Here are my week eight Pac-12 picks.
My record: Straight up: 35-18, Against the spread: 27-18
Tonight
UCLA (1-5) at Stanford (3-3) 6 p.m. (ESPN) Line: Stanford -7
Both teams are coming off byes. Stanford is on a two game winning streak. The Cardinal upset the Huskies in a dominating 23-13 win last time out. But Stanford will be starting third-string quarterback Jack West this week. UCLA is coming off a disappointing, 48-31, home loss to Oregon State. Stanford finds a way to win with a third-string QB against a struggling Bruins defense.
Stanford 32 UCLA 24
Saturday
Oregon State (2-4) at California (4-2) 11:30 a.m. (Pac-12) Line: California -10.5
The Golden Bears are off a bye and still without starting QB Chase Garbers. California ranks No. 18 in scoring defense – allowing 19.4 points per game. Cal’s defense has probably been better than that considering the struggles on offense. Oregon State meanwhile is coming off a rough 52-7 blowout loss to Utah. The Beavers haven’t been able to stop anyone and it will be another tough week for the Beavers’ offense against a very stout Cal defense.
California 31 Oregon State 14
#17 Arizona State (5-1) at #13 Utah (5-1) 3 p.m. (Pac-12) Line: Utah -13.5
Utah got running back Zack Moss last week and all he did was rush five times, for 121 yards, and two touchdowns. The Utes crushed Oregon State, 52-7 in Corvallis. Arizona State’s true freshman QB Jayden Daniels has been special this year. In ASU’s 38-34 win over Washington State, Daniels passed for 363 yards and three touchdowns. In Herm Edwards’ first season at ASU, the Sun Devils lost just one game by more than 10 points – a 31-20 loss in the Las Vegas Bowl against Fresno State. Utah wins but ASU keeps it close.
Utah 24 Arizona State 17
Colorado (3-3) at Washington State (3-3) 4 p.m. (ESPNU) Line: Washington State -13.5
Washington State has lost three straight after starting the season 3-0. The problem? The Cougars have surrendered 47.6 points per game in conference play. Colorado will look to rebound after a 45-3 defeat at Oregon. Colorado’s defense has also struggled this season – allowing 30 points or more in all six games. This game will be a shootout but Washington State’s offense is better.
Washington State 48 Colorado 34
Arizona (4-2) at USC (3-3) 6:30 p.m. (Pac-12) Line: USC -9
The Trojans nearly pulled off a comeback at Notre Dame before ultimately falling, 30-27. This USC team still controls it’s destiny in the south division. Arizona was humbled in a 51-27 home loss against Washington. Khalil Tate must play better if Arizona wants any chance in this game. This is a tough spot for USC after playing in a big rivalry game the week before. But Clay Helton will rally this group with still a lot to play for this season.
USC 38 Arizona 27
* Check back Friday for my preview/prediction article for the #12 Oregon at #25 Washington game.
