Pac-10 picks

Only three Pac-10 games are on the docket, as four schools get to rest and recuperate after nearly four long months of football.

For the six teams playing, every game means something, from Oregon State trying to stay on the Rose Bowl path to Washington trying to avoid a winless season.

Such stakes should lead to tight games. At least that’s what we’re banking on. You shouldn’t.

As always, the listed line is for your entertainment purposes only.

Oregon State at Arizona (Arizona by 2.5): The guys in Vegas usually know what they are doing, but this one is a head scratcher. We know the Wildcats play well at home, but to be favored against a better team when their defense has turned into a holy mess? Well, we can’t see it. OSU 24-21.

Stanford at California (Cal by 9): That’s what I love about the Bay Area. Even their college football rivalries are pretentious. “The Big Game,” my donkey. The last time this was a big game was … heck, it’s never been big. Stanford 17-14.

Washington at Washington State (UW by 6.5): Can I admit I have no clue despite having watched the Cougars play 11 games? There have been times when the defense has played pretty well and times the offense has clicked. But those have been rare, and never together in the same game. Maybe they will reappear hand in hand this week. Or not. WSU 17-14.

Last week: 4-1 overall, 2-3 vs. spread; Season: 52-14 overall, 33-31 vs. spread.