The conference slate is starting to heat up as it features a couple of really good games as well as two top 25 matchups with teams outside of the Pac 12 conference.
UCLA vs. Colorado
UCLA has been struggling all season long and it’s going to be really hard for the Bruins to find another win on this schedule. As for the Buffalos, They look to keep their undefeated season alive and I think they will do just that at home.
Colorado 35, UCLA 14
Utah vs. Washington State
Washington State returns back home after a grueling battle against USC last week as they attempt to bounce back in taking on Utah. Gardner Minshew continues to show that Washington State will continue to provide excellent QB play. I believe Wazzou bounces back this week and get their first conference win of the year.
Washington 34, Utah 24
#7 Stanford vs. #8 Notre Dame
Quite possibly the game of the week in the conference, Stanford gets another big test to see if they belong among the elite in College Football in 2018. Brian Kelly made a bold strategy in bringing in Ian Book at QB and he dazzled against Wake Forest throwing for 325 yards and 2 touchdowns. But Stanford’s defense will be an upgrade from Wake Forest. Both teams have been tested against good competition, but I believe at home, the Fighting Irish will pull out the win in an instant classic type of game.
Notre Dame 28, Stanford 24
#20 BYU vs. #11 Washington
2 of 2 marquee non-conference matchups on Saturday features a big home game for the Huskies as BYU comes into town. BYU has proven that they can take down the big dogs anywhere as they upset Wisconsin on the road two weeks ago as this will be 3rd of 4 matchups against the Pac 12. BYU is 1-1 this year against the conference beating Arizona in Week 1, 28-23 and falling to Cal in the next week, 21-18. I believe Washington will come in defensively aggressive and keeping Tanner Mangum and the rest of the offense held in check. Jake Browning will make enough big time throws to get Washington the win in the end.
Washington 30 Notre Dame 20
Oregon State vs. Arizona State
After a hot start, Arizona State has cooled off and is looking to end the 2 game losing skid and pick up steam as The Beavers of Oregon State come into town. Oregon State’s running game has been the lone bright spot to this team and if they want to stay in this game, a performance similar to the Ohio State will keep them in it. Arizona State has too much talent on both sides of the football and will grab their first conference win of the year.
Arizona State 42, Oregon State 17
#19 Oregon vs. #24 California
It’s rare to see a team move up a spot after losing the week before, but with Oregon they did just that after choking a 24 point lead and Stanford winning in Autzen Stadium. Now the Ducks are on the road taking on a hot Cal team that peaked into the Top 25 this week. After an impressive win on the road against BYU and then taking out Idaho State last week, Cal has a good reason to feel optimistic in this game. Justin Herbert will be looking for revenge as he throws for 3 touchdowns and Taj Griffin has the breakout game Duck fans have been waiting for. It will be a shootout, but a shootout the Ducks will win.
Oregon 45, Cal 41
USC vs. Arizona
Both teams coming into the season had high expectations but both teams are working their way up to them. Arizona has won back to back games and USC is back on track after a big home win against Washington State. The last time he was on the road, J.T. Daniels failed to provide the big throws to keep the Trojans in the game. He’s got the talent on the outside with the trio of Tyler Vaughns, Amon Ra St.-Brown and Michael Pittman Jr. It will be a close game throughout, but USC pulls out another big win.
USC 27, Arizona 24
