Pac-12 Picks: Can Cal Pull Off the Upset in SLC?

A bunch of games this week only a mother could love. Three of five games in the Pac-12 this weekend feature double-digit point spreads, and the other two aren't going to command huge TV ratings.

But we'll give you the winners anyway.

The best game of them may be Saturday night’s matchup at Oregon, where Mike Leach wonders if his defense can play well for a second straight game after allowing 143 points in in three previous outings.

And then there is Cal at No. 12 Utah, with the Bears likely sending freshman Spencer Brasch against the Utes’ nationally ranked defense.

Can Cal pull the upset? Can the Bears even keep it close?

All picks against the spread

Lines taken from vegasinsider.com (opening lines used)

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

Season: Jake 30-30, Jeff 29-31

Friday

USC (minus-10) at Colorado

Jake: The Trojans have a slew of injuries, but the reeling Buffaloes have allowed 30 points or more in every game this season. Pick: USC Pick:

Jeff: To me, Colorado and Arizona are basically interchangeable, and USC just beat Arizona by 27 points. Pick: USC

Saturday

Arizona (plus-3) at Stanford

Jake: Arizona and quarterback Khalil Tate have been fading, and I am guessing KJ Costello will be back for Saturday’s game (he’s listed as questionable). Pick: Stanford

Jeff: Until further notice I have stopped believing Stanford is going to turn back into Stanford again. But they may not need to be Stanford to win this game. Pick: Stanford

Arizona State (minus-2.5) at UCLA

Jake: UCLA looked good against Stanford, and Arizona State’s offense looked feeble against Utah. In both cases, the opposition was the reason. Pick: Arizona State

Jeff: I saw UCLA’s win over Stanford, and I’m still not impressed. ASU looked terrible because it played at Utah. UCLA is not Utah. Bounce back game for freshman Jayden Daniels. Pick: Arizona State

Cal (plus-18) at Utah

Jake: QB Tyler Huntley seems likely to play for Utah, but this point spread is just a little too big, even with Cal freshman QB Spencer Brasch likely to make his first start. Pick: Cal

Jeff: The Utes have allowed a total of 23 points in their past three games, and Cal is likely starting a freshman third-string quarterback. This could be painful. Pick: Utah

Washington State (plus-15.5) at Oregon

Jake: Oregon might have a letdown after its win over Washington, and the Cougars’ defense looked better against Colorado. Pick: Washington State

Jeff: Giving Mike Leach and his offense 15.5 points sounds generous. But with that defense, I’m not sure it’s enough. Pick: Oregon