Arguably, this is the best weekend of College Football action in the Pac-12 all season. What a slate of games, with a ton on the line. Before we get to the slate, the conference standings remain with the big dogs unbeaten at the top.
USC, Oregon, and Washington have yet to lose in conference play, but we are guaranteed to lose one of those this weekend. Stanford and the Sun Devils are the lone teams without a win in conference play.
Let’s take a look at the slate for this weekend and how things could be shaken up.
Stanford Cardinal +11 at Colorado Buffaloes
The Buffaloes are seeking their fifth win of the season. It was not overly impressive, but Colorado got out with a win last week over Arizona State.
For Stanford, the struggles are real. Following a win over Hawaii to start the season, the Cardinal have dropped four straight. Stanford was not competitive in losses to USC and Oregon, but they played great against Arizona.
This should not be an issue for Coach Prime and the Buffaloes as they move one win away from bowl eligibility. This is a Friday night game.
California Bears +11 at Utah Utes
The Utes are looking to get back on track following their road loss at Oregon State and then the bye. The Utes are still searching for answers on the offensive side of the ball. California is 3-3 on the season but also coming off a loss to Oregon State.
Despite scoring 40 points, they could not come away with a win. The Bears do not get much help from their schedule, as they have USC, Oregon, and Washington State following their bye next.
Look for California to keep this game tight, with the Utes’ inability to blow teams out.
Oregon Ducks +3 at Washington Huskies
The game of the week and possibly the game of the year. Not only in the Pac-12 but all of College Football. Two teams both inside the Top 10 of the Associated Press rankings.
Two teams without a loss this season. Two teams with Heisman candidates as quarterbacks. Michael Penix Jr leads in Heisman odds over Caleb Williams and Bo Nix. Nix and the Ducks are coming off their bye, while before that, they did quick and easy work of Stanford on the road.
Look for offense galore in this game, and it should be an instant classic, with the winner having a step up in the Pac-12 standings. Home-field advantage plays a big factor here for Penix and the Huskies.
Arizona Wildcats +7.5 at Washington State Cougars
The Cougars are ranked 19th in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll, with their lone loss on the road at Oregon State.
Arizona has been a pain in the side for several teams. Washington State will need to be careful in this one, and there is no doubt the Wildcats can knock them off, even on the road.
Look for a fun, competitive one here, with the winner getting into the high 30s. The total is set at 59.5, and that seems too low.
USC Trojans +3 at Notre Dame Fighting Irish
If the Oregon and Washington game does not top your list as the best games of the day, maybe USC at Notre Dame will. The Pac-12 may have just one unbeaten team remaining after this week, as the Trojans are underdogs in South Bend.
Caleb Williams was not great, but they got it done in the win over Arizona last week. Notre Dame is coming off a loss but has seen a brutal schedule.
The Trojans hope to pick up the pace in this game and keep a tired Notre Dame team from catching their breath. This is a big statement game for the Pac-12. The Trojans get it done in South Bend!
UCLA Bruins +3.5 at Oregon State Beavers
Two teams ranked inside the Top 18 in the Associated Press Poll. Both teams have just one loss on the season as well. UCLA is 4-1 coming off a win at home over Washington State. The Beavers are 5-1 after they scored 52 on the road at California last week.
The Bruins will want to keep the game slow and methodical and use their solid defensive play, while the Beavers hope to pick it up. It’s a battle of wills. This should be a great football game, but siding with the home team may be the way to go here.
Of course, after the tough loss to Colorado last week, the Arizona State Sun Devils have this weekend off. The Sun Devils will return to action on the road at Washington next week.
There is a look at the Pac-12 slate for Week 7. Enjoy the games, and best of luck!
