With big matchups like Washington at. Oregon and Colorado at. USC headlining this week, teams are looking to make a statement and move up in the rankings and create some havoc as the season continues on.
Arizona vs. Utah
Both teams coming off of big wins last week, Utah may have been the biggest surprise coming out of last week as they went on the road and won against Stanford. A problem for the Wildcats is Utah’s run defense which has been dominant all year long, only giving up 75.4 Yards Per Game on the ground (3rd best in the nation) and the key will be to make Khalil Tate stay in the pocket and not let him get lose. Arizona is a different offense when Tate is throwing primarily rather than giving him the option to run. The key for Arizona is to get out to a hot start and force turnovers. Utah is good at keeping the ball secure, but a turnover or two can throw them off their game. In the end, Utah will do enough and get enough key plays to hold on and get a good home conference win.
Utah 35, Arizona 24
#7 Washington vs. #17 Oregon
With game of the year written all over it, Oregon looks to get back to the promise land of contending and winning conference championships. Oregon is also Washington’s biggest test from an offensive standpoint with tons of weapons outside and the 2nd Top 5 NFL prospects at Quarterback they’ve faced, UW is looking to win this one. Washington has a solid offense, but nothing that stands out and I doubt Washington will put up more than 35 points in this one. Herbert was fantastic in his outing against Stanford, but hasn’t faced a defense quite as talented as this one. With a rambuncious crowd and an electric atmosphere, Washington will survive and advance as Jake Browning leads a 4 minute drive down the field and Myles Gaskin punches in a touchdown to give the Huskies the lead late and finish the game with a win.
Washington 27, Oregon 21
UCLA vs. Cal
UCLA showed although they dont have a win yet, they can hang around with just about anybody in the conference (very similar to Baylor a year ago, losing by only 8 to #3 Oklahoma). Cal is coming off back to back losses after starting out the year so strong. DTR played his best game last week against UW. Due to inexperience and a road game atmosphere, UCLA will fall to Cal, but don’t be surprised if this a very close game throughout and it wouldn’t be a complete and total shock if UCLA were to win.
Cal 31, UCLA 27
Colorado vs. USC
This will be Colorado’s biggest test yet as they face a young, but very talented USC squad. USC seems to get things going, but the offense is still struggling mightily. JT Daniels has 1,200 yards, but has only found the end zone 4 times with his arm. Colorado has probably the most impressive receiver in the conference with Laviska Shenault Jr. and he is probably facing the toughest secondary he has gone up against. Shenault Jr. has 51 catches for 708 yards and 6 TD’s through just 5 games. He will be the focus for this USC defense as well as the man who will be lining up on the other side of the field to him in talented Sophomore K.D. Nixon. Back to back wins has USC gaining some momentum into this game and although Colorado is undefeated, they are also untested. In what will feel like a UO-Stanford type of game, Colorado comes out the gates hot before USC comes roaring back and picks up their biggest win of the year so far.
USC 35, Colorado 28
