ASU Football: Pac-12 against the spread for Week 7

After a five-game Pac-12 slate last week, the conference returns to action Friday with Arizona at Utah, which is the first of four conference games this weekend.

Week 6 was an interesting one for the Pac-12, with Stanford and California getting upset by Utah and Arizona, respectively. Colorado kept its undefeated record at home against Arizona State, and after six weeks, it remains the conference’s only undefeated program.

Arizona State, Oregon State, Washington State and Stanford are all on byes this week, so there are only four Pac-12 games this weekend.

Arizona at Utah

Line: Utah -13.5

After an 0-2 start to the season, Arizona has rebounded nicely as of late, winning three of their last four games. Most recently, the Wildcats took down Cal at home because of two late-game pick-sixes.

Utah also played exceptionally in Week 6, taking down a Top-15 opponent in Stanford. Utah’s run defense was once again stingy, limiting the Cardinal to just 42 rushing yards as a team.

Though Utah will ultimately win, it will be close. Arizona’s defense will force mistakes in the Utah passing game, which has been inconsistent. When it’s all said and done, Utah will win by a touchdown, but the Utes will not cover.

Washington at Oregon

Line: Washington -3.5

Last week, Washington struggled on the road against a weak UCLA team, defeating the Bruins by just seven points. Nevertheless, a win is a win, and that dismal performance should fire the Huskies up before their test against No. 17 Oregon.

Much of this game will be decided by the quarterback battle. Jake Browning and Justin Herbert can be two of the most dynamic players in the Pac-12, and whoever makes fewer mistakes will likely come out on top.

That being said, Washington’s defense is upper echelon and will likely cause problems for Herbert and the Ducks. The Huskies will escape Eugene with a win by a touchdown or more, covering the spread.

UCLA at Cal

Line: Cal -6.5

Since conference play started, Cal hasn’t looked the same. After a 3-0 start with wins against UNC, BYU and Idaho, the Golden Bears are now 0-2 in Pac-12 play going into Week 7.

As the weeks go by, it’s ever more apparent that Cal may have been a little overrated.

This week, the Golden Bears host winless UCLA, who nearly pulled off the upset of a Top 10 Washington team in Week 6. UCLA played its best football of the year Saturday, and for the first time in Chip Kelly‘s tenure, showed some life.

The Bruins are well-aware that this could be their best chance at a win the rest of the season. This will give them a newfound flame and help them cover.

Colorado at USC

Line: USC -7.0

Because of the division’s weakness, this game could serve as an unofficial Pac-12 South championship. Colorado enters 2-0 in conference, while USC is 2-0, and the winner of the game would take first in the division.

Other than ASU, the Buffaloes haven’t played a real opponent this year, so this will be a big test for them.

Much of this game is dependent on Colorado’s big players, quarterback Steven Montez and wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr., who are two of the conference’s most explosive players.

If USC can limit their production, the Trojans should be able to win by more than a touchdown at home.