Pac-12 Football Game Predictions: Which Teams Win in Week 3?

This slideshow predicts the new Pac-12 conference's Week 3 games for every team.

It follows previous Week 2 predictions as well as Week 1 predictions. 

Oregon State has a bye this week. Stanford goes to Arizona (for an early conference matchup).

Utah travels to BYU for the "Holy War," and Texas will be looking for revenge in Pasadena. 

Colorado vs. Colorado State (Denver)

Colorado vs. Colorado State (Denver)

Saturday, September 17, 2011

10:30 AM (PST) on FSN

Game Prediction:

Colorado 21 - Colorado State 9

Last year Colorado beat up on Colorado State 24-3 at Invesco Field, at Mile High, in the Cinch Jeans Rocky Mountain Showdown. Colorado now leads the series 60-20-2, including a 6-4 edge in Denver. The Buffaloes usually win non-conference games when scoring first. The Colorado Buffaloes, who have one of the most aesthetic schools in the Pac-12, will score first again and win on FSN.

Texas at UCLA

Texas at UCLA

Saturday, September 17, 2011

12:30 PM (PST) on ABC

Game Prediction:

Texas 24 - UCLA 20

Texas wants revenge in Pasadena for last year's 34-12 loss to UCLA. The question is, will Longhorn quarterback Garrett Gilbert lead his mostly new offensive line to the win? Texas has a ton of depth and talent on offense and defense. In fact, they have more four/five star players than stars at an Oscar Awards ceremony. Some have Texas in the Top 25, as in this Longhorns preview. Texas wins a very close game on ABC.

Washington at Nebraska

Washington at Nebraska

Saturday, September 17, 2011

12:30 PM (PST) on ESPN

Game Prediction:

Nebraska 45 - Washington 12

Nebraska will come into this game ranked about No. 12 in the nation. Washington will be ranked about No. 45. Their rankings (reversed), just about reflect the final score. That isn't how I figured it though. Nebraska has an experienced offensive line and an excellent/deep defensive line. Nebraska wins on ESPN. 

Washington State at San Diego State

Washington St. at San Diego St.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

3:30 PM (PST) on MTN

Game Prediction:

Aztecs 24 - Cougars 21

San Diego State quarterback Ryan Lindley is, without a doubt, a better NFL prospect than Washington State quarterback Jeff Tuel. The Aztecs are slightly better than the Cougars in many aspects of the game, but Washington State is improving. San Diego State barely wins this one shown on the Mountain West Sports Network.

Syracuse at USC

Syracuse at USC

Saturday, September 17, 2011

5:00 PM (PST) on FX (Fox Extended)

Game Prediction:

USC 38 - Syracuse 17

Syracuse lost four starters on offense and a total of six on defense. Two key losses were linebackers Doug Hogue and Derrell Smith. Quarterback Ryan Nassib returns but running back Delone Carter's loss will be felt. The Orange have a new offensive coordinator in Nathaniel Hackett. Head Coach Doug Marrone has a new assistant head coach in John Anselmo along with a few other new coaches. Syracuse will still give the Trojans a great game despite their inexperienced defense and new coaching staff. USC wins on FSN.

Arizona State at Illinois

Arizona St. at Illinois

Saturday, September 17, 2011

4:00 PM (PST) on BTN

Game Prediction:

Arizona State 24 - Illinois 17

How Illinois lost to Minnesota last year at home is perplexing. Their losses to Missouri, Ohio State, Michigan State, Michigan, and even Fresno State are understandable. But Illinois losing Minnesota at home? The Sun Devils win a big game on the road shown on the Big Ten Network.

Utah at BYU

Utah at BYU

Saturday, September 17, 2011

6:15 PM (PST) on ESPN2

Game Prediction:

BYU 21 - Utah 20

Who wins the Holy War? Last year a young BYU team lost by one point at Utah. BYU quarterback Jake Heaps should be just a bit better than the Utes' Jordan Wynn and playing in Provo gives the Mormons the edge. Why? The home team has won the last four games in this rivalry. Utah will be ranked in the Top 40; however, BYU will be ranked in the Top 30. BYU wins on ESPN2, barely.

Stanford at Arizona

Stanford at Arizona

Saturday, September 17, 2011

7:45 PM (PST) on ESPN

Game Prediction:

Stanford 38 - Arizona 24

Last year Arizona lost at Stanford 42-17. Both teams lost a few good players to the NFL, and both teams return two of the best quarterbacks in the Pac-12. There will be plenty of offense in this game and both Andrew Luck and Nick Foles will throw for over 300 yards - each! Stanford still has a better ground attack. Stanford wins this Pac-12 match-up shown on ESPN.

Missouri State at Oregon

Missouri State at Oregon

Saturday, September 17, 2011

TBD PM (PST) on TBD

Game Prediction:

Oregon 58 - Missouri State 0

The Missouri State Bears travel from Springfield, Missouri to play the Ducks at Autzen stadium. The Bears play in the Football Championship Subdivision Southwestern Athletic Conference. The Ducks will secure the victory no later than 12 minutes remaining in the first quarter. The Ducks will have a very hard time keeping this game under 60 points.

Presbyterian at California

Presbyterian at California

Saturday, September 17, 2011

TBA PM (PST) on TBA

Game Prediction:

California 38 - Prebyterian 6

The California Bears host the Presbyterian Blue Hose. Presbyterian is located in Clinton, South Carolina and is a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) team playing in the Big South Conference. Now I have to admit that this is THE most unusual mascot that I have ever seen. It has to be worth six points. Cal wins this game. 

Projected Pac-12 North Standings After the Third Week

Projected Pac-12 North Standings After Week 3
Team	P-12 North	P-12 Conference	Overall
Stanford	0-0	1-0	3-0
California	0-0	0-0	3-0
Washington St.	0-0	0-0	2-1
Washington	0-0	0-0	2-1
Oregon	0-0	0-0	2-1
Oregon St.	0-0	0-0	1-1

Projected Pac-12 South Standings After the Third Week

Projected Pac-12 South Standings After Week 3
Team	P-12 South	P-12 Conference	Overall
USC	1-0	1-0	3-0
Arizona St.	0-0	0-0	2-1
Colorado	0-0	0-0	1-2
UCLA	0-0	0-0	1-2
Arizona	0-0	0-1	1-2
Utah	0-1	0-1	1-2