Pac-12 Picks: Week Eleven

Nov 2, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins receiver Shaquelle Evans (1) carries the ball on a 36-yard reception in the fourth quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rose Bowl. UCLA defeated Colorado 45-23. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

#3 Oregon (8-0) at #5 Stanford (7-1) Thursday 6:00pm

By far the most anticipated Pac-12 game of the year. Stanford may have beaten Oregon in Eugene last year, but the Ducks have literally never looked better than they look right now. Regardless of how Stanford is “built to beat Oregon,” Mariota has developed into a dominant dual-threat quarterback and the famous zone running is still potent. Meanwhile the defense is fearsome at every level, especially the secondary, and shouldn’t have too much trouble keeping Gafney and Hogan in check.

Oregon 35, Stanford 17

USC (6-3) at Cal (1-8) Saturday 12:00pm

If the Trojans lose to the one-win Golden Bears right after defeating Oregon State on the road, I will officially give up trying to predict USC games under Coach O.

USC 37, Cal 20

#22 Arizona State (6-2) at Utah (4-4) Saturday 1:00pm

Playing at Utah has been a nightmare for everyone in the Pac-12 that has tried it this year. In five games, the Utes are 3-2 with a win over Stanford, and losses to UCLA and Utah were by a combined 10 points. Even after a demoralizing 0-2 road trip to Arizona and UCLA, Utah will likely play this one close. Taylor Kelly and Marion Grice will need to find a way to score on the road, though that was no issue in last week’s 55-21 win at WSU. ASU will manage a tough win.

ASU 28, Utah 24

#19 UCLA (6-2) at Arizona (6-2) Saturday 7:00pm

A loss here sinks UCLA’s chances of winning the Pac-12 South. The Bruins came up decidedly short at Stanford and played Oregon close until the Ducks pulled away in the 2nd half, but losses to top-five teams does not equal a loss at Arizona. I mean, those guys almost lost to Cal last week.

UCLA 31, Arizona 20