The Pac-12 Conference is still an open race. Undefeated Washington leads the way, with one-loss Oregon sitting right behind. Although the spread would indicate otherwise, Washington and Oregon both have tests this week that could push either off track.
Utah at Washington (-9.5, 50)
The Utes bounced back from a rout to Oregon with a 55-3 win over Arizona State, generating 352 yards of rushing offense at 7.2 yards per carry. Utah will need that same fire against the Huskies, who allowed 203 rushing yards in 52-42 win over USC. Washington may have the No. 1 passing offense, but defensively it ranks 79th in total EPA (expected points added) and 117th in EPA per play against the run.
It was a contributing factor in the Huskies’ 15-7 win over Arizona State on Oct. 21, allowing 4.7 yards per carry to the Sun Devils, who average 3.2 overall.
Ultimately, Washington finds itself in a bit of a sandwich spot, coming off a big conference win over the Trojans with Oregon State next week. The last three times the Beavers and Huskies played, the game was decided by one score. Utah is not a conference opponent to overlook, making this a brutal spot for Washington. Back Utah at +9.5.
USC at Oregon (-15, 75)
Oregon is getting a lot of respect and rightfully so. Since losing to Washington, the Ducks have outscored their last three opponents 136-49. On one hand, you have Bo Nix and Co. still in contention for the Pac-12 title and even possibly a shot as a CFP contender, while Caleb Williams and USC are out of the playoff race, Heisman race and likely the conference title game. How does USC respond?
The Trojans did fire defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, but it’s too little, too late. Oregon may be the most complete team in the country with Nix leading in completion percentage with the fourth-best passer rating and a balanced offense with RB…
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