Week one in the Pac-12 was a mixed bag when it came to non-conference matchups. The two top matchups nationally for the conference were a disaster. Utah lost on an interception in the endzone which cemented the narrow loss to the Florida Gators and Oregon was embarrassed in a 49-3 loss to Georgia.
However, the mid-tier teams fared much better in their season openers combined with the upper team’s struggles could lead to another wild conference season.
Oregon State controlled the game from start to finish against Boise State with a 34-17 win. Arizona also took care of business last weekend with a 38-20 win over San Diego State.
Week two doesn’t have as many intriguing games as the previous one and Washington’s matchup against FCS opponent, Portland State, does not have any betting lines. However, there are still some lines I am keeping my eye on–one in particular.
Arizona State at Oklahoma State: The Sun Devils might be better than many thought in the preseason. Not that much can be taken from the win against Northern Arizona, but the body language and reports out of camp are that Herm Edwards might have turned around the wave of negativity that has loomed over the program over the last year and a half. The team looks together and took care of an inferior opponent.
Oklahoma State on the other hand played a similar game that they have in the Mike Gundy era. They can score points in bunches, but also will give up just as many. The Cowboys gave up 44 points to Central Michigan in their season opener. They surrendered almost 550 total yards with 426 coming through the air.
Arizona State quarterback Emory Jones only threw for 152 yards but was extremally effective on the ground which could give the OSU pass defense fits. On the other hand, the Cowboys will be effective on offense as well. The points line on this game is 57.5 with Oklahoma State as 11.5 point favorite which would lead to a score of about 34-23. I would take the over on this game as I believe that this game will be played in the low-to-mid thirties for each team. To go a bit further, I believe that ASU will keep this closer to a one-score game with the Devils covering but the Cowboys coming away with the win.
