This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
UCLA's domination of California in a 40-24 victory Thursday was almost as surprising to me as the way Stanford pounded UCLA last week. Conclusions: Stanford is the only great team in the Pac-12 North, UCLA has not given up and the South may not have dropped off as far as I once thought. More evidence is needed, of course. On to Saturday's picks: Washington State at Arizona, 2 p.m. MDT, Pac-12 Networks This is another good North-South test, with WSU's offense rolling and the Wildcats struggling on defense, but also capable of racking up a lot of points. It could be a wild adventure, although it will end before dark in Tucson. Washington State 49, Arizona 47. Utah at USC, 5:30 p.m. MDT, Fox This is an interesting game, on so many levels. Seemingly the whole world is fascinated by the fact USC is favored, but as I'm writing this in Las Vegas, I get it. Oddsmaking is part football analysis, part psychology. The experts know that brand names are highly valued in this business, explaining some inflation for USC. And if the game were at Rice-Eccles Stadium, the home-field advantage would be enough to make Utah the favorite. Having said that, you just know Kyle Whittingham is playing up that theme this week. I guess we'll find out on "The Drive" next Wednesday. As for the game itself, a good start seems critical for the Trojans. USC's program is in such disarray with another interim coaching staff that this team could crumble if the Utes get ahead. Conversely, if the Trojans play well early, they could regain some confidence. Amid some psychological variables, this matchup should go a lot like last October's game in Salt Lake City, with Utah winning in the end. That's what the Utes do, until proven otherwise. Utah 27, USC 24. Colorado at Oregon State, 8:30 p.m. MDT, Pac-12 Networks. This is both teams' best opportunity for a conference victory. OSU coach Gary Andersen was heartened by his team's response in the second half at Washington State last week, but that was after the Beavers trailed 45-17. Colorado has been far more competitive in the league and quarterback Sefo Liufau is playing well. Colorado 42, Oregon State 31. Washington at Stanford, 8:30 p.m. MDT, ESPN If the Utes beat USC, their fans' minds should move ahead to Nov. 7, when the Utes visit Washington – never mind Andersen's homecoming game next Saturday. Washington's defense looks good, although Stanford's offense may exploit it, the way quarterback Kevin Hogan and running back Christian McCaffrey are playing lately. Washington has offensive issues, and will have trouble scoring enough to stay close. Stanford 24, Washington 14. – Kurt Kragthorpe