Here are my week five Pac-12 picks.
My record: Straight up: 26-13, Against spread: 17-14
Friday
Arizona State (3-1) at #15 California (4-0) 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Line: California -4.5
The Golden Bears continue to be impressive after their 28-20 win at Ole Miss. California has been out-gained in their last three games but still remain undefeated. Arizona State’s perfect season came to an end last Saturday – falling 34-31 to Colorado. Herm Edwards’ teams seem to always be in it in the fourth quarter but I think California finds a way again.
California 20 Arizona State 17
Saturday
Stanford (1-3) at Oregon State (1-2) 4 p.m. (PAC-12) Line: Stanford -3
Stanford has lost three in a row after their 21-6 loss against Oregon over the weekend. Oregon State was idle. This feels like a must win for Stanford if they want any hope of salvaging their season. But Oregon State is coming off of a bye and are desperate for a win like this. Jonathan Smith and the Beavs pull off the slight upset in Corvallis.
Oregon State 28 Stanford 27
Washington State (3-1) at #19 Utah (3-1) 7 p.m. (FS1) Line: Utah -5.5
Both teams coming off tough losses. Utah’s secondary had a tough day covering USC’s talented wide receivers in a 30-23 loss. Washington State blew a 32-point third quarter lead and lost 67-63 to UCLA. Utah will likely be without starting running back Zack Moss who came out of the game against USC with a shoulder injury. I expect a much better day for Utah’s secondary in this contest.
Utah 31 Washington State 24
UCLA (1-3) at Arizona (2-1) 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Line: Arizona -7.5
UCLA scored 50 points against Washington State in the second half to upset Washington State, 67-63. The Bruins trailed by 32 points in the third quarter. The 50 second half points are almost unexplainable – considering UCLA scored 42 combined points in their first three games. Arizona is coming off a bye. This is probably the toughest game to forecast this week. UCLA continues it’s offensive improvement but Khalil Tate and Arizona are too much at home.
Arizona 38 UCLA 31
* Check back later for my preview/prediction article for the No. 21 USC at No. 17 Washington game.
