Edward AschoffKyle Bonagura 6y

Pac-12 Week 9 game picks: Can Arizona keep rolling?

Eh, no need for trash talk this week.

Visit our college football PickCenter page for additional information on these games and many more.

Thursday

No. 20 Stanford (5-2, 4-1 Pac-12) at Oregon State (1-6, 0-4)

Edward Aschoff: Bryce Love might not be able to play Thursday, but if he doesn't that would just mean the Cardinal won't put 50 on Oregon State. Stanford 34, Oregon State 13

Kyle Bonagura: In a matchup of the top-ranked team in our power rankings (Stanford) and the worst one (Oregon State), the Cardinal is an easy choice. It could be a huge, stat-padding opportunity for Heisman hopeful Love, but a lingering ankle injury might lead David Shaw to play it safe. Stanford 38, Oregon State 10

Saturday

California (4-4, 1-4) at Colorado (4-4, 1-4)

Aschoff: Cal has turned into a fun team to watch this season, while we can't figure out what it is Colorado wants to be. The offense is a shell of its former self, and now the Buffs have a quarterback battle on their hands after Steven Montez was benched last week. Cal 24, Colorado 17

Bonagura: Coming into the season, Montez seemed like a likely candidate to join the upper echelon of quarterbacks in the conference, but last week against Washington State he was benched at halftime in a 28-0 loss. Things are trending poorly for the Buffs, while Cal could be a surprise bowl team by next week. Cal 28, Colorado 24

UCLA (4-3, 2-2) at No. 12 Washington (6-1, 3-1)

Aschoff: The Huskies' defense is one of the best in the country, which means we've got an outstanding matchup between that unit and UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen, who has been mostly outstanding this year. The Huskies appear to be the Pac-12's only real hope for a College Football Playoff bid, and they'll pull away late at home. Washington 34, UCLA 21

Bonagura: After a loss and an open date, Washington should be plenty motivated to demonstrate that its poor showing against Arizona State was an aberration. The Bruins are dangerous because of their offense, but still have a lot to prove on defense. Washington 38, UCLA 28

Utah (4-3, 1-3) at Oregon (4-4, 1-4)

Aschoff: Justin Herbert might be able to play in this one, but that's a big might for the Ducks. Utah is looking to totally regroup after losing three consecutive games. If Oregon were fully healthy, the Ducks would be the pick here, but without Herbert at 100 percent, this will be the ugliest game of the week. Utah 20, Oregon 17

Bonagura: In conference play, Oregon and Utah have been two of the three worst-scoring offenses in the Pac-12. The Utes average 1.52 points per drive, and the Ducks average 1.54 (which is tied with Oregon State for second to last). With Oregon quarterback Herbert's status still hazy, the Utes are the pick. Utah 24, Oregon 21

No. 15 Washington State (7-1, 4-1) at Arizona (5-2, 3-1)

Aschoff: The Wildcats are one of the hottest teams this side of the Mississippi. In its past three games (all victories), Arizona has averaged 561 yards and scored at least 45 points. Washington State has the Pac-12's second-best defense, giving up 400 yards only once this season. Something's got to give, and the Wildcats are just too hot right now. Arizona 31, Washington State 27

Bonagura: Arizona has quickly evolved into the conference's most exciting offense thanks to the emergence of quarterback Khalil Tate, but it's still hard to choose the Wildcats in this one because their 69-7 loss to the Cougars last season is too fresh. Watching the film of that one this week, Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez said it made him want to throw up. Washington State 35, Arizona 31

No. 21 USC (6-2, 4-1) at Arizona State (5-2, 3-1)

Aschoff: Todd Graham told me this week he wasn't shocked by this season's turnaround at Arizona State, particularly with the culture he has built behind the scenes. Sam Darnold has struggled at times, but the Trojans' quarterback is still very talented and very young, guys. Some nagging Arizona State fan didn't want me to pick the Sun Devils, so I won't. USC 28, Arizona State 20

Bonagura: From Game 1 to now, Arizona State is the most improved team in the conference while USC has routinely disappointed. The season is still salvageable for USC, but the Trojans haven't given a reason to believe that will happen. Arizona State 24, USC 23

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