Here are my week nine Pac-12 picks.
My Record: Straight up: 39-20 Against spread: 30-21
Tonight
USC (4-3) at Colorado (3-4) 6 p.m. (ESPN2) Line: USC -13.5
The Trojans control their own destiny in the Pac-12’s South Division. USC is finally out of their gauntlet of playing Utah, at Washington, and at Notre Dame in the first six weeks of the season. Meanwhile, Colorado has been outscored 86-13 in their last two losses to Oregon and Washington State. This is a tricky spot for the Trojans. USC is banged up and it’s a Friday night contest. But Colorado has shown no life of late.
USC 38 Colorado 20
Saturday
Arizona (4-3) at Stanford (3-4) 12:30 p.m. (Pac-12) Line: Arizona -1
Predicting this game is like calling the right lotto numbers. Both teams are struggling big time. Assuming K.J. Costello or David Mills starts at QB for the Cardinal, I think Stanford finds a way to beat the Wildcats at home.
Stanford 28 Arizona 24
#24 Arizona State (5-2) at UCLA (2-5) 4:30 p.m. (Pac-12) Line: Arizona State
The Sun Devils will look to bounce back after a disappointing 21-3 loss at Utah. Meanwhile, UCLA is coming off a 34-16 win at Stanford. This has trap game written all over it for Arizona State. But Herm Edwards rallies the Sun Devils as they look to keep up in the South Division.
Arizona State 31 UCLA 24
California (4-3) at #12 Utah (6-1) 7 p.m. (FS1) Line: Utah -21
The Utes still have question marks on offense. But their defense continues to be impressive. In Last week’s 21-3 win over Arizona State, Utah allowed just 136 total yards of offense. California is struggling big time on offense. Last week, they lost at home to Oregon State. Utah wins with ease as the Golden Bears’ offense continues to struggle.
Utah 24 California 7
Washington State (4-3) at #11 Oregon (6-1) 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Line: Oregon -14
The Ducks are coming off a huge comeback win against Washington. Oregon is now in the driver seat to the Pac-12 Championship. Washington State is coming off an easy 41-10 win over Colorado. This isn’t the greatest spot for Oregon but they are tired of losing to the Cougars. Oregon’s defense will do enough to slow down the air raid and they should have no problem moving the ball against a struggling defense.
Oregon 38 Washington State 21
