Pac-12 Predictions: Week 5 Picks Against the Spread

Sep 26, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Taj Griffin (5) runs the ball as Utah Utes defensive back Cory Butler-Byrd (16) and Utah Utes defensive tackle Viliseni Fauonuku (98) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon Ducks at Colorado Buffaloes

The Line: Oregon -12

By now everyone knows what happened to the Oregon Ducks last week. 62-20, Utah, and the end of an era in the Pac-12. That was a disaster, losing at home by 42 points to a team that struggles on offense. The rest of the conference has finally caught up to the Ducks, and for me, this is a great thing. Ducks football has been boring to watch the last half-decade. Huge blowouts every week, with the opposing team having no shot. Now these games are interesting again. Colorado, meanwhile, played a meaningless game against Nicholls State in week four.

Keys To The Game:

Colorado is fourth in the conference in rushing defense, but this week will be their first real test. The Buffaloes program has come a long way, but even this lesser version of the Oregon Ducks will still be too much for them. The only real hope for Colorado is disappointment. Can Oregon overcome the psychological hangover of the worst loss since Chip Kelly brought the program into prominence? For the Buffaloes, can their stout run defense stop the Oregon rushing attack and force the Ducks to go to the air? If the answer is yes, then they have a chance.

Prediction:

This is a proud program full of quality athletes. I do not see these Ducks pouting their way to an 8-5 season. Look for Oregon to come out with their hair on fire in this one, and the Colorado Buffaloes will be the wrong team in the wrong place. Colorado will put up points in this game, but Oregon will score even more.

Final score: Oregon 55, Colorado 38.

Next: Arizona at Stanford