They are trying really hard to keep the Caleb Williams Heisman trophy campaign alive, even though he was intercepted three times in one half. I really think it's a matter of the that Notre Dame has played a much tougher schedule before this game and Williams also had poor support from his offensive line and a bad night throwing the ball. he probably will light it up from here on out but he sure missed a huge opportunity because of his offensive line.
I think the PAC 12 is average just like many of the other P5. I think the NIL is making it that way. I will add I believe the media is going overboard propping up the PAC 12 for their final season.