Pac-12 picks: USC, Oregon, Utah
The Pac-12 South title will be decided, Oregon can remain in contention for the national championship and Arizona State and Utah can become the conference’s eighth and ninth bowl-eligible teams.
It’s mid-November, and this league is getting interesting. Saturday’s picks:
Washington at Colorado, 11:30 a.m. MST, FX
Washington put together its most complete effort of the season in beating Utah last weekend, and now the Huskies have a good shot at an 8-4 record. Must be nice, to be bowl-eligible and now face the league’s two worst teams. Washington 42, Colorado 21.
Washington State at Arizona State, 1 p.m. MST, Pac-12 Networks
The Sun Devils are reeling, just as they were last season when a loss at WSU proved costly. WSU actually showed signs of life in the second half of last week’s loss to UCLA, but it is awfully difficult to picture the Cougars winning in Tempe. Arizona State 31, Washington State 21.
USC at UCLA, 1 p.m. MST, Fox
The crosstown rivalry has relevance. This game should be fun, with two teams that have turned out to be quite evenly matched. USC’s season has been disappointing and the Bruins have overachieved, but I’m sticking with the favored Trojans. USC 35, UCLA 28.
Stanford at Oregon, 6 p.m. MST, ABC
Oregon has served as the big test for every Pac-12 opponent, and nobody has measured up to the Ducks. Why should Stanford be any different? Obviously, the Cardinal defense is outstanding, but stopping the Ducks is another issue entirely. Cal coach Jeff Tedford made a good observation about how Oregon’s offense can be slowed at times, but the Ducks adjust to the defensive scheme and score in spurts. It will happen again at some point Saturday. Oregon 45, Stanford 28.
Arizona at Utah, 8 p.m. MST, ESPNU
Like just about every game involving Arizona, this contest comes down to one basic question: Would you rather have a great offense and lousy defense or a good defense and a bad offense? The Utes’ problem is their supposedly great defense was absent at Washington, allowing 437 total yards. Coach Kyle Whittingham has a knack for getting his guys to respond in tough situations, salvaging the season. Needing two wins for bowl eligibility, the Utes should come through. Utah 28, Arizona 24.
California at Oregon State, 8:30 p.m. MST, Pac-12 Networks
This is Cal’s last game of the season after playing 12 consecutive weeks. Whether it marks the end of Tedford’s tenure is subject to discussion. Oregon State 24, Cal 17.
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Links from around the Pac-12
Arizona (Tucson Citizen)
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Arizona beats ASU in baseball to win the all-sport Territorial Cup Series»
Arizona basketball: Sean Miller not eager to fill final two spots on roster»
Arizona baseball holds on to narrow win over ASU»
The Arizona Wildcats get a commitment from another GriffeyArizona St. (Arizona Republic)
»
Arizona State golf earns NCAA finals berth»
ASU's Dallas Escobedo fires 1-hitter day after no-no»
Former quarterback Andrew Walter gave signals at ASU that he might be suited for politics»
Arizona baseball holds on to narrow win over ASUCalifornia (East Bay Tribune)
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Record-setting Cal men's golf team, Saint Mary's both advance to NCAA Championship»
Cal softball team blanked by Michigan in NCAA tournament»
Cal, Saint Mary's set school records in leading 1-2 at NCAA men's golf regional»
San Jose Earthquakes' Marvin Chavez has suspension reduced by one gameColorado (Denver Post)
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Valor Christian golfer Victoria Glenn commits to CU Buffs»
Colorado Coaches Caravan offers insights on Buffs football, basketball»
CU Buffs golfers in sixth place in NCAA central regional»
Lawyer: Ex-Buff charged in assault not wearing Nebraska gear after all
Oregon (Eugene Register-Guard)
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Links: DAT returning to the track, updating that Chip Kelly law, and more draft buzz»
Links: All-conference projection, draft outlooks and a bowl matchup shakeup»
Links: Mathis, Kelley help UO to Pac-12 track and field title»
Spring practice review: Special teamsOregon State (Corvallis Gazette-Times)
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OSU finalizes Spring Showcase schedule»
OSU athletes to take part in talent show»
OSU racquetball: Program accomplishes historic feat with sweep of team titles»
OSU athletics: Rebranding doesn't stray too far from traditionStanford (San Jose Mercury-News)
»
Record-setting Cal men's golf team, Saint Mary's both advance to NCAA Championship»
Stanford softball team loses to Nebraska, faces elimination»
Cal, Saint Mary's set school records in leading 1-2 at NCAA men's golf regional»
San Jose Earthquakes' Marvin Chavez has suspension reduced by one gameUCLA (Los Angeles Daily News)
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PAC-12 TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS: Bryshon Nellum remains on a roll for USC»
Former Valencia High star Max Homa leads Cal to Pac-12 men's golf title»
OJAI VALLEY TENNIS TOURNAMENT: UCLA, USC share championship spotlight»
COLLEGES: USC handles top-ranked Stanford in MPSF women's water polo final
USC (Los Angeles Daily News)
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PAC-12 TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS: Bryshon Nellum remains on a roll for USC»
COLLEGES: USC wins NCAA women's water polo crown»
Judge approves former Trojans football player Armond Armstead's lawsuit against USC »
Top linebacking recruit who committed to Florida State looking to transfer to USC or GeorgiaWashington (Seattle Times)
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Washington softball team wins NCAA Regional championship»
Seahawks begin OTAs tomorrow»
Kaitlin Inglesby's gem helps Washington softball team past Hawaii, 2-0, in NCAA regionals»
Huskies rally, open regional with a winWashington State (Spokane Spokesman-Review)
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You never know what will get you going on a cold spring day»
Good news, more bad news for WSU»
3A/4A track regionals»
Momentum lasts as long as tomorrow's starting pitcher
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