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Note: I do not pick non-conference games and those involving Arizona (since this is an Arizona-based Web site).
Javier Morales 2013 Overall Record: 30-12 (.714).
Javier Morales Against the Spread: 27-15 (.643).
When: Today, 1:30 p.m., Tucson time. Where: Husky Stadium, Seattle. TV: Fox.
Spread: Washington by 16.
Why Wazzu will win: The Cougars are riding the wave of momentum, eligible for a bowl for the first time since 2006. Mike Leach, who should be the Pac-12 coach of the year, is pushing all of the right buttons.
Why Washington will win: Washington backup quarterback Cyler Miles threw for 162 yards and a touchdown against Oregon State in his first start for the injured Keith Price. Bishop Sankey ran for 179 yards and three scores. The Washington offense should continue clicking against Wazzu.
Outcome: Washington by 8.
Reason: The significant point-spread edge for Washington is a head-scratcher of sorts because Washington State is entering the game on a two-game winning streak. Washington looked impressive last week at Oregon State but the Beavers are not what we thought they were. Washington is coming off a surprise loss at Wazzu last year, so the Huskies certainly have revenge on their minds. The bottom line is I like how Washington State is playing as of late but it won’t be enough to win in Seattle.
When: Friday, 5 p.m., Tucson time. Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Ore. TV: Fox Sports 1.
Spread: Oregon by 23.
Why Oregon State will win: The Beavers’ only hope is for Oregon to have a hangover after the Ducks’ 42-16 loss at Arizona last week. Oregon State must count on Oregon mistakes, such as turnovers deep in the Ducks’ territory to have a shot.
Why Oregon will win: Oregon State has now lost four consecutive games, and the latest defeat was a 69-27 pasting by Washington in the home finale, which marked the most points ever allowed by the Beavers. And now comes the final Pac-12 game at Oregon, which has not only won the past five Civil War games, but dominated with three of those victories over the Ducks by 24 or more points.
Outcome: Oregon by 28.
Reason: Oregon State has no running game, which is bad news against Oregon. The Ducks have trouble against strong running teams. Their two losses are against Stanford and Arizona, two teams whose offensive success is predicated on the run.
WILDABOUTAZCATS.net publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He also writes articles for Bleacher Report, Lindy’s College Sports and TucsonCitizen.com.
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