College Football Picks: Pac-12 gets a rare top-10 showdown
Oct 18, 2022, 10:34 PM | Updated: Oct 19, 2022, 10:37 am
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix (10) scores a touchdown against Arizona in the second half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The Pac-12 has not had a game like UCLA-Oregon in four seasons, and only two of them over the last nine.
The ninth-ranked Bruins visit the No. 10 Ducks on Saturday in the first regular-season meeting of Pac-12 teams ranked in the top-10 of the AP poll since 2018.
The last time the conference had a top-10 game in the regular season was No. 10 Washington’s 28-15 victory against No. 7 Washington State in an Apple Cup that decided the Pac-12 North — which is no longer a thing.
The Pac-12 dumped its divisions this season so it’s possible UCLA (formerly in the South) and Oregon (formerly in the North) could meet again in Las Vegas. For now, the winner moves into sole possession of first-place in the Pac-12.
That’s good enough to make it this week’s most intriguing game as the second half of the season begins with five ranked-on-ranked games.
No. 9 UCLA at No. 10 Oregon
This is the third time Bruins coach Chip Kelly has faced his former school, and also the third time it has been at rowdy Autzen Stadium. The Bruins lost the first two, but are far better now as Kelly’s plan has come to fruition behind QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and RB Zach Charbonnet. The Ducks have been rolling since getting thumped by Georgia in their opener, with Auburn transfer Bo Nix (20 touchdowns) leading the way.
LINE: Oregon by 6 1/2. PICK: Oregon 35-31.
No. 17 Kansas State at No. 8 TCU
Second straight huge home game for the undefeated Horned Frogs after they rallied in the fourth quarter against Oklahoma State last week to emerge as the only unbeaten Big 12 team heading into the back half of the season. But don’t forget the Wildcats, who haven’t lost in the conference yet and bring the best defense in the league to match TCU’s top-ranked offense.
LINE: TCU by 3 1/2. PICK: Kansas State 27-26.
No. 7 Mississippi at LSU
The Rebels have reached the top-10 running through a manageable first-half schedule, but the back half has a much higher degree of difficulty. Ole Miss has not won in Baton Rouge since 2008. The Tigers have been all over the place in Brian Kelly’s first season, but there is some high-end talent scattered about a rebuilding roster.
LINE: LSU by 1 1/2. PICK: Ole Miss 28-24.
Minnesota at No. 16 Penn State
A humbling loss at Michigan has Penn State fans anxiously bracing for another second-half slide heading into the annual whiteout game. There is also uncertainty about Penn State QB Sean Clifford’s health, which could provide an opportunity for heralded freshman Drew Allar. The Gophers have lost two straight, but hope to have QB Tanner Morgan back from injury.
LINE: Penn State by 4 1/2. PICK: Minnesota 23-21, UPSET SPECIAL.
No. 21 Cincinnati at SMU
The Bearcats fell out of the rankings after an opening loss at Arkansas, and have quietly taken care of business since. They’re not CFP contenders this season, but they still might be the best of the American Athletic Conference, which is about to enter a fun championship stretch that could still involve the Mustangs.
LINE: Cincinnati by 3. PICK: SMU 28-27.
Other ranked teams playing FBS opponents with lines by FanDuel Sportsbook.
Iowa (plus 28 1/2) at No. 2 Ohio State
Hawkeyes’ defense might provide some resistance for QB C.J. Stroud and the prolific Buckeyes’ offense … OHIO STATE 38-13.
No. 14 Syracuse (plus 13) at No. 5 Clemson
ACC orange rivals have played some close games in recent years, but the Tigers have won eight of nine since ‘Cuse joined the conference … CLEMSON 27-16.
No. 24 Mississippi State at No. 6 Alabama (minus 21)
This is the third time since 2019 the Tide will play the Bulldogs coming off a loss. ‘Bama has won those games by a combined 71 points … ALABAMA 38-13, BEST BET.
No. 20 Texas at No. 11 Oklahoma State (plus 6 1/2)
Cowboys have won five of the last seven meetings … TEXAS 34-31.
Boston College (plus 20 1/2) at No. 13 Wake Forest
Eagles have won three straight trips to Winston-Salem, North Carolina … WAKE FOREST 38-21.
Memphis (plus 7 1/2) at No. 25 Tulane
Getting ranked for the first time since 1998 was hard for the Green Wave; staying ranked could be even tougher against a tricky closing schedule … TULANE 24-20.
TWITTER REQUESTS
UCF (minus 4 1/2) at East Carolina (@Wvschorn) — Knights showing signs they are ready to make another AAC title run … UCF 35-27.
Kansas (plus 7 1/2) at Baylor (@realbbbb) — Both teams have lost two straight in the wild Big 12 … BAYLOR 31-27.
Duke (plus 8 1/2) at Miami (@billhirni) — Hurricanes try to make it two straight along the road to salvaging their season … MIAMI 28-21.
Texas A&M at South Carolina (plus 3 1/2) (@Stevencalcutt) — Passing has been a problem for both teams with a combined 15 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions … TEXAS A&M 23-21.
Boise State (plus 3) at Air Force (@scott_callihan) — Broncos try to stay unbeaten in the Mountain West … BOISE STATE 31-28
North Texas (plus 10 1/2) at UTSA (@RauhReport) — Sole possession of first-place in Conference USA at stake … UTSA 34-26.
Washington (minus 7 1/2) at California (@lancebasler) — Huskies have lost their two road games … WASHINGTON 34-24.
Purdue (plus 2 1/2) at Wisconsin (@Pappy_BigTenCFB) — Badgers have won 15 straight in the series … PURDUE 28-24.
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RECORD
Last week: Straight-up — 11-7; Against spread — 11-7.
Season: 109-40; 79-80.
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Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at http://www.appodcasts.com
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