The last week of conference games takes place this weekend.
Here are my week 13 picks….
My record: straight up- 63-19, against the spread- 40-34
Friday
California (5-6) at UCLA (5-6) 7:30 p.m. (FS1) Line: UCLA -7
Jim Mora was fired by UCLA over the weekend after the Bruins lost to USC. UCLA still needs one win to become bowl eligible.
California nearly upset Stanford in the “Big Game”, but ultimately fell, 17-14. The Golden Bears also need one win to become bowl eligible.
It’s hard to guess how UCLA will come out after the firing of Mora. I do think that Josh Rosen will do enough to get the Bruins a win though.
UCLA 32 California 28
Saturday
Arizona (7-4) at Arizona State (6-5) 1:30 p.m. (Pac-12 Networks) Line: PK
The Territorial Cup is on the line in the 92nd meeting between Arizona and Arizona State. A win for Arizona, would give the Wildcats eight wins. It would be an incredible year for Arizona with how young they are.
For Todd Graham, this game is very big. The win against Washington cooled his hot seat for the time being. But a loss to rival, Arizona, could put him back on the hot seat.
Can Arizona State score enough points against Arizona and Khalil Tate? I don’t think so.
Arizona 42 Arizona State 38
Oregon State (1-10) at Oregon (6-5) 4 p.m. (ESPN2) Line: Oregon -25.5
Oregon got quarterback Justin Herbert back last week in the Ducks’ 48-28 win over Arizona. It was Oregon’s defense that stole the show however, holding the high powered Wildcats offense to 330 total yards and 28 points.
Oregon State limps into the “Civil War” having lost all eight conference games.
Ducks roll in this one.
Oregon 48 Oregon State 14
#8 Notre Dame (9-2) at #21 Stanford (8-3) 5 p.m. (ABC) Line: Notre Dame -2
Stanford fans might be more interested in the Apple Cup then their game against Notre Dame this Saturday. The Cardinal go to the Pac-12 Championship game with a Washington win over Washington State. A WSU win over UW, Stanford would be eliminated.
Notre Dame’s playoff hopes came crashing down in a loss to Miami two weeks ago. ND did rebound and narrowly beat Navy last week.
Overall, I think Notre Dame is just a better overall team.
Notre Dame 21 Stanford 17
Colorado (5-6) at Utah (5-6) 7 p.m. (FS1) Line: Utah -10.5
Bowl eligibility is on the line in the “Rumble in the Rockies” rivalry game.
Utah is coming off a heart breaking 33-30 loss at Washington. The utes gave up 10 points in the final 58 seconds.
Colorado is coming off a bye week. The Buffs’ have just one win on the road this season. But the bye week should help.
Utah wins, but it could be a close one.
Utah 28 Colorado 24
*Check back Friday for my preview and prediction article for the Apple Cup.
