This is not a stellar slate of Pac-12 games this week, especially after two ranked matchups last week. The Utah Utes play late against the California Golden Bears, so you can catch some/all of these games before Utah kicks off tonight. While none of these games will move the needle nationally, there is some intrigue in conference races
Arizona Wildcats at Stanford Cardinal - 1:30 p.m. MT Pac-12 Network
There is an interesting scenario related to this game that we will explain below in the UCLA-ASU section. Arizona’s month of October has not gone well, and they will look to close out the month strong against a struggling Stanford team. Oregon pretty much has the North wrapped up, so Stanford is mostly just playing for pride. Arizona is still technically in the South race, but their last month of the season features games at Oregon, against Utah, and at Arizona State. Bowl eligibility should be the goal. They need this win to help with bowl eligibility.
No. 25 Arizona State Sun Devils at UCLA Bruins - 5:30 p.m. MT Pac-12 Network
If Stanford beats Arizona and UCLA beats ASU, the Bruins control their own destiny in the Pac-12 South. Think about that for a second. UCLA is currently 2-5, and Utah is 6-1 and does not control its own destiny. The Bruins would have to win out to win the South, which would require wins at Utah and at USC among others. Currently, the USC Trojans lead the Pac-12 South because of their win over Utah. Right now, USC is the only team that controls its destiny in the South, but it would sure be interesting if UCLA can get to that point as well. Arizona State is looking to bounce back in this game after getting blasted by Utah last week and try to remain a factor in the Pac-12 South.
Washington State Cougars at No. 11 Oregon Ducks - 8:30 p.m. MT ESPN
The Ducks have not yet technically won the North, but barring a huge collapse, the Ducks have the division all but wrapped up. A win over the Cougars would give the Ducks the tiebreaker over every other team in the North except the Oregon State Beavers. After tonight, Oregon faces three-straight Pac-12 South teams (making the Ducks Utah fans’ second-favorite team for a couple weeks), including at USC next week. The Ducks are heavy favorites at home, but they have lost four-straight to the Cougars, tied for the longest win streak in this series for Wazzu.