Pac-12 Football Game Picks: Another Big One This Week - Utah Visits USC

The Trojans are still unbeaten in conference play while two-time champion Utah is nursing a single defeat.

No. 5 Washington beat No. 9 Oregon 36-33 in an instant classic and the latest Pac-12 Conference showdown this season. But the big games keep on coming, including this week’s game at the L.A. Coliseum between No. 14 Utah and No. 18 USC.

Utah is coming off a 34-14 victory at home over Cal while USC limped home following a turnover-filled 48-20 loss at Notre Dame.

Even so, the Trojans actually are atop the conference standings at 4-0, one-half game ahead of Washington at 3-0.

Utah is among three one-loss teams in the Pac-12, along with Oregon and No. 12 Oregon State. The two-time defending champion Utes likely must beat USC in order to remain in the fiercely competitive race for the league title.

Cal has the week off before hosting USC next Saturday in what could be their final meeting, at least for a while, with the Bears headed off to the ACC next fall and the Trojans moving to the Big Ten.

Last week: Jeff 4-2, Jake 3-3

Season: Jake 31-25, Jeff 30-26

All picks against the spread

Betting line from sisportsbook.com

Saturday

— Washington State (plus-20.5) at No. 9 Oregon, 12:30 p.m., ABC

Jake: This is a big spread considering Washington State was ranked a week ago, but the Ducks are looking for blood after losing to Washington. Pick: Oregon

Jeff: Ducks will be smarting after their loss at Washington. Pick: Oregon

— No. 14 Utah (plus-6.5) at No. 28 USC, 5 p.m., FOX

Jake: Utah would win if Cam Rising plays, but I’m betting he won’t. I am guessing the Utes will stay close without him. Pick: Utah

Jeff: Has Utah been waiting for this game to unveil injured QB Cam Rising? I’m not convinced, especially since the Utes are discussing whether he might use a medical redshirt. And without him, they cannot score enough to beat the Trojans in L.A. Pick: USC

— Arizona State (plus-26.5) at No. 5 Washington, 7:30 p.m., FS1

Jake: The Huskies will recall last year’s loss to ASU, so there won’t be a letdown after last week’s win over Oregon. Pick: Washington

Jeff: Seems that ASU, not Stanford, may be the worst team in the Pac-12. We’re pretty sure Washington is the best, and the Huskies have a lot on the line as a potential College Football Playoff participant. Pick: Washington

— No. 25 UCLA (minus-16.5) at Stanford, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Jake: Stanford has some momentum after that amazing comeback against Colorado, and the Bruins are 0-2 in conference road games. Pick: Stanford

Jeff: Can the high Troy Taylor’s team experienced in its miracle comeback at Colorado have carryover power? Well, perhaps enough to cover the spread here. Pick: Stanford

Cover photo of USC quarterback Caleb Williams by Matt Cashore, USA Today

Follow Jeff Faraudo of Cal Sports Report on Twitter: @jefffaraudo