Jacob Thorpe’s Pac-12 picks

PULLMAN– What happens at the start of the year is basically meaningless, as long as you finish. Or something like that.

If nothing else, the Pac-12 has proved the adage about the importance of playing well late in the season this year. Stanford lost its season-opener to Northwestern and still has a playoff shot. USC fired its coach early in the year but the Trojans can still win the Pac-12.

And of course, Washington State suffered one of the worst losses in school history in its first game, and is putting together one of the best seasons in school history. The Pac-12 saved the best for last, as always, so enjoy rivalry week. Here are some spoilers:

Washington State (20) at Washington, no line: Let’s assume Luke Falk doesn’t play. If that’s the case, the Cougars are going to struggle against a fierce UW defense. But the Huskies have to play offense, too. WSU 21-17

Oregon (17) at Oregon State, UO by 34.5: Not only are the Ducks much, much more talented, they’ve got more to play for. UO 55-10

Notre Dame (6) at Stanford (9), Stanford by 3.5: Perhaps Stanford’s obituary was written prematurely. Win this game, and the Cardinal have a playoff shot. Here’s the rub though: Notre Dame is really good. Notre Dame 28-24

Arizona State at California, Cal by 4: Antonio Longino turned into a Terrell Suggs clone two weeks ago, meaning Jared Goff is going to have his “welcome to the NFL moment” a year early. ASU 31-24

Colorado at Utah (23), Utah by 16.5: Once again, Colorado doesn’t win a close game. But Cade Apsay sets up the Buffaloes for a very interesting quarterback competition when Sefo Liufau comes back. Utah 34-21

UCLA (22) at USC, USC by 3.5: Two talented if somewhat underachieving teams with a chance to salvage their season. If Clay Helton wins a Pac-12 championship does he get to keep his job? USC 35-24

Last week: 6-0, 3-2 against the spread

Overall: 67-18, 43-30-1 against the spread