BYU looks to keep their CFP hopes alive with a win in Waco against Baylor
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Article by WestCoastCFB
California at #9 Oregon
Betting Line: Oregon -13.5
Cal is 1-4 while Oregon is 4-1. This comes off as a major mismatch but these teams are more equal than you might think at first glance. Oregon's defense is allowing 5.39 yards per play while Cal allows 5.53. Offensively, the Golden Bears average 6.19 yards per play and the Ducks are at 6.02. Cal will keep this competitive but the Ducks find a way to pull out a win at home.
Prediction: Oregon 31 vs California 23
Arizona at Colorado
Betting Line: Colorado -6
The Toilet Bowl. The Wildcats have lost 17 straight games, a Pac-12 record for futility. On the other side of the field, the Buffs have one of the worst offenses in conference history and are averaging just 239.6 yards per game. Due to both teams having inept offenses, this could be a low scoring contest.
Prediction: Arizona 20 vs Colorado 17
Stanford at WSU
Betting Line: Stanford -1.5
WSU is surging at the right time and the defense is playing at a high level. Stanford has been a mystery this season and they have put together some great games while struggling in others. This will be a close game that goes down to the wire and could come down to field goal kicking.
Prediction: Stanford 31 vs WSU 28
UCLA at Washington
Betting Line: UW -2
Honestly, it's surprising that Washington is favored in this one. UCLA is a bad matchup for the Huskies with their dangerous rushing attack led by Zach Charbonnet. UW has consistently struggled to defend the run and now must contain a Chip Kelly offense that is built on the ground game. The Bruins may not even attempt 15 passes in this game.
Prediction: UCLA 34 vs Washington 24
#18 Arizona State at Utah
Betting Line: Even
ASU and Utah are the last two undefeated Pac-12 teams in conference play and now will face off in a game with major South Division Title implications. The Sun Devils seem like the better team but they will need to overcome a rowdy atmosphere in Salt Lake City to earn the win.
Prediction: ASU 27 vs Utah 24
#19 BYU at Baylor
Betting Line: Baylor -6.5
Baylor's offense was a disaster last season which prompted the Bears to go out and hire Jeff Grimes from BYU. The former Cougar OC now has the offense in Waco flying high, scoring 38.3 PPG. The BYU defense should get a slight edge by knowing their former coach's playbook inside and out but this will come down to the wire.
Prediction: BYU 28 vs Baylor 24
#24 San Diego State at San Jose State
Betting Line: SDSU -9
San Jose State was the toast of the town last season when they won the Mountain West Title but now that season is looking more and more like a fluke. The Aztec defense is fast and ferocious and should have no problem limiting the Spartans.
Prediction: SDSU 30 vs SJSU 7
Air Force at Boise State
Betting Line: Boise State -4
Boise State got a much needed win last weekend against #10 BYU to give the fans confidence in new coach Andy Avalos. Now, another tough test awaits with the Air Force triple option.
Prediction: Boise State 35 vs Air Force 28