Pac-12 Preview: Week 5

Last week, the Pac-12 saw plenty of shakeup and four teams in particular (Stanford, UCLA, USC, Utah) have separated themselves from the rest of the teams in the conference. Will any of the other eight programs be able to gain any ground on the leaders this week?

Washington State Cougars (2-1) @ No. 24 California Golden Bears (4-0, 1-0 in Pac-12)

While both offenses are talented, the Golden Bears have a more opportunistic defense than the Cougars. With a chance to build on their terrific form at home, Cal has a chance to improve to 5-0 for the first time since 2007, when Justin Forsett, Jahvid Best and DeSean Jackson anchored the explosive offense. This should be a high-scoring matchup, considering their game last year finished 60-59 in the Golden Bears' favor.

Prediction: Washington State 38, California 49

Arizona State Sun Devils (2-2, 0-1 in Pac-12) @ No. 7 UCLA Bruins (4-0, 1-0 in Pac-12)

The Bruins just went into Tuscon and had their way with Arizona. Meanwhile, the Sun Devils were trounced by USC at home. If UCLA manages to once again get off to a hot start and ASU isn't able to get their offense going, this could end up being a blowout.

Prediction: Arizona State 21, UCLA 45

Oregon Ducks (2-2, 0-1 in Pac-12) @ Colorado Buffaloes (3-1)

The Ducks are coming off of an embarrassing loss at the hands of Utah. With a chance to rebound against the less-talented Buffaloes, we expect Oregon to come away with this one, covering the seven-point spread with ease.

Prediction: Oregon 34, Colorado 24

Arizona Wildcats (3-1, 0-1 in Pac-12) @ No. 18 Stanford Cardinal (3-1, 2-0 in Pac-12)

While Arizona had a rough outing against UCLA, the Wildcats may be able to give the Cardinal a tough battle. Despite begin without Scooby Wright III, the Arizona rushing game (which is the only rushing attack in the country to boast two top-25 rushers) gives them a chance to compete with a Stanford team whose offense is on a tear as of late.

Prediction: Arizona 27, Stanford 31