Gold: Final thoughts and predictions for Week 7 in the Pac-12
Here we go, folks. Two undefeated and top-10 Oregon and Washington teams that look like either could make a Playoff run. They’re calling this the game of the year and I still think they’re selling this game short.
Put it this way: When you can relegate USC vs. Notre Dame to the second tier, you know it’s special.
And those aren’t the only special games on tap! This should be a fun weekend.
Here’s a look at my final thoughts and predictions from Week 7 in the Pac-12 …
Stanford at Colorado, 7 p.m. (Friday), ESPN
The Cardinal got a chance to lick their wounds during a Week 6 bye week following a 42-6 home shellacking against the mighty Oregon Ducks in Week 5.
The Buffaloes had a chance to heal from some wounds in recent weeks, as they expect to have 2-way star Travis Hunter back against the Cardinal.
That would help Colorado distance itself from an opponent for the first time this year. The Buffaloes have won 4 games this year but only 1 by more than 8 points.
They should get another one this weekend to inch closer to bowl eligibility.
Prediction: Colorado 37, Stanford 25
Cal at No. 16 Utah, noon, Pac-12 Network
With Cam Rising’s status in doubt once more as his recuperation from a complete knee tear lingers out of the Utes’ bye week, this one is tough to predict. Especially because the Utes’ offense is missing a lot more than Rising.
Utah’s injury status mixed with Cal’s impressive offensive showing against a good Oregon State defense last week has me uncertain heading into the matchup. Two weeks ago, the Utes managed just 7 points against the Beavers and then the Bears score 40 against them a week later? That makes no sense!
If this game were in Berkeley, I might feel differently. But with it in Salt Lake City, I’m taking the Utes.
Prediction: Utah 24, Cal 17
No. 8 Oregon at No. 7 Washington, 12:30 p.m., ABC
What more is there to say about a matchup that could determine the Pac-12?
These teams have the most balanced rosters in the conference, with NFL talent all over the field. With Oregon’s upgraded depth at wide receiver, Bo Nix is throwing the ball better than he ever has, as is Michael Penix Jr., who returned one of the best receiving corps in the game. There’s a reason both are top Heisman Trophy candidates.
This should be another barn-burner like last year, and you just hope it’s not spoiled by an inopportune injury in the game’s final minutes like last year.
I’m wondering if this might be a breakout game of sorts for Washington edge rusher Bralen Trice, too. He had his first of a very quiet season last weekend.
Prediction: Washington 41, Oregon 40
Arizona at No. 19 Washington State, 4:30 p.m., Pac-12 Network
Jake Dickert spoke for many of us when he wondered if it was possible that Jedd Fisch is off his rocker by sitting the hot hand of Noah Fifita.
The league’s best backup quarterback has 8 touchdowns in his past 2 games, including 5 against USC in a heartbreaking 43-41 triple-overtime loss. Fisch said he expects Jayden de Laura to start, though it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Fifita play.
While Arizona contemplates playing the hot hand, the Cougars are trying to heat up themselves. UCLA took a bite out of them last week with a dominant defensive performance, including 4 turnovers and 5 sacks.
Prediction: Washington State 31, Arizona 28
No. 10 USC at No. 21 Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m., NBC
In a matchup of 2 more Heisman contenders and so-so defenses, expect plenty of fireworks and only a handful of 3-and-outs on Saturday.
USC is vying to prove it is more than just Caleb Williams, but that reality is dying on the vine. Williams again put his team on his back Saturday as the defense continues to regress, no matter what Lincoln Riley says.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, is looking to rebound from a particularly embarrassing loss to Louisville. Can Sam Hartman and the Fighting Irish back on track?
Prediction: Notre Dame 37, USC 34
No. 18 UCLA at No. 15 Oregon State, 5 p.m., NBC
A sleeper candidate for game of the week in a weekend chock full of tasty matchups, I can’t wait to see what UCLA does to the Oregon State offense after drilling Washington State, 25-17, on Saturday. Likewise, I’m excited to see how the Oregon State offense looks after its best performance of the year.
As I wrote Thursday, this game comes before weak schedules for both teams until late November.
Both should be excited about building more momentum.
Prediction: Oregon State 24, UCLA 22