If the opening weekend of the 2022 season supplied the Pac-12 with high-profile alternatives on large phases — alternatives since wasted — then Week Two is one thing solely totally different.
It’s the nothing-to-lose weekend.
The Pac-12 has six non-conference matchups with Soccer Bowl Subdivision opponents, together with showdowns with the Large Ten, Large 12 and SEC.
The convention is a double-digit underdog in 4 of the six and a one-point favourite in a fifth — a state-of-play that’s exceptional however wholly justified based mostly on the matchups, places and up to date efficiency. (The Pac-12 was 0-3 in opposition to Energy 5 opponents final week and 0-3 in bowl video games final season.)
Arizona State and Washington State are substantial underdogs on the highway in opposition to ranked opponents (Oklahoma State and Wisconsin), respectively.
In the meantime, Arizona is a double-digit canine, at house, in opposition to Mississippi State. (The betting public doesn’t assume a lot of the Wildcats’ victorious opener at San Diego State.)
So gloomy is the outlook for the convention that Colorado is a 17.5-point canine in opposition to a Mountain West opponent (Air Drive).
Given all that, we wouldn’t be shocked if the lone convention recreation of the week, USC’s journey to Stanford, in some way ended with two losses for the Pac-12.
With so many large underdogs, there’s little to lose.
To the picks …
Final week: 3-5
Season: 3-5
5-star particular: 1-0
Spreads taken from vegasinsider.com utilizing traces listed for BetMGM
Recreation whole in parenthesis
All occasions Pacific
*** Not included (FCS opponents): Oregon, UCLA, Utah and Washington
Washington State at No. 19 Wisconsin
Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. on FOX
Line: WSU +17.5 (whole: 49.5)
Remark: The Badgers shall be content material to grind, as all the time. We count on a detailed recreation for 3 quarters, however will WSU’s defensive entrance maintain up within the fourth? Not with out extra assist than we count on from Cam Ward and the offense.
Choose: Wisconsin -17.5
Colorado at Air Drive
Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. on CBS
Line: Colorado +17.5 (whole: 48.5)
Remark: Which is worse: Shedding by 25 factors at house to TCU or being a 17.5-point underdog at Air Drive? The proper reply, in fact, is dropping by greater than 17.5 at Air Drive. However we don’t assume that may occur. Prepare for the JT Shrout present.
Choose: Colorado +17.5
Cal vs. UNLV
Kickoff: 1 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks
Line: Cal -13.5 (whole: 48.5)
Remark: The final time UNLV coach Marcus Arroyo matched wits in opposition to Justin Wilcox, in 2019, the previous was calling performs for Oregon and had a quarterback named Justin Herbert. And the Geese managed all of 17 factors.
Choose: Cal -13.5
No. 10 USC at Stanford
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. on ABC
Line: USC -9.5 (whole: 67.5)
Remark: The teaching benefit Stanford loved for therefore a few years on this rivalry now not exists. Now, it’s all in regards to the expertise. The Cardinal has sufficient on offense to maintain tempo however not sufficient on protection to shut the deal. Stanford covers; USC wins.
Choose: Stanford +9.5
Arizona State at No. 11 Oklahoma State
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. on ESPN2
Line: ASU +11.5 (whole: 57.5)
Remark: We count on the Solar Devils to profit immensely from quarterback Emory Jones’ expertise in SEC highway video games. Nonetheless, the Cowboys have an excessive amount of of every part and needs to be in management early within the fourth quarter. Future intra-conference matchup?
Choose: Oklahoma State
Oregon State at Fresno State
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. on CBS Sports activities Community
Line: OSU -1 (whole: 61.5)
Remark: The Beavers play USC, Stanford, Utah, Washington and Oregon in coming weeks however will face no higher quarterback than FSU’s Jake Haener. In the event that they include the Bulldogs, it bodes effectively for the remainder of the yr. Very, very effectively.
Choose: Oregon State
Mississippi State at Arizona
Kickoff: 8 p.m. on FS1
Line: Arizona +10.5 (whole: 59.5)
Remark: Bulldogs coach Mike Leach isn't any stranger to nighttime video games in Tucson and may have a wise plan of assault for the improved Wildcats protection. Must be top-of-the-line video games of the day and worthy of the #Pac12AfterDark consideration.
Choose: Arizona +10.5
Straight-up winners: Wisconsin, Air Drive, Cal, USC, Oklahoma State, Oregon State and Mississippi State
5-star particular: Arizona +10.5. It should take weeks for the purpose spreads to regulate to Arizona’s enchancment. Throughout that point, there’s cash to be made, of us.
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