Here are my Pac-12 picks this week.
My record: Straight up: 30-18, Against Spread 23-17
Friday
Colorado (3-2) at #13 Oregon (4-1) 7 p.m. (FS1) Line: Oregon -20.5
Oregon looks to have established themselves as the best team in the conference thus far. Although it wasn’t pretty, the Ducks beat California 17-7 last weekend. Oregon’s defense has looked great all season – ranking No. 6 in scoring defense – allowing just 9.8 points per game. Meanwhile, Colorado is coming off a 35-30 home loss vs Arizona. The Buffaloes have allowed 30 or more points in all games this season. Oregon might be looking forward to next week’s rivalry game at Washington but they should have no problem this week.
Oregon 42 Colorado 27
Saturday
Washington State (3-2) at #18 Arizona State (4-1) 12:30 p.m. Line: ASU-2.5
Two teams coming off byes. Arizona State had a happy week off after beating California. Washington State is coming of their second consecutive loss – falling 38-13 at Utah. Washington State has serious defensive issues and I’m not sure the bye week is enough to get them fixed. Herm Edwards’ Sun Devils continue to surprise.
Arizona State 35 Washington State 31
USC (3-2) at #9 Notre Dame (4-1) 4:30 p.m. (NBC) Line: Notre Dame -11
Notre Dame hammered Bowling Green 52-0 while USC had the week off. The Trojans will get quarterback Kedon Slovis back after being medically cleared after suffering a concussion a few weeks ago. This could be it for Clay Helton and I expect the Trojans to play their best game of the year. But Notre Dame still wins it late.
Notre Dame 31 USC 28
#15 Utah (4-1) at Oregon State (2-3) 5 p.m. (Pac-12) Line: Utah -13.5
The Beavers hammered the Bruins at the Rose Bowl, 48-31 last Saturday. This Beavers team is much better than last year. But their defensive struggles still linger. Utah was off last week. Oregon State hasn’t faced a defense anywhere near the Utes and with Kyle Whittingham getting an extra week to prepare – the Utes win comfortably.
Utah 35 Oregon State 20
*Check back Saturday morning for my preview/prediction article for the Washington at Arizona game.
