Pac-12 Predictions: Week 9 Picks against the spread

October 24, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) throws against the Utah Utes during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

No bye weeks for the Pac-12 this week, which gives us six games with huge implications for each division

A Utah loss just opened a whole lot of doors for the Pac-12 South. Three teams now have two losses, and are breathing down the neck of the Utah Utes. USC has bounced back and seem to be in great position now, holding the tiebreaker over Arizona State and Utah should it come to that.

Arizona State and Oregon will be battling it out on Thursday night to avoid a .500 record through 9 weeks. 5-3 looks looks a whole lot better than 4-4, and both programs need a win here to salvage their season. A win for Arizona State keeps them in position for the Pac-12 South hunt. And a win for Oregon would just keep them afloat, and give them a much needed win for the program.

USC is coming off a big win, unseating the Utes. Meanwhile, California is coming off an embarrassing loss to UCLA from last Thursday. The two extra days of rest could be much needed for the Golden Bears. Both teams need a win to keep them alive in the division hunt, it just depends on how the teams respond coming off their last game.

Oregon State is still looking for their first Pac-12 win of the season, but Utah coming back home after a loss, might not be a good thing for the Beavers. But a huge upset win could change the complete landscape of the Pac-12 South.

With a win, the Cougars can take control of the Pac-12 North, which is unbelievable to think about. Coming off three straight wins nows, the Cougars have a real chance at winning this game. But Stanford has been red hot on offense, and no one seems to have an answer for them.

Then the day ends with Arizona heading up to Seattle, and the reigning Pac-12 South Champs have taken a turn for the worst. Their offense is struggling with their quarterback controversy and their defense is falling apart. Washington has been dominating on defense, but their offense is very lackluster.

Next: Oregon at Arizona State