After another ho-hum 5-1 week of Pac-12 predictions, it’s time for Under the Rim to break down today’s matchups.
Can the Buffs actually win?
Drum roll, please …
Utah Utes (4-5, 2-4) at Washington Huskies (5-4, 3-3) at CenturyLink Field in Seattle (8:30 p.m., Pac-12 Networks)
Diehard Buffs fans can stay up late to scout their team’s final two opponents. Utah has been playing well lately, but I have to go with the Huskies at home. Washington brings a three-game winning streak to Boulder after a 24-20 win over the Utes.
No. 2 Oregon Ducks (9-0, 6-0) at Cal Bears (3-7, 2-5) at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif. (8:30 p.m., ESPN)
Remember when Jeff Tedford was an offensive genius and a hot coaching candidate? That guy is Chip Kelly now. Ducks dominate, 56-17.
No. 17 UCLA Bruins (7-2, 4-2) at Washington State Cougars (2-7, 0-6) at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. (8:30 p.m., ESPN2)
The Bruins are in position for another South Division title. No way they get derailed by the North Division bottom feeder. UCLA takes care of business 41-20.
Arizona State Sun Devils (5-4, 3-3) at No. 21 USC Trojans (6-3, 4-3) at the L.A. Coliseum in Los Angeles (1 p.m., Pac-12 Networks)
Matt Barkley won’t need deflated footballs to hang a big number on fading ASU. USC gets back on track with a 45-24 victory.
No. 13 Oregon State (7-1, 5-1) at No. 16 Stanford (7-2, 5-1) at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. (1 p.m., Fox)
The Buffs’ defense created a new star quarterback at Stanford in Kevin Hogan. Hogan’s heroes get a big win over the Beavers today, 27-24.
Colorado Buffaloes (1-8, 1-5) at Arizona Wildcats (5-4, 2-4) at Arizona Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. (11:30 a.m., FX)
Nick Hirschman vs. B.J. Denker. Pac-12 No. 11 defense vs. Pac-12 No. 12 defense. Pride vs. bowl eligibility. This is a golden opportunity for the Buffs to get a victory, but I’m not sure they can beat anyone right now, even when the breaks go their way. Arizona prevails, 44-21.
Idle: None.
My season record: 52-19 (.732)
