Pac-12 Football: Week 11 Preview and Predictions

No. 20 USC (6-3, 5-2) vs. No. 4 Washington (9-0, 6-0) 5:30 p.m. Nov. 12 FOX---ESPN Matchup Predictor: Washington: 78.5%

Though the Huskies rank 16 spots higher than the Trojans and are a 9-point home favorite, this game is a toss-up. USC has endured the 17^th toughest schedule in the nation, while Washington has enjoyed a perfect record playing the 67^th strongest.

Washington put up 66 points last week against California led by sophomore quarterback Jake Browning’s six touchdowns and a stout defense who forced three interceptions. The Huskies D has let up just 15.8 points per game this season, but in USC’s last five games, the Trojans have only allowed an average of 19.

You could make the argument that USC and freshman quarterback Sam Darnold are invincibly hot off a five-game win streak, but the Huskies have been hot all season. Washington wins this low scoring affair to remain perfect.

Final Prediction: Washington 24, USC 21

No. 12 Colorado (7-2, 5-1) vs. Arizona (2-7, 0-6) 8:00 p.m. Nov. 12 FS1---ESPN Matchup Predictor: Colorado 87.5%

Let the good times roll in Boulder, CO because the Buffaloes are bowl eligible for the first time since 2007 and before this season, Colorado had won five Pac-12 games since joining in 2011 and have a chance to win its sixth in Tucson.

The Buffaloes have everything they need to win out and play in the Pac-12 championship game. They’ve established a defense that has only given up two touchdowns in its last three games. The rushing offense, led by junior running back Phillip Lindsay has been tremendous. Lindsay, who averages a team-high of 5.7 yards per carry will surely make an impact against Arizona’s rush defense that ranks 96^th in the country.

The Wildcats will use this game as another quarterback tryout for next season and should be lucky to put up multiple touchdowns.

Final Prediction: Colorado 28, Arizona 10

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon State (2-7, 1-5) vs. UCLA (3-6, 1-5) 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 PAC12---ESPN Matchup Predictor: UCLA 89.3%

At this point in the season a game with two teams at 1-5 in the Pac-12 is seemingly irrelevant. The Bruins, who started the season ranked 20^th in the nation, have lost their All-American quarterback Josh Rosen, and the Beavers have lost their season.

Backup senior quarterback Mike Fafaul has proved to be a decent replacement, but the Bruins have lost four in a row by an average of 6.5 points. Fafaul has the capability of having big games like his 464-yard five touchdown performance against Utah, but has thrown just as many TD’s as INT’s (9). If Fafaul can key up his accuracy this Saturday night, the Bruins should get a comfortable home win.

Final Prediction: UCLA 35, Oregon State 19

California (4-5, 2-4) vs. No. 23 Washington State (7-2, 6-0) 8:30 p.m. Nov. 12 ESPN---ESPN Matchup Predictor: Washington State 85.2%

The number three and four passing yard leaders in the nation will be featured in Pullman this Saturday night. One team, California, has senior Davis Webb, who has totaled 3,176 passing yards, but has drowned in his 11 interceptions. Junior Luke Falk of the Cougars has displayed 67 more passing yards and has only thrown five interceptions.

The Cougars have the slightly better quarterback, but easily have the better defense. The Golden Bears’ defense has allowed 527.9 total yards per game compared to Washington State’s 373.3 and given at least 45 to each of their last four opponents. Falk will tear up the Golden Bear secondary and possibly reach his sixth four or more touchdown performance this season.

Final Prediction: Washington State 45, California 28

James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Stanford (6-3, 4-3) vs. Oregon (3-6, 1-5) 2:00 p.m. Nov. 12 PAC12---ESPN Matchup Predictor: Stanford 62%

Since 2009 this Pac-12 north matchup has not only been between two ranked opponents, but at least one of them has been in the top 25. This week is a non-ranked and non-nationally televised showdown.

Oregon is at home. Auzten Stadium is the site for all three Oregon Duck wins. This should give the Ducks some confidence. A huge confidence booster though is their quarterback. True freshman Justin Herbert has been the catalyst to Oregon’s offense. He hit a bump in the road last week against USC, but combined for 10 touchdowns with just one interception in his second and third starts. If there is any big game that would save Oregon’s season, it would be a win against the Cardinal at home.

Final Prediction: Oregon 32, Stanford 31

No. 15 Utah (7-2, 4-2) vs. Arizona State (5-4, 2-4) 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 FS1---ESPN Matchup Predictor: Utah 57.8%

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Manny will suit up in a Sun Devil uniform to start against the Utes this Thursday night. How much does that change things? A lot. If and only if he can remain healthy. The last time Wilkins played he marched the Sun Devils down the field as he leaped over a Washington State Cougar defenseman and into the end zone capping off a 64-yard touchdown drive to take a 7-0 lead. Then, a three an out ended with Wilkins on the floor, sacked and out with a shoulder injury.

Utah will throw everyone at Wilkins. The Utes defense is no joke when it comes to turnovers as they have manipulated eight in the past three games and have the ninth best turnover margin in the nation. If Wilkins can stay healthy through the entire game, Arizona State has a great chance at a win, but true freshman Dillon Sterling-Cole may be rattled by the harassing Utah defense.

Arizona State should finally clinch bowl eligibility on senior night.

Final Prediction: Arizona State 28, Utah 25