Ducks and Dawgs. Who comes out on top of the Pac-12 North?
Photo: Jennifer Buchanan USA Today
Article by WestCoastCFB
Utah at Stanford
Betting Line: Utah -9
The Utes have the 2nd best rushing offense in the Pac-12 while Stanford has the worst rushing defense. This will be an easy game for Kyle Whittingham as he continues to make his way towards another Pac-12 South Title Game.
Prediction: Utah 38 vs Stanford 17
Cal at Arizona
Betting Line: Cal -10
Arizona has looked extremely improved the past couple of weeks against USC and Washington. Cal has also been on the upswing after dominant performances against Oregon State and Colorado. This might be Arizona's best chance to avoid 0-12 but Justin Wilcox will shut down the Wildcat offense and keep this one out of reach.
Prediction: Cal 27 vs Arizona 17
Idaho State at #15 BYU
BYU gets some much needed rest against an overmatched Idaho State squad. The Bengals are 1-7 this season and no other explanation is needed for this pick. BYU wins big.
Prediction: BYU 62 vs Idaho State 7
Boise State at #23 Fresno State
Betting Line: Fresno -5
Jake Haener led Fresno State to another big win last weekend as the Bulldogs took down undefeated San Diego State 30-20. Fresno State now has a 53.3% probability of winning the Mountain West according to ESPN's FPI. Boise State on the other hand has had a rough year and needs a win here to avoid their 5th loss. Expect Haener to torch a weak Bronco secondary.
Prediction: Fresno State 31 vs Boise State 28
Oregon State at Colorado
Betting Line: OSU -10.5
The Beavers suffered a disappointing defeat to Cal last weekend that many didn't see coming. However, Colorado should give Jonathan Smith an easy opportunity to reach Bowl eligibility this week. BJ Baylor will run all over the Buffs.
Prediction: Oregon State 42 vs Colorado 21
#4 Oregon at Washington
Betting Line: Oregon -7
The game of the week. These are two fierce rivals and both fanbases absolutely hate each other. The Dawgs have the best defense in the conference and they'll be laying big hits on the Ducks. The Oregon defense, while vulnerable at times, has Kayvon Thibodeaux who will give Dylan Morris fits. This game is going to come down to the final minutes and whoever can win the turnover battle will likely win.
Prediction: Oregon 24 vs Washington 21
USC at Arizona State
Betting Line: ASU -8.5
Arizona State shockingly looked awful in a blow out loss to the Cougs last weekend. USC didn't look much better in a close win over Arizona. Both of these teams have had disappointing seasons but Arizona State had the advantage of home field and a better defense. Herm Edwards gets the win and stays off the hot seat.
Prediction: Arizona State 34 vs USC 27
San Diego State at Hawaii
Betting Line: SDSU -7
Hawaii has a very strong home field advantage as witnessed by their win over Fresno State back in October. SDSU needs to quickly regroup after their undefeated season went up in flames last weekend against Fresno State. Brady Hoke will look to pound the rock on a bad Hawaii defense and should find success.
Prediction: San Diego State 31 vs Hawaii 21