ASU Football: Pac-12 against the spread for Week 9

Pac-12 football returns with another six-game slate this week, starting with Utah at UCLA on Friday evening and ASU football facing a banged up USC team.

Only two of last week’s six Pac-12 games were decided by one score, and this week, Pac-12 football returns with six more games.

All of the action kicks off Friday night when UCLA hosts Utah in a matchup between two teams riding winning streaks.

Utah at UCLA

Line: Utah -10.5

After a horrible start to the season, UCLA has steadily improved over the last few games.

The Bruins have won back-to-back games after starting the season 0-5, and right before that, UCLA kept it close with Washington. Running back Joshua Kelley has also been on fire lately, rushing for more than 100 yards in each of the Bruins’ last four games.

But Utah has also played really well as of late. Following wins over Stanford, Arizona and USC, Utah is now ranked No. 23 in the AP Poll and in the Pac-12 South driver’s seat.

UCLA will keep it close in the first half, but the Utes will eventually pull away and cover the spread on the road.

Oregon State at Colorado

Line: Colorado -24.0

Oregon State looked like it was headed in the right direction after the first few games. Oh, how things have changed.

Last week, the Beavers were clobbered at home by an average Cal team, and this week won’t be much closer.

Colorado has lost two games in a row, but the Buffaloes still have one of the Pac-12’s most dynamic offenses, led by quarterback Steven Montez and wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr.

Oregon State will continue its head-first plummet Saturday, leading the Buffaloes to cover the spread at home.

Arizona State at USC

Line: USC -6.5

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All four of Arizona State’s losses have one thing in common: a seven-point margin. ASU’s Thursday loss to Stanford capped the Sun Devils’ fourth seven-point loss of the season, diminishing their record to 3-4 overall.

This week, ASU heads to L.A. for a test against USC, which has been up-and-down this year. Though shaken up against Utah, USC quarterback JT Daniels is expected to start for the Trojans.

The Sun Devils haven’t played well on the road this year, losing to San Diego State, Washington and Colorado at their respective home stadiums. ASU will fall to 0-4 on the road and lose by more than seven points for the first time of the season at the Coliseum.

Washington at California

Line: Washington -12.0

While Washington and California are certainly out of playoff contention, both teams have something to play for. Washington still has a chance to win the Pac-12 North, and with a tough remaining schedule, Cal could really use a win to help its chances of reaching bowl eligibility.

Washington rebounded from the Oregon loss, defeating Colorado 27-13 in Week 8. The Huskies still control their own destiny in the Pac-12 race because their one loss came at the hands of Oregon, which has already lost twice in conference play.

Cal, on the other hand, has lost three of its last four after a 3-0 start to the season. The Golden Bears’ remaining schedule isn’t easy, so this is a big game for their bowl chances.

That being said, Washington shouldn’t have any trouble against a Cal team that has played poorly in recent games.

Washington State at Stanford

Line: Stanford -3.0

Washington State took care of business in a statement win against Oregon last week, defeating the Ducks by a score of 34-20. As usual, WSU quarterback Gardner Minshew was great, throwing for more than 300 yards with four touchdowns.

This week, the Cougars face another tough opponent in Stanford, which recently defeated Arizona State on the road. While the Cardinal defense stood out in the win, Stanford’s offense struggled with the inconsistency it has dealt with all season.

Sure, Washington State’s defense isn’t great, but I’m not sure Stanford’s offense will be able to keep up. Because of this, Washington State will win outright on the road.

Oregon at Arizona

Line: Oregon -9.5

Arizona continued its downhill progression a week ago in its loss to UCLA. In defeat, the Wildcats were haunted by turnovers and the inability to stop the Bruins on the ground.

Now, Arizona is 3-5 heading into its Week 9 matchup against Oregon. The Ducks, fresh off a loss to Washington State, still have an outside chance at winning the Pac-12 North, so they need to just play a smart game to avoid catastrophe.

Honestly, 9.5 seems a little low for this game’s spread. Yes, it’s in Tucson, but Arizona has been bad lately. Like really bad.

Next. ASU Football: 2018 Pac-12 Week Eight Power Rankings. dark

Oregon will crush Arizona in front of thousands of Wildcats fans and cover the spread.

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