott on three consecutive series. With that came the momentum, and it could have a big result come signing day.

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