As of now all six Pac-12 game are a go. But it’s 2020 so don’t get your hopes up. Here are my week five picks.
Saturday
#23 Oregon (3-1) at California (0-3) 4 p.m. (ESPN) Line: Oregon -10
The Ducks were stunned by their rivals in a 41-38 loss at Oregon State last week. Oregon surrendered 269 yards rushing last week. Meanwhile, California lost on a blocked extra point against their rival Stanford. The Golden Bears continue to try and get to full strength as Covid has really hurt them this season. Oregon wins but California shows some fight.
Oregon 31 California 24
Colorado (3-0) at Arizona (0-3) 4 p.m. (FS1) Line: Colorado -7
The surprise of the Pac-12 has been the emergence of the Colorado Buffaloes. Credit goes to head coach Karl Dorrell as he has the Buffaloes 3-0 in his first year in Boulder. Meanwhile since their near opening season win against USC, the Arizona Wildcats have looked like the worst team in the conference. Colorado continues their perfect season Saturday evening in Tucson.
Colorado 35 Arizona 24
Oregon State (2-2) at Utah (0-2) 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Line: Utah -11
Oregon State picked up a signature 41-38 win over Oregon. It was the school’s first win over the Ducks since 2016. But the Beavers did lose quarterback Tristan Gebbia to injury. Gebbia could be out for the season. The Utes blew a 21-0 lead to fall to the Huskies 24-21 last Saturday in Seattle. The Utes are good against the run and the Beavers are breaking in a new QB. Utah gets their first win of the year.
Utah 28 Oregon State 14
UCLA (2-2) at Arizona State (0-1) 7:30 p.m. (FS1) Line: ASU -3
For not the turnover bug against Colorado and Oregon, UCLA would be 4-0. UCLA handled Arizona last weekend, 27-10. Arizona State will likely play their first game since November. Covid has brought their season to a halt. Not sure what to expect from a Sun Devils team. But Herm Edwards seems to bring out the best of his teams in these type of moments.
Arizona State 31 UCLA 27
Sunday
Washington State (1-1) at #20 USC (3-0) 4:30 p.m. Line: USC -13.5
Yup there is another Sunday Pac-12 game. Welcome to 2020. USC’s game against Colorado was cancelled last week due to Covid concerns. Washington State hasn’t played since their loss to Oregon on November 14. USC wins at home with little stress.
USC 38 Washington State 24
* Check back later for my Stanford at #22 Washington preview/prediction
