After one of the worst weekends in college football in recent history, we can only hope that this week can provide some thrilling games. This weekend in the Pac-12 offers only conference games so there are a lot of important and crucial matchups for teams competing to win their respective divisions. I went 7-0 for the first time this year last week, so I expect (and really hope) to have the same results this week. Here are my previews and predictions for week five of the Pac-12 season:

Colorado @ Oregon State

Colorado travels to face the Beavers to play in their first game since September 7th due to the postponement of their game two weeks ago with Fresno State because of flooding. This is also the first matchup between these two teams since Colorado made the transition from the Big 12 to the Pac-12. These are two of the best passing teams in the country with both teams ranked in the top ten in passing yards per game. The guys catching the football in Paul Richardson of Colorado and Brandin Cooks of Oregon State are number one and two respectively in receiving yards per game. Since Colorado doesn’t possess a threatening run game, Oregon State’s defense should be able to concentrate solely on the passing game. I expect Oregon State to win this close game and increase their win streak to four games.

Oregon State 38 Colorado 28

Arizona @ #16 Washington

This is the first conference game for both teams and it looks to be a game that’s going to include a lot of rushing yards. For Washington, running back Bishop Sankey is second in the nation in rushing yards per game with 148.7. Arizona, on the other hand, presents a three-headed running attack in B.J. Denker, Daniel Jenkins, and Ka’Deem Carey that ranks in the top ten in the country in rushing yards per game. This game also serves as Arizona’s first true test this season as they have faced rather weak opposition. I look for Washington to win this game behind Sankey and their stellar defense as Arizona hasn’t won at Husky Stadium since the 2007 season.

Washington 35 Arizona 21

#5 Stanford @ Washington State

Stanford is coming off a dominating victory over a good Arizona State team, a game where they proved they are on the right track. Their upcoming game with Washington State could be a dangerous one as they travel up to Seattle (home of the true 12th man) to face a sneaky good Cougar team. While Washington State’s offense gets all the hype, their defense has actually been the one carrying them thus far as they rank in the top ten nationally in total defense and yards allowed per play. They will also look to beat Stanford for the first time since the 2007 campaign, and if they are to win, the defense will be the reason. I do believe however that Stanford does win this one, but it won’t be a blowout like in years past.

Stanford 31 Washington State 17

USC @ Arizona State

Taylor Kelly, who ranks 8th nationally in passing yards per game faces a USC defense that has been the backbone thus far for the Trojans. USC’s defense has only let up an average of 171.3 passing yards per game and will be called on to stop Kelly and the Arizona State offense come Saturday. The Trojans are coming off a victory over an underrated Utah State team where they shut down quarterback Chuckie Keeton and their offense. This game is very important for both teams as they both contend for the South division and USC’s coach Lane Kiffin is under fire. Arizona State needs to win this game to keep up with UCLA and I believe they will do so on Saturday.

Arizona State 27 USC 20

California @ #2 Oregon

This is also the first conference game for both teams and it may turn into a blowout quickly. Oregon’s offense ranks second in scoring, averaging 61 points per game, and they will face a Cal defense that allows an average of 42 points per game, ranking 121st nationally. Oregon looks to be clicking on all aspects as quarterback Marcus Mariota looks to be a legit Heisman candidate, as he is one of the most efficient passers in the nation and on top of that, he can run the ball exceptionally well. Cal’s bright spot thus far has been their offense led by their true freshman quarterback Jared Goff. He is throwing to two guys who are averaging more than 100 yards per game in Chris Harper and Bryce Treggs. At the end of the day however, it’s another victory and another blowout for Oregon has they haven’t lost to Cal since 2008.

Oregon 56 Cal 17