Best Pac12 Preview Oct. 17-19

Major Games:



Oregon State (2-4) at Cal (4-2) (11 point favorite)


Disappointed Cal fans are still crying over what might have been, what might have happened if QB Chase Garbers hadn't busted his shoulder in the first half of the Arizona State game, when the Bears were 4-0. Since then the offense, with backup Devon Modster in charge, has been a disaster. The passing game is feeble, making the running game an easy target for defenses. That flimsy offense sunk the Bears when they were playing two Top 20 teams--Arizona State and Oregon. But it won't hurt as much against a bottom-feeder like the Beavers.

Oregon State is awful. Their offense is much stronger than usual, but they are still awful, The Beaver defense so riddled with weaknesses that even Cal's offense, well-rested after a bye and playing at home, should score plenty of TDs. Cal's hard-nosed defense, which cripples every opponents' offense, shouldn't have much trouble muting the OSU attack.

Prediction:Cal wins



Arizona (4-2) at USC (3-3) (9.5 favorite)


SC's fierce second-half comeback last week on the road in the close Notre Dame loss showed once again that the Trojans, even with a raw freshman QB, Kendon Slovis, running things, can hang with good teams. SC, which plays much better at home, should tame the Wildcats, a mid-level Pac 12 team, though it won't be that easy. The Trojans' will have their hands full with QB Khalil Tate, one of the top five players in the conference. He's both a speedy, shifty runner and an accurate passer.  The Trojans' secondary is banged up, forcing them to rely on some untested rookies.  Look for Tate to take advantage of these pups, which will keep the game close. But SC will be bailed out by its potent passing game.

Prediction: USC wins



No 12 Oregon (2.5 favorite) at No 25 Washington


These two teams plus Utah represent the Pac12 elite. One of the trio will emerge as league champion. Washington, which has two losses, is the weakest of the three. Their defense is a few notches below its usual excellence and QB Jacob Eason, though he's thrown only four picks, didn't make the big plays needed to beat Cal and Stanford. Trying to shoot down the Ducks is his toughest assignment yet.Their QB, Justin Herbert, is arguably the best in the conference and the Ducks' D is a steel curtain that's in the national Top 10 in fewest points and yards surrendered. Can Eason crumble that curtain? It would be no surprise if he soars but he probably won't.

Prediction: Oregon wins



Colorado (3-3) at Washington State (3-3) (12.5 point favorite)


Bill this contest as the battle of the losers. Both are mired in three-game losing streaks. Both are a mess, but WSU is a bit less of a mess.The Cougars, led by passing wizard Anthony Gordon, have by far the best passing game in the country, They are also fifth nationally in total offense.  Unfortunately they are also tops at the bottom of the defense stats, ranked a pitiful No. 115. So they score a lot but they get scored on a lot. Colorado QB Steven Montez is skilled enough to pile up points against that WSU defense. But, in this shootout, Gordon and Co., at home, has more ammo.

Prediction: Washington State wins


No 17 Arizona State  (5-1) at No 13 Utah  (5-1)(13.5 favorite)


The Utah defense is as rock-ribbed as Oregon's but most fans don't know that because it's flying under the radar. So is Utah QB Tyler Huntley, who's hitting an impressive 76% of his passes with no INTs. If the Utes hadn't stumbled against USC in the Coliseum that Friday night they might be knocking on the door of the Top Five. The Sun Devils are a solid team with a superb defensive front, a team that doesn't beat itself. But they are no match for Utah, particularly on the road.

Prediction: Utah wins