Now in the second week of a full conference schedule, we will begin to see how the Pac-12 is shaping up. Is Arizona State for real? Is Washington State for real? Can Utah really compete with the big boys of the Pac-12? Will Arizona and Oregon State combine for 100 points this week? Will Stanford have any mercy on Colorado? Tune in to all the Pac-12 games to find out.
Arizona (-1.5) @ Oregon State
12:30 PM, Fox College Sports Pacific
Game Thoughts: This is a game that looks ugly on paper as neither defense has played particularly well so far this season. Oregon State looked better, for a quarter, against Arizona State, but their youth at QB showed as the game wore on. While Arizona’s defense is porous, their offense is better than Oregon State’s. Expect a high scoring affair in this one as defense will be optional.
The Pick: Arizona
Arizona State (-3) @ Utah
12:30 PM, Fox Sports Net
Game Thoughts: Arizona State has been an up-and-down team. Their QB play has been erratic but their defense is playing at an elite level. They come in leading the nation in 3rd down % allowed. Utah, on the other hand, has learned quickly that the Pac-12 is no cake walk. Odds-makers have this a close game on the road for Arizona State. I see ASU looking ahead to a match up with Oregon next week. This is my upset special pick of the week.
The Pick: Utah
Colorado @ Stanford (-29.0)
4:30 PM, Versus Network
Game Thoughts: Colorado might be thinking twice about the decision to move to the Pac-12 this season. Stanford is a HEAVY favorite in this game. Colorado has played better under first year head coach Jon Embree, but that will be of little solace against a superior Stanford team. Close early; Stanford rolls.
The Pick: Stanford
Washington State @ UCLA (-5.5)
7:30 PM, Fox Sports Net
Game Thoughts: Washington State comes into this game much improved under Paul Wulff; the team has come a long way in two years. Rick Neuheisel is desperately working to save his job and has UCLA playing probably about as well as they are capable. Statistically, the numbers favor Washington State. Though they come in flying high on offense having lost only to a good San Diego State team, their record may be fools gold. This week will tell the difference and whether the team has truly turned the corner or not; it took a miracle comeback to squeak by a very weak Colorado team.
The Pick: UCLA
BYE WEEK: USC, Washington