Pac-12 Picks: Week Seven
Arizona State at Colorado
Not much of a question here. Colorado is really bad, and Arizona State is very good. In fact, I think they’re the most underrated team in the conference. I fully expect another loss for the Buffaloes. Worth noting that sophomore quarterback Taylor Kelly has played very well this season, with six touchdowns and zero picks in his last two games, and is part of a recent wave of young Pac-12 QBs that are rising up to fill the perceived void in high-caliber passers at the start of this year. During the summer, the only two real stars at the position were Matt Barkley and Keith Price. That is simply no longer the case.
ASU 34, Colorado 17
September 29, 2012; Berkeley, CA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Kevin Ozier (82) scores a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-US PRESSWIRE
Utah at UCLA
This is a must win for UCLA. I have discussed many times the way that teams like UCLA and Oregon State switched roles with Utah and Cal as the up and coming teams in the Pac-12. Well, UCLA just lost to Cal, and if they lose to Utah, suddenly that claim of mine doesn’t have much clout. I think the Bruins will manage this one, but don’t be shocked if the Utah defense, which was supposed to be one of the best in the country, suddenly makes an appearance.
UCLA 31, Utah 21
#17 Stanford at #7 Notre Dame
It is hard for me to ever take Notre Dame seriously as a national title contender. I am always waiting for them to show their true colors and lose a big game. So far this year, that just hasn’t happened. The defense allows 7.8 points per game. That is outrageous, and I don’t see how Stanford will pull out a win, no matter how poorly Notre Dame’s offense plays. It looks like an SEC-type grind. Which, of course, means it will probably be a barn-burner.
Notre Dame 17, Stanford 10
Oct. 6, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Cierre Wood (20) carries the ball in the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Soldier Field. Notre Dame won 41-3. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE
#10 Oregon State at BYU
I’m starting to love the Beavers. Yes, they compete directly with Washington in the Pac-12 North, but I will say, if it can’t be Washington, I certainly wouldn’t mind seeing Oregon State going to the Rose Bowl or the National Championship. It would be a great story. Unfortunately, the loss of Sean Mannion puts that whole scenario into question. It is up to that strong defense, which allows 17 points a game, to give a helping hand to first time starting quarterback Cody Vaz.
OSU 20, BYU 10
California at Washington State
Neither of these teams is very good at football, but Cal is better. The Cougars look lost so far this year, and I doubt they will do much here either, though, if they are going to steal a game anytime soon, this is the time to do it.
Cal 38, WSU 28