Pac-12 TV Guide week nine: Washington at Utah national game of the week

Game of the Week - Washington at Utah 12:30 pm FOX Sports 1

This is most likely the game of the year until the final week of the season and the Apple Cup or the Rocky Mountain Showdown or whatever they are trying to call it. Gameday will be there as the 7-0 Huskies hit the road and take on the 7-1 Utes in what should be an electric environment. Both of these teams are still a bit unknown to me, despite being nine weeks into the season, and this is actually Washington’s first true test of the season and a scary road block between them and a potential Playoff and Pac-12 Championship Game berth. Also, this could be a preview of that Pac-12 Championship Game.

Dad’s Take: The best “nap time” game all year. Jake Browning’s 2017 Heisman hopes hang in balance.

Mouth’s Take: This dream season is over. The Dawgs (lame spelling) and the Utes (isn't it racist to have a Native American mascot?) are about to make it feel like 2005, or 2006, or 07, or 08, you get the point.

2. Cal at USC - Thursday 7:30pm ESPN

This game is on a Thursday, but it don’t overlook this strangely interesting match-up. Both of these teams are trying to turn the corner after getting wins, but could easily spiral if they lose this game. Logic would suggest the improved Trojans roll here, but the Bears can make a game of it if Davis Webb and the Bear Raid are able to turn it into a shootout.

Dad’s Take: The Pac-12 is just trying to screw Cal and my Friday.

Mouth’s Take: 2000. That's the last time Cal beat USC, that's 12 games and 16 years. Why wasn't there a twitter handle for this???

3. Arizona State at Oregon 2pm Pac-12 Networks

There isn’t a ton at stake here, but what the hell? This should be a repeat of last Friday’s Cal/Oregon barnburner where the final score should be 63-62. Just tune in, watch a lot of offense and really bad defense and enjoy.

Dad’s Take: ASU might be the case study for football being too violent. It’s a good thing they have 85 scholarships.

Mouth’s Take: Rumor has it that Oregon is worried about ASU and Todd Graham stealing signals...yeah, that's the problem, Oregon.

4. Washington State at Oregon State 7:45pm ESPN2

This shouldn’t be a game with how well Washington State is playing, but don’t write it off just yet. It’s the second game of a back-to-back road trip for Washington State and the Beavers actually play the pass pretty well. I’m not saying it is on upset watch, but keep an eye on Corvallis.

Dad’s Take: Pacific Northwest Trump voters unite! There will be many, many touchdowns. Believe me.

Mouth’s Take: Pullman versus Corvallis, can anyone really win this one? If you live in either place every day must be a constant reminder of losing. At least for a brief second on Saturday, a loser loses a little less.

5. Stanford at Arizona 8pm FOX Sports 1

A strangely late game between teams that REALLY need a win. This one might seem boring on paper, but I think it will be incredibly hard fought as Arizona might be trying to fight for RichRod’s job security and Stanford for getting to a decent bowl game.

Dad’s Take: You think your team has a QB problem? Watch this game and feel better.

Mouth’s Take: Do we have to watch this? Or rather, why would you watch this? This game is a tire fire wrapped in a Clinton email being groped by you know who…

Jeremy (Dad) and Mouth host the Pacific Takes podcast.