Pac-12 Predictions: Week 5

Stanford 27 Washington 17
In terms of matchups, the Cardinal have a lot of reason to be favored here. They're beginning to get their run game going, their defense is getting after the passer, and they're playing with a whole new level of confidence after upsetting the Trojans. This spells a lot of bad things for the Huskies, who for all their improvements, are still struggling to stop the run game, giving up a 174 yards per game. They're also struggling to protect their passer, with Keith Price running for his life against defensive fronts with a pulse. Washington's homefield advantage will give them a boost, as will the play of their playmakers in Kasen Williams and Austen Sefarian-Jenkins. But with the Huskies struggling to get their run game going, it'll likely be too heavy of a burden to put on Keith Price here. Stanford pulls away down the stretch and puts Washington away.

UCLA 38 Colorado 20
UCLA's feeling kinda crummy and Colorado's feeling good. But look for a bit of a role reversal at the end of Saturday's game. I don't think the Bruins were exposed last weekend as much as they ran into what I think might be one of the best defenses in the conference in Oregon State. Colorado doesn't pose nearly the issue. The Pac-12 South's leading rushing team gets its mojo back against the Buffaloes, but I'd be very interested to watch and see what Colorado can do on the ground against UCLA. The Bruins have quietly been giving up over 170 yards per game on the ground.

Oregon State 30 Arizona 27
This will be one of the more entertaining conference matchups this weekend. Arizona's offense showcased some of the tendancies last week against Oregon that have handcuffed them from being elite: namely redzone woes and turnovers. You have to think that goose egg has been eating away at Rich Rod all week. They have nearly as stiff a challenge against the Beavers who have been playing, stout, sound defense and a renewed confidence on offense. The Wildcats are largely better at home, but I'm leaning with a team has shown the ability to bear down on potent offenses on the road.

Oregon 44 Washington State 17
At least I'm assured of getting one pick right. Though with Wazzu, you never know. I expected this team to roll Colorado, only to squander a 4th quarter lead and have a massive Buffalo deuce dropped on their head. Oregon will have no mercy for the scurvy carrying gang and will be ready to drop a tons of points. The Cougars will undoubtedly move the ball, but I can't see it being close to enough. Oh, and quick fyi, Oregon's defense is pretty darn good as well.