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SALT LAKE CITY - It feels good to have football back, doesn't it? I had a good first week in predictions for the Utes Pac-12 brethren, minus one slip up (I'm looking at you Cal). Week two gets a little more interesting.
Eastern Washington v. Washington State
In my book, Washington State deserves the award for biggest flop of the early season in the Pac-12. Not only were they beat by BYU handily, they were sloppy and embarrassing. I don't have a lot of faith in WSU right now, but the Pac-12 vs. FCS talent gap should give WSU a win. Pick: Washington State
Southern Utah v. Cal
Red flagging are flying like crazy on Cal right now. Which is par for the course with the Bears. Last year they were wildly inconsistent, it seems that this year is no change. The biggest red flag with Cal right now is their defense, which was very good last year. They could't get Nevada off the field. However, Pac-12 vs. FCS should be a win by default. Pick: Cal
Sacramento St v. Colorado
Colorado showed some flashes against CSU last week. A game against an FCS team should be good for a young team, like CU's, to get some game experience. I'm going to repeat what I have constantly been saying - Pac-12 vs. FCS should be an automatic win for the Pac-12. Pick: Colorado
USC v. Syracuse
USC is loaded and that showed last week. However, I think that defense may be a little suspect at times. Syracuse's quarterback could put some points up on the USC defense, but that offense of the Trojans is a juggernaut. Pick: USC
Wisconsin v. Oregon State
Not exactly the warm up the Beavers were hoping for before the season started. This bad Beaver defense has to go up against one of the best running backs in the country, in Monte Ball. Could be a rough one for the folks in Corvallis. Pick: Wisconsin
Fresno State v. Oregon
Oregon was playing a video game last week the way they were playing. This game should be no different. Pick: Oregon
Washington v. LSU
I figured the Huskies would struggle against SDSU a little last week, but their offense struggled more than I figured it would. The speed of LSU's defense will be a problem for Washington. Keith Price needs to have the game of his life to win this one. Pick: LSU
Nebraska v. UCLA
This is a tough one because UCLA showed some life on offense, but their defense remains suspect. I don't think UCLA will be able to stop that running game of the Huskers. Pick: Nebraska
Duke @ Stanford
Stanford had some problems with Duke last season. I figured they would struggle a bit post Andrew Luck, but with Duke traveling cross country and Stanford still having Stefan Taylor at running back they should be fine this week. Pick: Stanford
Illinois v. Arizona State
ASU showed some offensive fireworks last week, granted against Northern Arizona, but the offense showed some promise. Illinois wasn't all that convincing against the mighty Western Michigan Broncos, and now they travel to the desert. Pick: Arizona State
Oklahoma State v. Arizona
Arizona struggled week one against Toledo, winning in overtime. Oklahoma State put up 84 points against an FCS opponent. In the end, Arizona's defense just isn't very good yet. That's not good going against the Cowboys. Pick: Oklahoma State
Utah v. Utah State
Chuckie Keeton is a stud, and they have some good playmakers. At the end of the day, however, the difference is on the lines. Utah will be able to assert themselves and will wear down the Aggies and the talent gap will show through. 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
