Jacob Thorpe’s Week 7 Pac-12 picks

PULLMAN – In order to provide the best game-picking experience for everyone, we are making a change to how we have done the weekly game predictions the last few years. While my Pac-12 picks will still appear in Thursday’s paper, we will hold off on the WSU pick until Friday’s paper.

This will allow us to write a little more about that game, and to make a prediction closer to kickoff. In the meantime, here’s what I’m expecting to happen elsewhere in the Pac-12:

USC at Arizona, USC by 8: The Trojans are aware that they have been disappointing and will bludgeon foes for a while to compensate.

The pick: USC, 42-21

No. 21 Utah at Oregon State, Utah by 9: Oregon State got its big win last week against California. The Beavers probably will not beat the Utes, but a competitive game is another step in the right direction.

The pick: Utah, 24-17

Stanford at Notre Dame, Notre Dame by 3: These teams are both very disappointing, but at least Notre Dame has good quarterback play.

The pick: Notre Dame, 38-24

Arizona State at Colorado, CU by 13.5: Arizona State’s running backs are liable to get tired in that cold, high mountain air. Good thing they have two good ones.

The pick: CU, 38-31

UCLA at Washington State, WSU by 4: Since the opener, WSU is undefeated against the spread. Do we think that changes this week?

The pick: Will be in Friday’s paper.

Last week: 4-2 straight up, 3-3 against the spread

Overall: 38-13 straight up, 20-21-2 against the spread