Pac-12: Week 1 conference predictions

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes

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SALT LAKE CITY - It all begins today! Finally football is back! The sprint to the Rose Bowl begins with the headliners of USC and Oregon. Meanwhile, upstarts like the Utes and Washington look to make some noise. Let's take a look at week one of Pac-12 football.

UCLA (-16) @ Rice

The Bruins issues have been well chronicled over the last couple seasons. However, Rice was 4-8 last season and the talent gap alone should separate these teams. UCLA has a stud running back in Jonathon Franklin, expect him to start strong.

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Pick: UCLA

Washington State @ BYU (-12 1/2)

This may be the most fascinating game of the week for Pac-12 teams. Mike Leach unveils his air raid offense at his alma mater. The key here is BYU has to outscore Washington State to win this game, because I anticipate Wazzou will put up between 28-35 points. I'm not a Reilly Nelson believer, because of his arm. However, I think since this is week one and Washington State has to travel to Provo they will have some growing pains, especially on defense.

Pick: BYU - but in a close one.

Northern Arizona @ Arizona State

Arizona State is in full blown rebuilding mode. Todd Graham seemed to be one of the last options as a head coach. A Pac-12 team should not lose to a FCS team, especially when you have a talented running back like Cameron Marshall.

Pick: ASU

San Jose State @ Stanford (-26)

Post Andrew Luck life starts on the Farm. Stanford will be breaking in some new linemen, but they still have a stud running back in Stephan Taylor plus a stout defense. I, however, don't see a 26 point win in game one, but Stanford is still the better team by far.

Pick: Stanford

Nevada @ Cal (-11)

Nevada housed Cal just a couple years ago in Reno. Nevada's pistol offense scares me a little bit, because it can be potent and Cal lost some defensive studs to the NFL. However, they return 1300 yard rusher Isi Sofele and 1300 yard receiver Keenan Allen. Partner that and the reopening of Memorial Stadium, it will be a good day at Berkley.

Pick: Cal

Colorado State @ Colorado (-6 1/2)

I'm scared to pick this game, because it has been a very good rivalry over the last few years. Colorado is expected to play up to 16 true freshmen, plus they have a new quarterback. CSU isn't in any better shape. I see this game as a pick ‘em game, frankly because there is some bad football in the state of Colorado. My gut tells me the Rams get this one.

Pick: Colorado State

Hawaii @ USC (-42)

Barkley, Woods, Lee, Redd, plus whatever potential offensive all-americans there are on this team runs away with this one. Sorry Norm.

Pick: USC

Toledo @ Arizona (-10 1/2)

This could be an interesting game for Pac-12 fans. Toledo was a nine win team last year in the MAC and Rich Rod brings his spread to the desert. New quarterback Matt Scott sounds like he is built for this offense. I expect Arizona to put up some points, however, I'm skeptical of the defense, but not enough to pick against the Wildcats in the opener.

Pick: Arizona

San Diego State @ Washington (-14 1/2)

Ryan Katz returns to Pac-12 territory since his departure from Oregon State. Keith Price returns as does highly talented Austin Seferian-Jenkins, but Washington's defense was bad last year. Historically bad to be honest, RG3 is still scoring TDs in San Antonio after the Alamo Bowl. San Diego State will put up a bigger fight than people may expect.

Pick: Washington

Arkansas State @ Oregon (-37)

I could play QB for Oregon and hand off the ball to DeAnthony Thomas and Kenjon Barner and put up 50 points in this game.

Pick: Oregon

Northern Colorado @ Utah

A dark horse Rose Bowl candidate versus one of the worse teams in FCS last season. The Bears were 0-11 in the Big Sky - that's pretty bad. Whatever Coach Whitt wants the score to be, it will be. Jordan Wynn teases the crowd of what he may be this year, and John White busts off at least one 60 yard touchdown run.

Pick: Utah

Shane Roberts is a producer/writer for the U Fan Cast on TheUFanCast.com, a Utah-centric podcast that gives a voice to the fan. Twitter: @Shane_U_FanCast