Pac-12 picks: Washington State vs. USC highlights a tough week of pick-making

Batting .500 against the spread isn’t always easy, but we managed to do it last week. It appears we have a few gimmes on this week’s slate, but the games in Pullman, Eugene and Pasadena all feel like they could go either way.

Let’s dive into the Week 5 predictions…

USC at Washington State

USC by 3.5: Will Washington State’s soft schedule come back to bite the Cougars, or will Sam Darnold’s interceptions finally haunt the Trojans. The pick: will be in Friday’s paper.

Arizona State at Stanford

Stanford by 15: A team that ranks No. 114 in the FBS in total defense (479 yards per game) faces the nation’s leading rusher. You do the math. The pick: Stanford 55, Arizona State 31.

Cal at Oregon

Oregon by 13.5: The Ducks have always done a number on Justin Wilcox’s defenses. Don’t expect that to change when the first-year Cal coach takes his Golden Bears up to Autzen Stadium. The pick: Oregon 45, Cal 31.

Washington at Oregon State

Washington by 26.5: I’m looking real hard for a silver lining for the Beavers here, but I just can’t come up with anything. The pick: Washington 52, Oregon State 17.

Colorado at UCLA

UCLA by 7: It’s still early, sure, but I’m thinking the Bruins’ postseason chances take a substantial hit if they can’t beat the Buffaloes in the Rose Bowl. The pick: UCLA 35, Colorado 31.

Theo Lawson’s records

Last week: 5-1 straight up, 3-3 against the spread.

Overall: 31-7 straight up, 12-20 against the spread.