The Pac-12’s division races are starting to become more clear after eight weeks of playing. After beating Washington, Oregon has a commanding two game lead in the North Division. USC holds the tiebreaker over Utah in the South Division. Here are my week nine picks.
My Record: Straight up: 39-20 Against Spread: 30-21
1. #11 Oregon (6-1)
The Ducks rallied to beat Washington in Husky Stadium. It was an impressive win considering the problems the Ducks have had finishing games over the last few seasons.
Next Opponent: vs Washington State
2. #12 Utah (6-1)
The Utes dominated Arizona State, 21-3. Utah held the Sun Devils to just 136 yards of total offense.
Next Opponent: vs California
3. Washington (5-3)
The Huskies blew a 14-point second half lead against Oregon last Saturday to all but eliminate their Pac-12 title defense. Washington’s ceiling is still high but they must be more consistent.
Next Opponent: Idle
4. #24 Arizona State
The Sun Devils were outclassed in their 21-3 defeat at Utah. Only mustering 136 total yards of offense as mentioned earlier. A very disappointing result for a team on the rise.
Next Opponent: at UCLA
5. USC (4-3)
The Trojans hammered Arizona, 41-14. USC used a balanced offense with over 200 yards passing and rushing. USC controls its own destiny in the South Division still.
Next Opponent: at Colorado
6. Washington State (4-3)
The Cougars handled Colorado, 41-10, in Pullman. WSU’s defense showed some life, forcing three interceptions. We will find out if this defense has improved at all this week in Eugene.
Next Opponent: at Oregon
7. California (4-3)
Good luck deciding who should be ranked where in the Pac-12 at the very bottom of the conference. Cal’s defense is slowly cracking as a result of their poor offense. It resulted in a home loss to the Beavers last weekend.
Next Opponent: at Utah
8. Stanford (3-4)
Putting Stanford at No. 8 is very questionable. But we will give them a little break as they started their third string QB in a 34-16 loss to UCLA.
Next Opponent: vs Arizona
9. Oregon State (3-4)
How about the Beavers? OSU went on the road and beat California, 21-17. Oregon State is now three wins away from an unlikely bowl birth. Dare to dream?
Next Opponent: Idle
10. Arizona (4-3)
The Wildcats were lifeless in a 41-14 defeat at USC. Things have gone all wrong for Arizona the last two weeks. This week feels like a must win for Kevin Sumlin.
Next Opponent: at Stanford
11. UCLA (2-5)
Well the Bruins got win No. 2 at Stanford. UCLA racked up 455 total yards of offense in their 34-16 win. Maybe just maybe UCLA is building some momentum?
Next Opponent: vs Arizona
12. Colorado (3-4)
Things have gone all wrong for the Buffaloes the last three weeks. Colorado’s latest loss, a 41-10 defeat at Washington State. Mel Tucker needs to rally this team before things really get out of hand.
Next Opponent: vs USC
