Oregon (+16.5) (+530) @ USC: The matchup in the Coliseum features two touted freshmen quarterbacks and two head coaches who appear to be on the hotseat. A redshirt freshman, Darnold has led the Trojans to a 4-1 record since replacing Max Browne as starting quarterback in late September and has positioned USC as a factor in the Pac-12 South race down the final stretch. On Oregon sideline 6-6 freshman QB Justin Herbert has done a stellar job thrown for 996 yards and 12 touchdowns with two interceptions this since taking over the starting job in early October. At 2-5, Mark Helfrich needs to string along several consecutive wins to salvage the Duck’s season by making a bowl game. The Trojan and Ducks look like much better teams after having lackadaisical starts. Oregon has implemented the use of two tight end packages to open new look for their offense. Tight ends Johnny Mundt and Pharaoh Brown have helped Herbert in the passing game, and have opened holes for Freeman and Brooks in the running game. The up-tempo offense will challenge USC’s linebacking core. The Trojans are capable of dominating the run game against a weakened Oregon front. The Trojans have played well but continue to show lapses in discipline during key moments. If the Ducks can turn this thing into a shootout the Trojans will be challenged to continue making big plays. USC is a talented team that is playing very well, but lack of discipline is going to show up against an efficient up-tempo Oregon offense. Mark Helfrich gets a win in the coliseum to save his job. Final score Oregon 48 USC 45
Marshall(+10) (+280) @ Old Dominion: The Thundering Herd have endured a tough year posting (2-6, 1-3 Conference USA). Litton has had a sophomore slump and has the glimpses of talent he has shown have been overshadowed by untimely turnovers and inconsistency. Old Dominion has surprised a lot people with their (5-3) record and (3-1) record in conference. Litton has a great opportunity to have a breakout performance against a Monarchs pass defense that has surrendered 240 passing yards per game and ranks 81st nationally. A desperate Marshall team gets a big road win, and Old Dominion has to wait to clinch their first bowl bid.
Nevada (+14.5) (+425) @ New Mexico: The Wolfpack is coming off a bye where they have had a week to prepare for New Mexico’s unique triple option attack led by Tyrone Owens and Teriyon Gipson. The Wolf Pack get their leading tackler Alex Bertrando back. Ty Gangi had an impressive showing against Wyoming after replacing the injured Tyler Stewart by throwing for 300 yards and a touchdown. The bye week has given him an ample amount of reps to become accustomed to be a starter and gave Wolfpack workhorse James Butler much needed rest. The Lobos have a one-dimensional attack, so the Wolf Pack defense will need play discipline by controlling their gaps to minimize big plays from the New Mexico run game. New Mexico is a heavy favorite, but the Wolfpack take advantage of the bye week to pull off the upset. Final 37-34 Wolfpack
#5 Washington @ California (+18.5) (+500):
At the beginning of the week, I didn’t like this game at all. However, after the Aggies got upset by Mississippi State this becomes the ultimate trap game. After being snubbed behind Texas A&M in the College Football Playoff rankings the Huskies were destined to make a statement and shred Cal. However, there may be a drop in the Huskies sense of urgency with the news of the Aggies loss. Washington running Myles Gaskin should shred the Golden Bears 124th ranked rushing defense. I’m not guaranteeing the Huskies will come out flat, but if they do the Huskies do not want to find themselves in a close battle on the road with Cal. The Huskies have only played in one close game in their 31-24 win at Utah last week. While five out of eight of Cal’s games have been decided by a single possession. Washington’s top ten secondary will be tested by Cal’s 4th ranked passing offense. People forget Washington is a very young team, and it will be interesting to tell how they react to adversity. Weird things happen during #Pac 12 After Dark, and the Golden Bears are capable of shocking the Huskies at home.