Pac-12 football picks    Jacob Thorpe

Chaos and anarchy reign in the Pac-12, and no team is safe at the top. Last week I said, “Wouldn’t it be just like the Trojans to spoil it for the Cardinal” and then picked Stanford by 10. That didn’t work out so well, reminding me to always pick with my heart because my head doesn’t know what it’s doing. In fact, I’m almost tempted to pick Arizona straight up this week, but I don’t have the guts for it. Maybe next time.

Oregon at Arizona, Oregon by 17 1/2: The Ducks may be looking ahead to Oregon State. Arizona has one of the nation’s top rushers in Ka’Deem Carey. Oregon QB Marcus Mariota still doesn’t look healthy. None of it matters. Oregon 45-24.

Utah at WSU, WSU by 1: It’s a must-win game for both programs, although slightly more so for Utah. Still, without starting quarterback Travis Wilson the Utes fall just short in Pullman. WSU 28-24.

Cal at Stanford, Stanford by 30 1/2: ‘The Big Game’ sure doesn’t feel like a very big game. Stanford’s players will take out their anger over last week’s loss by waxing their hated rivals at home. Stanford 55-24.

Arizona State at UCLA, ASU by 3: The Sun Devils can lock up the Pac-12 South with a win. The Bruins can still win it with victories the next two weeks. UCLA may have slightly more talent but ASU is far more experienced. ASU 38-34.

USC at Colorado, USC by 21: Both teams are coming off their biggest wins of the year. The Trojans are vastly better than the Buffaloes. USC 38-17.

Washington at Oregon State, OSU by 3 1/2: Both teams badly need a win to restore their mojo. The Huskies have a big game on the ground and come away with a rare road victory. UW 35-28.

Last week: 4-2 straight up, 3-3 against the spread. Overall: 26-11, 17-19