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Pac-12 picks: With three weeks remaining, the only victories left for Oregon State might be the moral ones

Oregon State's Ryan Nall (34) rushes against California's Jeremiah Hawkins (6) and Hamilton Anoa'i (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. (Ben Margot / Associated Press)
By Theo Lawson theol@spokesman.com(509) 459-5584

Well, remind me never to pick Oregon State again. Even though they’d yet to win a Pac-12 game, it felt like the Beavers were on the rise after a three-point loss at Colorado and a one-point loss to Stanford. Perhaps they’d finally have their breakthrough. I mean, it was only Cal, right? Wishful thinking…

My optimism backfired, the Golden Bears waltzed off with a two-touchdown victory and OSU now heads into the final stretch of conference games both winless and hopeless, with the Sun Devils, Wildcats and Ducks left. But maybe the Beavers get Jake Luton back in the nick of time and get that elusive Pac-12 win after all. As for me? Breaking even against the spread looks like a long shot, so we’ll alter our own expectations and aim to go .500 the rest of the way.

Here are the Week 10 picks.

Washington at Stanford

UW by 6 – Bryce Love is averaging 237 yards per game at home this season, but Washington State held him in check and the Huskies appear to be just a touch better on defense. Stanford could make matters worse by playing musical quarterbacks. The pick: UW 31, Stanford 10.

Washington State at Utah

WSU by 1 – The Cougars haven’t had a week of rest yet, but they’ll say the bye came at a perfect time if they can beat the Utes and take seven days off before preparing for another mega Apple Cup. The pick: Will be in Saturday’s paper.

USC at Colorado

USC by 13.5 – The Trojans have won seven straight against the Pac-12 South and have never lost a game to Colorado. Neither of those streaks will end here. The pick: USC 52, Colorado 28.

Arizona State at UCLA

UCLA by 1 – If Josh Rosen isn’t ready to play, the Sun Devils become two-touchdown favorites and probably win by three. The pick: ASU 41, UCLA 31.

Oregon State at Arizona

Arizona by 22.5 – The most lopsided game between two Pac-12 teams this season was Stanford’s 49-7 win over Oregon. Could this one top that? The pick: Arizona 56, OSU 21.

Theo Lawson’s records

Last week: 4-2 straight up, 2-4 against the spread

Overall: 54-17 straight up, 25-38 against the spread