Pac-12 Betting Guide: Week 6

There was no column last week, but that didn’t stop this scribe from submitting his weekly Pac-12 picks via twitter. Yours truly went 2-2-1 in Week 5, marking five straight weeks without a losing record.

Only four matchups on the docket in Week 6, which kicks off with a Pac-12 South clash in Colorado and ends with Washington trying to break a losing streak on The Farm. Here are my selections for Week 6. As always, tread lightly.

Overall Record (ATS): 23-13-1

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5

Arizona (3-1, 1-0 Pac-12) vs. Colorado (3-1, 1-0 Pac-12)

Time, Network: 2:30pm MT, Pac-12 Networks

Spread: Colorado -3 ¹⁄₂ (o/u 62 ¹⁄₂ )

Two years ago, I sat next next to my Ralphie Report colleague Sam Metivier on press row and watched as Khalil Tate rewrote the record books in a 45-42 win in Boulder. It’s still uncertain whether Tate will play this Saturday, and his talented teammate J.J. Taylor is also questionable. The Buffaloes could be without star wideout Laviska Shenault (undisclosed), sack leader Mustafa Johnson (ankle) and interception leader Mikial Onu (leg). That said, picking this game is going to be tough. The Wildcats lead the FBS with nine interceptions, while Steven Montez has only thrown two picks in four games, and has a passing efficiency rating of 159.30 (24th in FBS). I expect this one to be a high scoring affair with Montez being the difference. Take the Buffs giving three and a half at home.

California (4-1, 1-1 Pac-12) vs. #13 Oregon (3-1, 1-0 Pac-12)

Time, Network: 6:00pm MT, Fox

Spread: Oregon -18 (o/u 46 ¹⁄₂ )

A week after laying an egg at home against Arizona State and losing their staring quarterback Chase Garbers in the process, the Golden Bears travel to Autzen Stadium to take on Oregon. UCLA transfer Devon Modester, who’s expected to start this week, looked awful (5-14, 23 yards, INT) filling in for Garber in the loss to Arizona State. The Ducks defense meanwhile, hasn’t allowed a touchdown since their season-opening loss against Auburn. Oregon will win, but California’s defense might keep this one closer than we’d like. I’m VERY hesitantly taking Oregon to cover the 18 points at home.

Oregon State (1-3, 0-1 Pac-12) vs. UCLA (1-4, 1-1 Pac-12)

Time, Network: 7:00pm MT, Pac-12 Networks

Spread: UCLA -6 (o/u 65 ¹⁄₂ )

UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (leg) hasn’t officially been ruled out for this contest. If he can’t go, Austin Burton would likely get the start. Whether it’s DTR or Burton under center for the Bruins, it shouldn’t matter. Aside from a 67-point outburst against Washington State, UCLA offense has struggled this season. On the other hand, the Beavers offense behind the two-headed monster at running back (Artavis Pierce and Jermar Jefferson), is averaging 482.5 yards per game. UCLA will put up points in this game, but Oregon State might win this outright. Take the Beavers getting six points.

#15 Washington (4-1, 1-1 Pac-12) vs. Stanford (2-3, 1-2 Pac-12)

Time, Network: 8:30pm MT, ESPN

Spread: Washington -15 (0/u 51 ¹⁄₂ )

History isn’t exactly on the Huskies side in this matchup. Despite holding a slim 43-42-4 all-time record against the Cardinal, it’s been 12 years since the Huskies last won a game on The Farm. What is on the Huskies side is their talented signal caller Jacob Eason. Look for Eason to take advantage of a Cardinal secondary allowing 287.4 passing yards per game which ranks 115th in the FBS. Washington covers the 15 points and wins their first game at The Farm since 2007.

*Point spreads are as of Friday, October 4 per the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook*