Here are selections for all eleven games this weekend featuring Pac-12 teams, beginning with a pair of contests Thursday night. If you use these picks for gambling purposes, I only ask for 50% of the profits. You probably shouldn’t do that though.
Southern Utah at Utah (no line)
The Thunderbirds have a brief history of hanging with FBS competition and might be able to keep this one close for three quarters. But the Utes are clearly the more talented bunch, and Kyle Whittingham-coached teams tend not to lay eggs.
The pick: Utah 37, Southern Utah 17
Oregon State at Minnesota (-7.5)
This could be an interesting one for draftniks, as Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner has emerged as an under-the-radar possibility to be selected in the first round of next year’s NFL draft. If it were in Corvallis, I’d like the Beavers’ chances a whole lot more.
The pick: Minnesota 36, Oregon State 24
Colorado State vs. Colorado (-10) in Denver
The Rams took a step back last year after ten wins in 2014, but still reached seven victories and qualified for a bowl game for the third year running. While star receiver Rashard Higgins is gone, quarterback Nick Stevens (2,679 yards last season) returns. This point spread shows some confidence in a Colorado team that hasn’t necessarily done a whole lot to deserve it.
The pick: Colorado State 28, Colorado 26
Kansas State at Stanford (-16.5)
A 16.5-point line makes sense in terms of the talent on hand. But it still strikes me as a bit out of whack. Kansas State has lost 26 games in the past six seasons, but only seven of those defeats came by more than 16 points. Bill Snyder’s teams know how to hang around, and that’s what they’ll do Friday night.
The pick: Stanford 27, Kansas State 21
Rutgers at Washington (-22)
Rutgers has a new coach, former Ohio State assistant Chris Ash, so it’s a little difficult to know what to expect from the Scarlet Knights. No matter what they throw at the Huskies, though, it shouldn’t be enough. With Leontee Caroo gone, Rutgers probably lacks the necessary weapons to trouble a stout UW defense.
The pick: Washington 38, Rutgers 14
UCLA at Texas A&M (-1)
Ole Miss-Florida State and USC-Alabama might be garnering more of the hype, but for my money, this should be the most entertaining game of the opening weekend. The Aggies have a host of offensive weapons at their disposal and one of the nation’s best pass rushes, while the Bruins bring a future top-ten pick under center and a loaded defense. Both rosters are well stocked with four- and five-star recruits. The winner could — could — use the result as a springboard to threaten for a place in the playoff.
The pick: Texas A&M, 41-30
UC Davis at Oregon (no line)
This one might border on the criminal. The Aggies went 2-9 last year, while Oregon brings what could be one of the nation’s most explosive offensive attacks. Random prediction: Four different Ducks will rush for at least 50 yards.
The pick: Oregon 70, UC Davis 10
USC vs. Alabama (-9) in Arlington
Up and down the roster, the Trojans theoretically have the talent to match the absolutely stacked Crimson Tide. But I can’t get past two things: USC quarterback Max Browne is making the first start of his career against the most talented defense in America, and Nick Saban has had nine whole months to prepare. The Tide have a fairly impressive record in season openers under Saban that will likely continue.
The pick: Alabama 31, USC 13
Eastern Washington at Washington State (no line)
Are the Cougars sure this was a good idea? The Eagles have a superb recent history against Pac-12 competition, beating No. 25 Oregon State in 2013, losing to Washington 59-52 in 2014 and falling to the Ducks 61-42 last season. They also have wideout Cooper Kupp, the reigning Big Sky offensive player of the year (114 catches, 1,642 yards and 19 TDs) and the rare FCS player to face a legitimate decision last offseason of whether to leave early for the NFL. It’ll be no surprise if this game is a shootout that goes down to the wire.
The pick: Washington State 47, Eastern Washington 44
BYU vs. Arizona (-3) in Glendale
The Cougars start their early-season West Coast swing against the Wildcats, with matchups against Utah and UCLA to follow the next two weeks. This would seem to be BYU’s best shot of the bunch at a victory — particularly if quarterback Taysom Hill settles in quickly in his return from a serious foot injury.
The pick: BYU 34, Arizona 30
Northern Arizona at Arizona State (no line)
The Lumberjacks are a decent Big Sky team, but a 77-13 loss to Arizona last year shows they may struggle to hang with Pac-12 competition. New Sun Devils quarterback Manny Wilkins should have a chance to get settled in before ASU hosts Texas Tech next week.
The pick: Arizona State 55, Northern Arizona 14