Pac 12 predictions: Week 4

Conference games are now in full swing, so it’s time to put on the swami hat and predict the outcome of those being played this weekend. The slate is highlighted by a top 25 matchup, and dimmed by a ho-hum pairing that FX chose to air nationally.

Oregon State (1-0) vs No. 19 UCLA
The Beavers are playing just their second game of the season, since the opener versus Nicholls State was postponed by Hurricane Issac’s disruption of travel. OSU last played a game two weeks ago, upsetting Wisconsin at Reser Stadium. In that game, the Beavers were able to contain Montee Ball. The challenged this week will be stopping Jonathan Franklin, who currently leads the nation in rushing. Mike Riley had two weeks to prepare his team for the trip to Pasadena, but I have no confidence in his offense to put up the necessary numbers to beat the Bruins.
All-Time Series: UCLA leads 41-15-4
Line: UCLA -7
Prediction: UCLA 23, Oregon State 17

Colorado (0-3) vs Washington State (2-1)
This snoozer is brought to you by ZzzQuil, and anyone else FX may have suckered into buying a commercial spot. The Buffaloes are winless, and may be staring at its last chance for a victory in 2012.
All-Time Series: Colorado leads 4-3
Line: WSU -20
Prediction: Washington State 28, Colorado 10

Cal (1-2) vs No. 13 USC (2-1)
The Trojans have faced hibernating Bears for the last four years, but you should expect a little more fight from Tedford’s group on Saturday. It may be too early in the season to say both teams are desperate for a win, but I’m saying it anyway. Cal is trying to avoid a 1-4 start, while USC is hoping to stay in the national championship hunt. You can find a full preview HERE.
All-Time Series: USC leads 64-30-5
Line: USC -16.5
Prediction: USC 45, Cal 20

Utah (2-1) vs Arizona State (2-1)
Utah was dominant in the Mountain West, but finished just 4-5 in conference in its first Pac 12 year. Arizona State has won eight straight against the Utes, and should pick up victory number nine on Saturday.
All-Time Series: ASU leads 17-6
Line: ASU -7
Prediction: Arizona State 28, Utah 13

No. 22 Arizona (3-0) vs No. 3 Oregon (3-0)
Arizona is one of the biggest surprises this season, but it gets knocked back to reality this weekend. With a little bit of this and a lot more of DAT, Oregon cruises to victory at home.
All-Time Series: Oregon leads 23-14
Line: Oregon -21.5
Prediction: Oregon 47, Arizona 19

Bye: Washington, Stanford

Upset Alert

Missouri (2-1) vs No. 7 South Carolina
Some analysts have placed USC on upset alert for the second straight week. I agree, but I see the underdog rising outside of the Pac 12 and nipping USC of the SEC. South Carolina and Missouri are meeting for only the third time in history, and the Tigers were victorious in the two prior. In search of its first victory over the Gamecocks as a member of the SEC, Missouri will play for the first time at William-Brice Stadium. The Tigers defense is allowing opponents less than 100 rushing yards per game, and I have little faith in the Gamecocks’ ability to pass their way to victory.
Line: South Carolina -10.5
Prediction: Missouri 23, South Carolina 20

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~ by Anthony on September 21, 2012.