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We all know that ATQ readers are the most knowledgeable fans on the internet.
Now it’s time to prove it! Each week we’ll put up a series of PAC-12 polls with the goal of predicting that week’s PACtion.
Last week, ATQers chose the winners of four of the five games, but were an abysmal one of five against the spread... it’s like you don’t even care anymore.
THIS WEEK’S RESIDENT GENIUS IS:
CordialDuck
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“Az 10. Ducks 41. This may be the game where every dropback results in a Herbert touchdown or a sack. I see AZ going for all-out run/pass blitzes and hoping they get home. Herbert 4 TD’s and 285 yards; 1 defensive touchdown and 2 get run in. AZ gets some yardage but can’t break the Oregon 40 yardline on more than 3 drives.”
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UCLA @ #23 USC
TIME/CHANNEL: Saturday, 12:30 PM, ABC
SEASON RECORD: UCLA (4-6, 4-3) / USC (7-4, 6-2)
HISTORICAL RECORD: The Trojans own the series lead at 47-32-7 against the Bruins, though last year’s 34-27 UCLA victory could signify a change in the battle for LA.
NOTES: Chip Kelly needs to win his last two games of the season in order for the Bruins to make a bowl, which would actually be quite the accomplishment for a team that looked awful for much of the season. USC has looked better every week after getting their teeth kicked in by Oregon, begging the question - could Clay Helton keep his job with an 8-4 regular season record and a bowl win? The world may never know.
Poll
Who wins?
Poll
Who covers?
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CALIFORNIA @ STANFORD
TIME/CHANNEL: Saturday, 1:00 PM, PAC12N
SEASON RECORD: UC (5-5, 2-5) / STAN (4-6, 3-5)
HISTORICAL RECORD: Big Game is here and the Golden Bears are desperate to end the Cardinal’s nine-game win streak in the series. Currently, Stanford holds a 59-43-10 lead over Cal.
NOTES: This year’s Big Game may determine who’s the worst in the PAC-12 North. Both teams have had some unfortunate QB injuries and are desperate to win this for bowl eligibility. Surely, there must be a bigger, better game in this time slot to watch than this one, right? WRONG!
Poll
Who wins?
Poll
Who covers?
This poll is closed
-
75%
Cal (+2.5)
(102 votes) -
24%
Stanford (-2.5)
(33 votes)
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#6 OREGON @ ARIZONA STATE
TIME/CHANNEL: Saturday, 4:30 PM, ABC
SEASON RECORD: UO (9-1, 7-0) / ASU (5-5, 2-5)
HISTORICAL RECORD: The Sun Devils have played the Ducks 37 times and have lost 20 of those games. ASU had a nine-game win streak from 1966 to 1988 to kick off the series.
NOTES: Oregon is most definitely the better team, but can they take care of business in the Desert?
Poll
Who wins?
Poll
Who covers?
This poll is closed
-
27%
Arizona State (+14.0)
(47 votes) -
72%
Oregon (-14.0)
(121 votes)
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OREGON STATE @ WASHINGTON STATE
TIME/CHANNEL: Saturday, 6:00 PM, PAC12N
SEASON RECORD: OSU (5-5, 4-3) / WSU (5-5, 2-5)
HISTORICAL RECORD: In 2013, Oregon State beat Wazzu 52 to 24 to cut the series lead to one game, but since then Washington State has won five in a row to make it 53-47-3 against Oregon State.
NOTES: Since the final week of the regular season will feature these teams taking on their (most likely) superior rivals, this game has become very important for bowl hopes. Oregon State has been the feel good story of the year by creating an identity and reclaiming some respect after being a punchline for so many years, while Washington State has fallen off since the season of Minshew. This game has shootout written all over it.
Poll
Who wins?
This poll is closed
-
39%
Oregon State
(70 votes) -
60%
Washington State
(106 votes)
Poll
Who covers?
This poll is closed
-
63%
Oregon State (+10.5)
(92 votes) -
36%
Washington State (-10.5)
(54 votes)
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wASHINGTON @ COLORADO
TIME/CHANNEL: Saturday, 7:00 PM, ESPN
SEASON RECORD: Uw (6-4, 3-4) / CU (4-6, 2-5)
HISTORICAL RECORD: In 1915, Gloomy Gil’s washington team defeated Colorado by a score of 46 to 0 and have since dominated the series. The Huskies have a 12-5-1 series lead and have won the last nine contests between the two.
NOTES: Both teams are coming off a bye and are eager to salvage their season. The Huskies will most likely not be satisfied with an 8-4 season, but a loss to Colorado would be troubling considering their history over the Buffs. Meanwhile, if Colorado wants to make a bowl game then this game is a must win. Hopefully their fans are ready to give the Huskies a hellish time in Boulder.
Poll
Who wins?
Poll
Who covers?
This poll is closed
-
46%
Colorado (+14.0)
(66 votes) -
53%
washington (-14.0)
(77 votes)
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#7 UTAH @ ARIZONA
TIME/CHANNEL: Saturday, 7:00 PM, FS1
SEASON RECORD: UU (9-1, 6-1) / UA (4-6, 2-5)
HISTORICAL RECORD: The Utes hold a 23-19-2 lead over the Wildcats. The teams first played against each other in 1924 at Salt Lake City, where the Utes won 32 to 7.
NOTES: Don’t know if you caught the Wildcat’s last game, but they are simply not competitive against any competent team. Whether it’s Grant Gunnell or Khalil Tate, Utah’s starters or backups, this game will most likely be a lopsided win for the Utes.
Poll
Who wins?
Poll
Who covers?
This poll is closed
-
65%
Utah (-22.5)
(95 votes) -
34%
Arizona (+22.5)
(49 votes)
Comment below with your prediction for this week’s Oregon-Arizona State game for your chance to win the coveted RESIDENT GENIUS award.
Include:
- Final score.
- Who you think will win.
- Herbert’s touchdown tally and total yards thrown.