PAC – 12 Preview Week 3 | NFL and College Football | NFL and College Football Previews, Predictions, and Recaps

High powered offenses and solid QB play have marked the first two weeks of PAC – 12 non-conference play. Week 3 marks the beginning of conference play for some of the PAC – 12 while Washington and Arizona St. face some tough out of conference opponents. Colorado and Utah scheduled some classic rivalry games early in the season. For the remainder of the PAC -12, Week 3 is last opportunity to tune up against FCS opponents.

#6 Stanford (2-0, 0-0) at Arizona (1-1, 0-0) -10

After an embarrassing display against Oklahoma State, can Arizona resurrect its season against Andrew Luck and a strong Stanford team? Unlikely. Look for Stefan Talyor to have a big game and for Luck and Owusu to continue their success. Foles will have difficulty against an underrated Stanford D.

Stanford 28 Arizona 14

Washington (2-0, 0-0) at Nebraska (2-0, 0-0) -16.5

Expect this rematch of the Holiday Bowl to be much closer this season. After a shaky start, Washington showed some resolve to fend off Hawaii in Week 2. Washington has not faced anything like this Bo Pelini defense to date. Washington was able to completely shut down Hawaii dual threat quaterback Bryant Moniz’s ground game and if they can do the same to Taylor Martinez they will have a real shot of keeping this came close. Nebraska had real difficulty overcoming poor outings from Martinez last season but will probably be too much for Washington to handle.

Nebraska 35 Washington 21

Utah (1-1, 0-1) at BYU (1-1) – 3.5

The Holy War this year pits two tough defenses against each other. BYU played Texas to the wire and without a posthumously added TD the Utah – USC was a blocked FG away from overtime. Look for both offenses to open up this week in a classic in state shoot out. The edge goes to emerging QB Jake Heaps.

BYU 31 Utah 28

#23 Texas (2-0, 0-0) at UCLA (1-1, 0-0) -3.5

UCLA looks to repeat its upset of a ranked Texas team from last season. UCLA will look to give RB Jonathan Franklin plenty of carries early in the game to wear down the Texas defense. UCLA needs some type of stability at QB. However, Texas faces similar problems. This is a win that Rick Neuheisel needs. But he won’t get it without a passing game against a Mack Brown defense

Texas 23 UCLA 14

Missouri State (1-1, 0-0) at #14 Oregon (1-1, 0-0) N/A

The questions surrounding Oregon’s defense that stretch back until the 2010 will not be answered against Missouri State. Even more troubling for Chip Kelly’s squad is the lack of dynamism they displayed on offense against LSU. While LaMichael James had a rush, recieving, and return TD against Nevada, Oregon does not seem like they can move the ball on the ground like they did in 2010. Expect Darron Thomas to pile it on in front of a huge crowd at Autzen.

Oregon 56 Missouri State 7

Syracuse (2-0, 0-0) at USC (2-0, 1-0) -16.5

After opening with two close games, USC looks to finally put their offense into hyperdrive against Syracuse. While Doug Marrone’s squad has shown significant improvement during his tenure, they are not ready to face a high powered Trojan offense finally incorporating Marc Tyler into the offense.

USC 28 Syracuse 7

#22 Arizona State (2-0, 0-0) at Illinois (2-0, 0-0) -1

This could be a let down game for an Arizona St. squad coming off a huge overtime win against Missouri. Illinois is coming off piling up on two FCS opponents and has been largely untested thus far. Look for Arizona St. to roll in this game behind another big game from BIG 6’8 QB Brock Osweiler. This could be Zook’s last season at Illinois.

Arizona State 42 Illinois 14

Washington State (2-0, 0-0) at San Diego State (2-0, 0-0) -5.5

Washington State is off to a strong start for a team that has been traditionally labelled one of the worst in FBS. Washington State is leading the country in scoring after bullying UNLV and Idaho State. Although San Diego State lost Brady Hoke and most of their talented receiving core to the NFL, they still return Ryan Lindley and Ronnie Hillman from last year’s squad. Look for the leadership of Lindley to lead SDSU past a much slower Washington State offense in this high scoring affair.

SDSU 35 Washington State 21

Presbyterian (1-1, 0-0) at California (2-0, 0-0) N/A

Look for California to continue its hot start against Presbyterian. California’s Zach Maynard and half brother Kennan Allen seem to be the real deal but can the Cal secondary hold the Washington passing attack next week?

Cal 48 Presbyterian 14

Oregon State BYE

Oregon State sorely needs this bye week after an embarrassing loss to Sacremento State and an absolutely dismantling versus Wisconsin. Mike Riley will use the week to solidify his QB situation and will look to rebound against UCLA in their PAC – 12 opener.

Colorado State (2-0, 1-0) at Colorado (0-2, 0-0) -7

After two tough losses, Colorado will rebound against Colorado State in the Rocky Mountain Showdown. The pregame records are misleading as Colorado St. scraped by against two FCS opponents and Colorado lost in overtime against California in a record setting performance. Look for Tyler Hansen and Paul Richardson to connect many times in this game as Colorado turns its season around.

Colorado 42 Colorado State 14

BONUS: Footage of the Ram’s Pointe Pool Party at which several Colorado State starters were arrested at on the first day of school.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uHCECbO6_M