Oregon-UCLA is one of the most anticipated games in the country this Saturday. The college football season shifts into Week 8, and we all know what the really big game is in the Pac-12. It’s one of the headliners of the whole weekend, with Chip Kelly returning to Autzen Stadium and the University of Oregon, where he led the Ducks to the BCS National Championship Game and two Rose Bowls. It will be quite a scene in the Pacific Northwest for a game which could be the Pac-12 game of the year.
UCLA Bruins at Oregon Ducks
Odds: Oregon -6.5
This is the big one. UCLA is the only unbeaten team left in the Pac-12, and therefore the team best positioned to give the Pac-12 a chance at making the College Football Playoff. Oregon is unbeaten in conference play, however, alongside the Bruins. The winner of this game becomes a clear and obvious favorite to play in the Pac-12 Championship Game in Las Vegas this upcoming December.
Editors' choice: top sportsbook.
The UCLA Bruins have looked great the past few weeks before taking a break on Oct. 15. UCLA scored 40 against Washington and 42 against Utah in a pair of highly convincing wins. The main concern for UCLA is that it has not won a particularly tough game on the road this season. The Bruins’ only road game so far this season came against Colorado, which is the worst team in the Pac-12. Not having received a tougher road test through seven weeks could leave the Bruins overexposed and underprepared for this game against Oregon, which has looked electric in recent dominant wins over Stanford and especially Arizona. Oregon’s speed on offense figures to be a problem for UCLA’s defense, but UCLA’s offense is going to be a load for Oregon’s defense. Expect a ton of points this weekend in Eugene, with UCLA’s lack of road tests becoming a factor in the second half.
Pick: Oregon -6.5
Colorado Buffaloes at Oregon State Beavers
Odds: Oregon State -23.5
The Beavers started the season with Chance Nolan at quarterback, but Ben Gulbranson – the backup QB for Oregon State – has been named the starter for this particular game. Oregon State is a better team and will win this game outright, but Colorado won its first game of the season this past weekend against California.
The Buffaloes looked like a better-coached team under interim coach Mike Sanford (who has previous head coaching experience) and a new collection of coordinators. The team made better reactions across the field and had a better game plan.
With Gulbranson not inspiring maximum confidence, Oregon State probably won’t crush Colorado. It will win comfortably, but by 17 to 21 points. Colorado can cover the spread.
Pick: Colorado +23.5
Washington Huskies at California Golden Bears
Odds: Washington -7.5
The Washington Huskies are unbeaten at home, but they are winless on the road and have played two legitimately terrible games away from Seattle. Washington has often struggled in Berkeley against the Cal Golden Bears. Until Washington proves that it can figure out its road problems, taking the underdog is the better play.
