Pac-12: Three Interesting Matchups on Saturday

In Week 12 of the college football regular season, the Pac-12 has four teams with byes. USC defeated Cal on Thursday night, which leaves just three games on the schedule for Saturday.

Washington Huskies at Arizona Wildcats

Washington’s offense was finally able to revive its pulse with Shaq Thompson playing running back. However, the once stalwart defense on the Huskies seems to be running out of gas.

When Marcus Peters the team’s top cornerback was dismissed, the secondary was decimated. Now there are problems with injuries to the defensive front seven that have complicated the situation.

Washington looks to be very vulnerable entering this matchup, while Arizona has a great deal to still play for.

If Arizona can win its remaining Pac-12 games and USC loses one more time, the Wildcats would be the winners of the South division in the Pac-12.

Those scenarios will not happen for a bit and Arizona needs to focus on the game at hand.

Pick: Arizona 28-14

Utah Utes at Stanford Cardinal

The total points for the over/under are currently sitting at 42 which is interesting due to this being a matchup between the two most efficient Pac-12 defenses.

The Cardinal defense statistically is well above the rest of the Pac-12. Stanford is allowing 16 points a game and 4.1 yards a play.

However, Utah is second in yards per play at just 5.1.

The quarterbacks for each team are key to their success. Stanford’s Kevin Hogan and Utah’s Travis Wilson are important pieces in each team’s offensive success. The team that gives its quarterback a better chance of success, likely will come out the winner.

Pick: Stanford 17-14

Arizona State Sun Devils at Oregon State Beavers

Arizona State is flying high and must make sure they do not have a letdown in this matchup Saturday night on the road. Four teams in the top 10 have lost since 2000 in Reser Stadium, and the Sun Devils will do all they can to avoid being the fifth.

Oregon State faces great difficulty. The Beavers are going through their toughest stretch since Mike Riley took the reins. Oregon State is 1-10 in its past 11 conference games.

Its only victory was versus Colorado, a team that is winless this season in conference play. This game is a great opportunity for the Beavers to be the spoiler and stop the slide downward of the football program.

However, Arizona State has flashed greatness this season and that was evident on both the offense and defense in their will last week over Notre Dame.

They can solidify their top spot in the South division of the Pac-12 with a win tonight.

Pick: Arizona State 45-10