Pac-12 Week 8 Predictions

I'm 36-18 on the season with us just clearing the midway point. I'm feeling scrappier in my picks as we seem to be getting a better of sense of each team.

There are still plenty of questions though: How will Oregon fare in easily their toughest test of the season? And how legit is ASU, given their competition so far? And who will walk away from the Arizona Washington game on the upswing?

No. 3 Oregon (6-0, 3-0) at Arizona State (5-1, 3-0)
For all non Cal fans, this is the Pac-12 matchup of the week. The Sun Devils are playing about as well as anyone could have hoped, and are flirting with a national ranking. The key here might be ASU's homefield advantage. The Sun Devils are averaging a blistering 48.3 points per game at home and opponents have averaged just 9 points per game against ASU in Tempe. And speaking of Tempe, remember your Thursday nights in college? Imagine moving that party over to Sun Devil stadium and you can expect a pretty raucus atmosphere.

Here's the problem though. Oregon is far different from ASU's previous opponents at home (NAU, Illinois, and Utah). Despite not being talked about so much, I've watched a lot of this Oregon team this year, and I must say, they look about as good as they've ever been. I've seen little from freshman QB Marcus Mariota to suggest he's going to be wide-eyed on the road, and they're going to continue to put up points. Oregon's defense is also sneaky good.

ASU keeps it close until Oregon goes on a blistering scoring spree. The Sun Devils rally back, but it's not enough as Oregon holds on.

Prediction: Oregon 42 Arizona State 31

Colorado (1-5, 1-2) at No. 10 USC (5-1, 3-1)
Someone needs to give Jon Embree a hug. I just cringe every time I see him on the sideline. Maybe Lane Kiffin needs to just hold and console Embree after their game, when the Trojans beat Colorado by 4 scores. "Shhh...it's ok, Paul Richardson will be back next year. And Steve Marshall just needs some guidance, he isn't THAT bad."

The line's at 40 some points for this expected blowout, but the Buffaloes have been showing fight all year, and USC still isn't the type of monster preseason polls made them out to be.

Prediction: USC 45 Colorado 17

Washington (3-3, 1-2) at Arizona (3-3, 0-3)
This is a critical game for both squads. Washington's in the middle of the toughest portion of their schedule, and needs to beat Arizona if they're going to make a rally to reach 8 wins on the season. After talking about taking their program to the next level, Sark needs this win to show they're even capable of beating middle-of-the-pack conference teams.

As for Arizona, their hot start has been dampened by two close losses to both Oregon State and Stanford. They need a win to get their season back on track if they're going to get bowl eligible.

I actually think the Wildcats have the edge here with their being at home. The Huskies' defense has been far more impressive this year, but Arizona's offense will put up some points. And if the Wildcats can keep bringing the pressure on Keith Price, they should hold on for the win in a shootout.

Prediction: Arizona 37 Washington 30

Utah (2-4, 0-3) at No. 8 Oregon State (5-0, 3-0)
It's just about make or break time for the Utes. With a loss Saturday, Utah would need to rip off 4 wins in their last 5 games to become bowl eligible. They couldn't have asked for a worse matchup than facing off against Number 8 Oregon State.

The Beavers showed they're still plenty capable of putting up points with Cody Vaz filling in for an injured Cody Mannion. They put up 42 points against a stout BYU defense on the road. Utah won't give up 42 points but it won't matter against Oregon State's defense. The Utes have scored just 4 offensive touchdowns the last 3 games.

Prediction: Oregon State 31 Utah 13