Pac-12 Football odds and picks: the Gamble-Tron, Week Seven

Welp, that was fun while it lasted. After a weekend where we reached the peak of 2016 success, it was back to the crapper for the old Gamble-Tron. If it hadn’t been for that one big week, we’d be far, far into the red at this point, and begging to scrounge markers at some dirt road casino outside Laughlin. But on we must go.

Why I’m a genius: Well, I’m more idiot than genius, because I only bet a measly $110 on Washington. That was the most obvious call on the board, but the heart precluded the head from doing the smart thing. Stupid heart. Utah wasn’t looking too good for a while, but the better team pulled away in the second half despite Arizona’s disconcerting signals.

Why I’m an idiot: Every bone in my body told me that not only could WSU cover, they had a good shot to win. Did I act on that? Uh, no. I faded Kansas. They stopped me, Wilson. Great job by your Cal Golden Bears. They beat a ranked team on a goalline stand, then give up over 40 points to hapless Oregon State. I mean, what?

Should have known UCLA would lay a giant stink bomb in Tempe. It’s who they are. It’s what they do. Finally, folks were lauding JuJu Smith-Schuster for sliding down instead of scoring at the end of the game. WHY!!?? Does anyone believe that Colorado was gonna score twice in just over a minute!!?? I sure as hell don’t! Good god, just take the ball in and help a guy out, JuJu! I don’t know why I bother.

Last Week: 2-5

Season Total: 23-29-1

Cash Balance: $355

Reader Results:

• Ryan Eames: 3-3 / -$30
• Dr.Coug-A-Lot: 4-2 / $987
• stewak: 1-5 / -$450
• hollyweirdcoug: 3-4 / -$140
• cmaddex: 2-4 / -$240
• MileHighPharmer: 4-4 / -$40
• sdcoug09: 4-3
• sheponsports: 4-2
• BothwaysUphill: 2-4 / -$240

USC (-8/-110) at Arizona (+8/+110): For the second year in a row, Arizona is being totally decimated by injuries. In addition to their awful quarterback situation, linebacker Cody Ippolito is lost for the season. Sam Darnold has been a revelation for USC. The only thing that gives me pause is that RichRod pulls at least one stunner every season. That should have happened a few weeks ago. I don’t see it happening here.

The Pick: $110 on USC

Utah (-9/-110) at OSU (+9/-110): Speaking of injuries, Utah has it just as bad, if not worse than Arizona. They’ve already lost five (!!!) players to season-ending injuries, including two offensive linemen. They were down to their fifth-string running back Saturday. On the other side, Oregon State pulled off a stunner over Cal last Saturday. Running back Ryan Nall piled up 221 yards on just 14 carries. That seems decent. However, he’s also dinged up. I don’t think he’s able to play, and Utah’s defense is far better than Cal’s.

The Pick: $110 on Utah

Stanford (+3/-110) at Notre Dame (-3/-110): Even more injury news, as Christian McCaffrey’s status is in doubt. That could make it difficult for Stanford, even though they’re basically playing against air when they have the ball. Both of these teams have underachieved quite a bit the season. When in doubt, I’m going with the better quarterback. You all saw Stanford last weekend, so I don’t think I need to tell you which team is better behind center.

The Pick: $110 on Notre Dame

ASU (+13/-110) at Colorado (-13/-110): Good lord, is anybody healthy in the South? ASU was forced to burn a quarterback’s redshirt last weekend after its top three guys went down over the course of two games. Colorado has also been dealing with QB injuries, but seems to be in a bit better shape. This is the second straight home game where the Buffs have been favored by double digits. I don’t think I’ve picked Colorado to cover a spread all season. They’ve covered all of them (he says without looking it up). What’s that saying about the definition of insanity?

The Pick: $110 on ASU

UCLA (+6.5/-110) at WSU (-6.5/-110): There are six teams in the Pac-12 South. Exactly two of them, Utah and UCLA, have started the same quarterback every game. The season isn’t even halfway done for most teams. Colorado, ASU, Arizona and USC have started at least two QBs. USC is the only team who made a switch due to performance and not injury.

UCLA looks likely to add its name to the list of teams whose QB has missed at least one start due to injury, as Josh Rosen’s status is in doubt. The educated guess here is that he doesn’t play. He was the main reason UCLA nearly beat WSU last season. Without him, WSU should win. The weather could be the great equalizer, as I don’t see WSU having as much success as it’s had lately due to high winds and rain. Ahh (bleep) it. WSU is better, and should win by at least a touchdown.

The Pick: $110 on WSU

Pitt at Virginia: Nice little run for the Wahoos, as they’ve won two straight, and are coming off a bye. Guess what? Pitt is better. They’re at least a touchdown better.

The Pick: $110 on Dan Marino. He’s still there, isn’t he?

Western Michigan (-11.5/-110) at Akron (+11.5/-110): MACTION. I hear Western Michigan is pretty good. Maybe Akron is ok? All I know is the home team is getting double digits and I’ve got a problem.

The Pick: $110 on the Zips