Pac-12 picks: It’s the Apple Cup and everything else this weekend

It’s rivalry weekend, and one game trumps the rest.

Tune into the Civil War if you’d like, check out the Territorial Cup if you’re so inclined, but just make sure to clear your schedule Friday night for the 111th Apple Cup, which will kick off at 5:30 p.m. from Martin Stadium and will air nationally on Fox 28.

Oregon at Oregon State

Oregon by 18: I have a hunch the Beavers keep it a little closer than the betting line suggests, but count on the Ducks winning comfortably enough behind a strong afternoon from quarterback Justin Herbert and wide receiver Dillon Mitchell. The pick: Oregon 41, Oregon State 31.

Washington at Washington State

WSU by 2 1/2: The second Pacific Northwest rivalry game Friday should be a thriller, what with the Pac-12 North title, a potential College Football Playoff spot and Evergreen State bragging rights all on the line. We’re not revealing the pick just yet, but I’m expecting the Cougars to score more on Friday than they did in the last two Apple Cups combined. The pick: will be in Friday’s paper.

Stanford at UCLA

Stanford by 7: The Cardinal are coming off what essentially was a bye week after Saturday’s Big Game was postponed. I like Stanford in this game anyway. I like the Cardinal even more now. The pick: Stanford 38, UCLA 21.

Colorado at Cal

Cal by 12 1/2: The Golden Bears are coming off what essentially was a bye week after Saturday’s Big Game was postponed. I like Cal in this game anyway. I like the Golden Bears even more now. The pick: Cal 33, Colorado 17.

Arizona State at Arizona

ASU by 2: Both of these teams had their Pac-12 South title hopes dashed last weekend, but one still has plenty to play for. That will show in Tucson, where Khalil Tate and the motivated Wildcats should snatch their sixth win and their bowl eligibility. The pick: Arizona 45, Arizona State 41.

Notre Dame at USC

Notre Dame by 11 1/2: If the Trojans cover the spread, it’ll be their greatest feat this season nest to beating WSU. But I don’t think they’re capable. The pick: Notre Dame 37, USC 17.

BYU at Utah

Utah by 12: It’s remarkable what Kyle Whittingham has done these last few games with Utah’s shorthanded offense. Some might suggest he rest his top weapons in this nonconference game prior to the Pac-12 championship. Of course, Whittingham won’t and the Utes will roll to win No. 9. The pick: Utah 27, BYU 12.

Theo Lawson’s records

Last week: 4-1 overall, 3-2 against the spread

Overall: 58-20 overall, 34-36 against the spread