Picking the Pac: Weekly predictions and betting odds

Heading into the second half of the season, the Pac-12 craziness continues with a six-game weekend slate. It’s the final weekend of Friday football games, and on a strange note, there are no kickoff times past sundown in a conference that made the #Pac12AfterDark hashtag famous.

With Stanford and Arizona State on a bye this week, the final push in conference play is upon us. Take a look at what’s on the schedule for this week along with the betting odds and our predictions for the game. 

Here’s this week’s slate of conference games, along with kickoff times, betting odds, and picks from PHNX Sun Devils’ beat reporters Brittany Bowyer and Shane Dieffenbach. 

*All odds from DraftKings Sportsbook. Use code PHNX at signup.*

Washington at Arizona – Friday, 7:30 p.m.

While Washington may be struggling to get the ball rolling offensively, ranking no. 97 in the FBS for total offense, the Huskies are still in a far better position than Arizona. After the Wildcats announced an injury to quarterback Jordan McCloud, Gunner Cruz was back in action against Colorado. In arguably its best opportunity to pick up a win this season, Arizona was shut out 31-0. Worse yet, Cruz suffered a season-ending thumb injury in the game, meaning all eyes will be on Will Plummer. The Huskies may be limping through the season at 2-4, but they’re still in a much better position to take home a win this weekend, despite being on the road. 

Britt’s Pick: Washington   

Shane’s Pick: Washington  

Spread: Washington -17.5   

Total: 45.5

Moneyline:  Arizona +600/Washington -900 

BYU at Washington State – Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

A crazy week kicked off when Washington State announced on Monday the firing of coach Nick Rolovich, along with a number of his assistants, after they refused to comply with a mandate that required all state employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Rolovich will be suing the university for illegal termination, in part because of “discriminatory and vindictive behavior” by athletic director Pat Chun, an attorney representing Rolovich said Wednesday. The Cougars’ difficulty in preparing for games likely just got a lot more intense with a staff that will be spread thin. BYU hasn’t looked like the same team that beat Arizona State, recently dropping back-to-back games against Boise State and Baylor. Anything is possible, which this conference has proven on more than one occasion, but given BYU’s record against the Pac-12 this year, I think the win will go back to Provo. 

Britt’s Pick: BYU  

Shane’s Pick: BYU  

Spread: BYU -4.5   

Total: 56.5   

Moneyline: Washington State +160/BYU-190  

Colorado at Cal – Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

Colorado was finally able to pick up a win last week by dominating Arizona, 31-0. Colorado’s defense has never been a question. It always comes down to the Buffaloes’ ability to get the ball moving offensively. Meanwhile, Cal is still struggling to find an identity despite usually being a very defensively sound team under coach Justin Wilcox. Expect this to be a low-scoring game. 

Britt’s Pick: Colorado  

Shane’s Pick: Cal  

Spread: Cal -8.5   

Total: 44   

Moneyline: Colorado +270/Cal -350

No. 10 Oregon at UCLA – Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

The biggest issue surrounding this Oregon team is its inconsistency. It was evident from week one to week two of the season, with a night and day difference between the games against Fresno State and Ohio State. The Ducks struggled last week, narrowly coming back to avoid an upset loss to Cal. UCLA has played fairly consistently, and like Oregon, has shown glimpses of potential, but have suffered two losses up to this point, giving some people hesitation when it comes to picking the Bruins over the Ducks. This game will most likely end up being the best Pac-12 game of the weekend. 

Britt’s Pick: UCLA  

Shane’s Pick: Oregon  

Spread: UCLA -1   

Total: 60.5   

Moneyline: Oregon +105/UCLA-125   

USC at No. 13 Notre Dame – Saturday, 4:30 p.m.

USC will be put to the test in a big non-conference game against Notre Dame, but there’s not a lot of faith in the Trojans at this point in the year. After a 1-1 start, USC fired Clay Helton and since then, the Trojans are 2-2. While this is not the same caliber Notre Dame team as years past, the Fighting Irish still are in a much better position from the outside looking in. While USC has been able to turn around lackluster starts to the season perviously, it seems out of the question this year with coaching changes and up and down performances of the team.

Britt’s Pick: Notre Dame   

Shane’s Pick:  Notre Dame 

Spread:  Notre Dame -7   

Total: 59   

Moneyline: USC +210/Notre Dame -260  

Utah at Oregon State – Saturday, 4:30 p.m.

Last but not least is Utah on the road at Oregon State. After roaring back to score 28 unanswered points against ASU, Utah hit its stride in the convincing win over the Sun Devils. Oregon State has had a far better start to the year than most anticipated, and the absolute anarchy in the Pac-12 North has opened a lot of doors. While many don’t expect Oregon State to give Utah a run for their money, don’t be so sure. This will likely be a competitive game. The Beavers were competitive in their two losses and they have averaged 39.8 points in their four wins.

Britt’s Pick: Utah  

Shane’s Pick: Utah

Spread: Utah -3   

Total: 57.5   

Moneyline: Oregon State +130/Utah-150