Week No. 4 of college football is upon us. Today I make my picks for the first full slate of conference games starting Saturday.
My record: Overall: 18-5 Against spread: 9-7
Saturday
UCLA (3-0) at Colorado (0-3) 11 AM TV: Pac-12 Line: UCLA -21.5
The Bruins survived last week in a 32-31 home win over South Alabama. The Jaguars controlled the clock with a 36-23-minute time of possession advantage. But UCLA outscored South Alabama 9-0 in the fourth quarter to get the win. Colorado on the other hand fell to 0-3 after a brutal 49-7 loss at Minnesota. I don’t see this game being close.
UCLA 41 Colorado 10
#15 Oregon (2-1) at Washington State (3-0) 1 PM TV: FOX Line: Oregon -7
The Cougars have been one of the most impressive team’s in the conference this season. After an upset at Wisconsin, the Cougars dominated Colorado State, 38-7. The Ducks also looked impressive taking down No. 12 BYU, 41-20. This game should be a battle of two good defenses. But Oregon is just a little bit better on each side of the ball and seem to be rounding into form.
Oregon 28 Washington State 20
Arizona (2-1) at California (2-1) 2:30 PM TV: Pac-12 Line: California -3
A brutal off sides call doomed California at Notre Dame. The Golden Bears offense continues to be a major issue as the defense carries the load. Arizona held off a tough North Dakota State team in a 31-28 slugfest. Expect a low scoring affair in this game. But California pulls it out late.
California 20 Arizona 14
#7 USC (3-0) at Oregon State (3-0) 6:30 PM TV: Pac-12 Line: USC -6
The over/under for this game is set at 70.5! The only negative about this game is you have to find the Pac-12 Network to watch. It’s going to be a track meet at Reser Stadium. If the Beavers can cause a few turnovers they have a real chance at an upset. But I think QB Caleb Williams and the Trojans have a little too much fire power on offense.
Trojans 38 Beavers 35
#13 Utah (2-1) at Arizona State (1-2) 7:30 PM Line: Utah -15.5
Herm Edwards was fired after the Sun Devils’ loss to Eastern Michigan last week. This is a team in free fall right now. The Utes since their season opening loss have looked like arguably the best team in the conference. Last week, they held San Diego State to 173 total yards of offense in their 35-7 win. This week Utah wins easy in Tempe.
Utah 42 Arizona State 20
#18 Washington (3-0) at Stanford (1-1) 7:30 PM TV: FS1 Line: UW -13.5
The Huskies enter this week on a roll after their 39-28 dominating win over Michigan State. But in comes Stanford off a bye week. A team the Huskies have struggled with over the last two decades. Too many times UW has tried to get into a physical contest with the Cardinal. But this year should be different. The Huskies have more speed and it should be a huge advantage against a struggling Stanford team. I’m just not sure how Stanford can keep up on that side of the ball. On defense, the Huskies need to get pressure on Tanner McKee. If they can do that early I expect a similar showing for the Huskies as last week.
Washington 42 Stanford 21
