Off the field, the Pac-12 stays in controversy every week. On the field, both divisions in the conference remain close. In the South Division, Utah holds the tie breaker over USC for first – with a slew of teams right behind. In the North, Washington holds a half game lead on Washington State and Stanford.
Here are my week nine picks…..
Friday
#23 Utah (5-2) at UCLA (2-5) 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Line: Utah -10.5
After starting off 2-2, the Utah Utes have won three in-a-row. The Utes have scored 40 or more points in three straight games and have boosted a top-20 scoring defense in the country.
Would you believe me if I told you that UCLA could be in first place of the South Division alone with a win this week and a few other things go their way? It’s true. After starting off 0-5, UCLA has won two straight and all of the sudden might be a factor in the Pac-12 race.
Utah is playing some of the best football in the conference right now and it will continue this week.
Utah 38 UCLA 21
Saturday
Oregon State (1-6) at Colorado (5-2) 12 p.m. (Pac-12) Line: Colorado -24.5
The Buffaloes played the Huskies tough in Seattle without Laviska Shenault Jr. Ultimately, Colorado lost, 27-13 to UW. Shenault Jr. is questionable this week. The good news is, CU is 3-0 at home this year.
Oregon State’s rebuild has been a slow process. Last week, they lost 49-7 at home to California. The Beavers’ defense continues to struggle this season. In three road games, OSU has surrendered at least 37 points in every game. OSU QB Jake Luton is hopeful to return this week
Colorado will win but how motivated are they to play this game after playing Washington so tough last week?
Colorado 42 Oregon State 21
Arizona State (3-4) at USC (4-3) 12:30 p.m. (ABC or ESPN2) Line: USC -6
The Trojans lost 41-28 at Utah last week. Star linebacker Cam Smith is not expected to play this week after suffering a knee injury. Also, starting QB J.T. Daniels is likely to miss Saturday’s game as he’s yet to pass the concussion protocol. The good news is USC hasn’t lost at home this year.
Quaterback Manny Wilkins passed for 353 yards in ASU’s 20-13 loss last week to Stanford. The Sun Devils have lost four out of five games after starting 2-0. Interesting enough, ASU has lost all four games by seven points.
The Sun Devils have been in every game this year and I think this is the day they get their first road win against a banged up USC team.
Arizona State 24 USC 21
#14 Washington State (6-1) at #24 Stanford (5-2) 4 p.m. (Pac-12) Line: Stanford -3
The Cougars pulled off a huge home win last week, defeating the Oregon Ducks, 34-20. Washington State controls their own destiny to the Pac-12 Championship and this game could prove that they are the real deal.
Stanford held off Arizona State last week on the road but it came at cost. Running back Bryce Love once again left last game early. Love has battled injuries all season and can’t seem to catch a break. The Heisman hopeful RB is questionable for Saturday’s game.
Stanford’s pass defense is concerning but David Shaw’s track record the second half of the year is hard to go against.
Stanford 31 Washington State 27
#19 Oregon (5-2) at Arizona (3-5) 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Line: Oregon -9.5
The Ducks watched their slim playoff hopes and possibly their conference title hopes come crashing down in Pullman last week. It will be up to the coaching staff to avoid a letdown after two huge games.
Arizona was without starting QB Khalil Tate last week and suffered a 31-30 loss at UCLA. Rhett Rodriguez filled in for Tate and passed for 231 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. If Tate can’t go this week, it will be Rodriguez’s offense on Saturday.
Ducks come out ready to go in the desert and put the Wildcats away early.
Oregon 42 Arizona 24
*Check back soon for my prediction of the #15 Washington at California game in Ruth Robbins preview article.
