College Football Week 13: Picking a few other games around the country this weekend

This week I will be continuing my pick'em series. Included is a prediction for each Pac-12 game against the spread and an extra lock of the week. Feel free to post your own picks in the comments.

Record to Date: 15-8

ARIZONA STATE -15 vs Washington State

Don't be surprised if Washington State keeps it close early on in front of a sleepy Sun Devil Stadium crowd, but Arizona State just has too much talent to not run away from the Cougars. The key for the maroon and gold to win by more than two touchdowns is giving quarterback Taylor Kelly enough time to work in the pocket. Washington State's front seven is one of the best in the conference and could cause fits for the entire Arizona State offense.

UTAH -4.5 vs Arizona

The Utes come in feeling good about themselves after a double overtime win at Stanford last Saturday. They need a win to keep their Pac-12 championship hopes alive and I think they get it with their usual dramatic flair. Another excellent defensive effort will be critical to limit quarterback Anu Solomon's success. Give me Utah by seven.

CALIFORNIA + 6 vs Stanford

It's been awhile since the Big Game was a battle for bowl eligibility, but that is what we have here. Both teams enter at 5-5 and the loser could very well be sitting at home this holiday season. On one side is Stanford, losers of three of its last four. The Cardinal are reeling and looking for any source of momentum they can find. On the other sideline is California, which will be relying on its air raid attack against a strong Stanford defense. I think the Golden Bears and their home field advantage escape with the win.

OREGON -32.5 vs Colorado

Battling for seeding for the College Football Playoff, I see Oregon going up big early on against Colorado and not letting up on the gas pedal. Head coach Mark Helfrich knows how important style points are and they should be able to put up 50 or so points on the visiting Buffaloes. Assuming that the Ducks don't give up more than a couple touchdowns on defense, I like them a lot to cover this spread.

USC + 4 at UCLA

It's been billed as one of the top games of the week, and I don't think the crosstown rivalry will disappoint. Whether USC can go into the Rose Bowl and get out with a win, I don't know. But taking the Trojans plus four points seems like the smart call.

OREGON STATE + 6 at Washington

Mike Riley's teams typically get better as the season comes to an end, and this week Oregon State is coming off an upset over Arizona State. Playing for bowl eligibility, I think the Beaver defense keeps the game close all night and gives them a shot at their second surprise in two weeks.

Bonus Pick (Lock of the Week, Worth Double)

FORDHAM + 24 at Army

Going a bit off the board here. Fordham comes into this one with a 10-1 record and hasn't lost since September 6. Army, on the other hand, has a 3-7 record and already has one loss to an FCS opponent so far this year. The Black Knights will likely win, but 24 points is an awful lot. Go Rams.