Throughout the 2025 college football season, I give you my just-for-fun picks for contests involving the best teams in the West across five conferences.
Those teams include Arizona, ASU, BYU, Colorado, and Utah in the Big 12; Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington in the Big Ten; Cal and Stanford in the ACC; Oregon State and WSU in the Pac-12; and all of the Mountain West.
I went 8-2 in the 10 games I previewed for Week 12. That brings my overall record to 84-39 on the season, good for 68%.
This week, I make picks for the following 10 games:
- Hawaii at UNLV
- Washington State at James Madison
- Baylor at Arizona
- USC at Oregon
- Kansas State at Utah
- California at Stanford
- BYU at Cincinnati
- Arizona State at Colorado
- Washington at UCLA
- San Jose State at San Diego State
You will also want to read my previews of ACC and Pac-12 games, Stephen Vilardo’s preview of the Mountain West and Big Ten matchups, and Dane Miller’s previews of the Big 12 contests.
As always, my selections come with my best game-score guesses and just enough commentary to keep me from drinking too much coffee here in the South Shore District of Seattle.
I’m already on my second cup, so let’s get on with the picks!
Hawai’i at UNLV
Friday, November 21
7:30 PM PT, FS1
If Hawaii gets the dub, they’d be in a solid spot, but they’d still need a Fresno State loss to make the title game, among other things.
The key to this matchup should be whether the Bows’ defense can boss up. UH’s stopper unit played well against San Diego State, only allowing six points, but on the year, they’ve given up 23.7 points per game.
They’ll need to find a way to limit a balanced Rebels attack. Anthony Colandrea has been a revelation at quarterback for LV. Colandrea has thrown for 2,257 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
He’s also added 512 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. Complementing him is Jai’Den Thomas, who helps fuel UNLV’s rushing attack, which ranks 11th nationally in yards per rushing attempt.
If the Rainbows Warriors connect on a few big passing plays, they could get the crowd on their side.
Las Vegas is referred to as the Ninth Island because of the number of Hawaiians who vacation and live there. But it’s a little too hot for the locals.
UNLV infernos Hawai’i.
UNLV 38, Hawai’i 21
Washington State at James Madison
Saturday, Nov 22
10:00 AM PT, ESPN+
The WSU faithful would obviously like a victory over James Madison, but a six- or even seven-win campaign would be a remarkable accomplishment considering the roster turnover, with a large portion of the new additions coming from FCS South Dakota State.
If the Cougs are going to pull an upset in Harrisonburg, they’ll need their offense to score. The Dukes rank 14th nationally in points per contest and seventh in the nation in rushing yards per game.
The Cougars have one of the better defenses at the mid-major level, so if they’re offense scores a couple of touchdowns, they might be able to steal a dub. Zevi Eckhaus will also need to play well, and he’s proven a bit of everything this year.
WSU’s defense has only allowed a combined 20 points in its last three matchups, so it should be alright on this end of the field, even though JMU averages 37.1 points per game.
The key to this contest should be if the Cougs can pressure Alonza Barnett III. The Dukes’ offensive line ranks seventh nationally with a Pro Football Focus grade of 93.3.
As good as the Cougs’ defense has been, they don’t have a true pass rusher outside of Isaac Terrell. This will prove to be the difference.
JMU Hadouken’s themselves closer to the College Football Playoff.
James Madison 28, WSU 20
Baylor at Arizona
Saturday, November 22
10:00 AM PT, TNT
After a 4-3 start, the Wildcats are now 7-3. Baylor’s on the opposite end of the spectrum. The Bears have lost three out of their last four contests, including a drubbing by Utah last week.
BU is still dangerous, though. They have a potent offense led by Sawyer Robertson, who leads the nation in total passing yards and is second in touchdown passes. He’s the salmon for the Bears.
This contest pits muscle on muscle, as Baylor has thrown for more than 300 yards in six games, while UA features one of the best secondaries in the country.
The Cats rank seventh in the nation in passing yards allowed per game. Arizona is also 10th in interceptions per contest. Jay’Vion Cole leads the unit with four.
Another key in this matchup is whether Baylor can get pressure on Fifita. They rank last in the conference with only ten sacks this season. They should have an opportunity to pressure him because Arizona has allowed 27 sacks on the year, 11th in the Big 12.
These teams might be similar talent-wise, but the Cats lineup well against the Bears. I’d also like to believe loyalty garners respect.
Fifita gets Number Eight.
Arizona 35, Baylor 27
No. 15 USC at No. 7 Oregon
Saturday, November 22
12:30 PM PT, CBS
Oregon enters this contest having defeated Minnesota 42-13 last week and is riding a five-game win streak. USC enters it after making a nice second-half comeback against Iowa, a vital win for their season.
The key to this game should be whether the Trojans can match the physicality of the Ducks. UO ranks eighth nationally in rushing yards per game, and SC ranks 62nd in rushing yards allowed per contest.
If USC can’t limit Oregon’s rushing attack, they’ll have no chance in this game. At a minimum, they’ll need to be dominant in the red zone. USC ranks seventh in red zone defense.
Another key in this matchup is the health of Oregon’s receivers. Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. both missed the game against Minnesota. The duo has combined for 742 receiving yards and seven touchdown receptions.
SC will hope that their offensive line protects Jayden Maiava. The Trojan blockers are solid, ranking 21st nationally in sacks allowed per game, but they should make it easier on themselves by running the ball.
Waymond Jordan is out, but King Miller is still legit. If the Ducks hadn’t lost to Indiana earlier this year, the Trojans might have pulled off the upset. But Oregon won’t lose at home twice.
UO Shouts.
Oregon 42, USC 24
Kansas State at No. 12 Utah
Saturday, November 22
1:00 PM PT, ESPN2
The key to this matchup should be whether Avery Johnson can play against the Utes’ defense.
Johnson has gotten better at throwing the ball, but he might have trouble against a U of U defense that ranks 16th in team sacks. The Wildcats have only allowed ten sacks this season, so something’s gotta break.
Protection’s crucial because Utah also has a solid back end, ranked 24th nationally in pass yards allowed per game.
Flipping the field, the Utes will look to use a multitude of rushers to control the tempo of the matchup. U of U has four different players who can impact the ground game, plus two quarterbacks and two halfbacks.
Wayshawn Parker leads the group in total rushing yards, averaging 7.2 yards per carry, while NaQuari Rogers leads the team with ten rushing touchdowns. Utah’s run game is second in the country, averaging 278 yards per contest.
They also do a good job of protecting their signal caller, ranking seventh in sacks allowed. If Kansas State had a few more playmakers, they could compete in this matchup, but they’re facing a hungry Utah home team in November.
Rice-Eccles turns K-State into risotto.
Utah 45, Kansas State 17
Cal at Stanford
Saturday, Nov 22
4:30 PM PT, ACC Network
The key to this contest should be whether Stanford can keep pace with California. The Tree rank 29th in points scored per game nationally and struggles to protect the quarterback.
Stanford is 113th in the nation with 38 sacks allowed. This is concerning because Elijah Brown is only making his third collegiate start. If Brown can find CJ Williams early, it could open up something big late in the game.
For the Golden Bears, there are two keys to this matchup: First, find a way to run the ball and finish in the red zone. The Bears rank 132nd nationally in rushing yards per game, and even though they have more talent, they might find it difficult to finish drives.
The Cardinal rank 24th nationally in red zone defense. They’ll also need Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele to continue to protect the ball. After the three-interception game at Duke, he’s only thrown two in the last four outings.
As long as he avoids mistakes, Cal should be able to control the tempo of the contest. The Golden Bears could get Cade Uluave back on defense as well.
California’s season has been odd, but a win here provides a bit of normality.
The Bears “Beastmode” the Tree.
Cal 21, Stanford 17
No. 11 BYU at Cincinnati
Saturday, November 22
5:00 PM PT, FOX
The key to this week’s affair should be Brendan Sorsby’s ability to bounce back. Sorsby had a tough outing against the Wildcats, only throwing for 154 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
This matchup should prove tricky for him because BYU plays a lot of man-to-man defense, the 37th highest rate nationally. UC has struggled against this style of coverage the last few weeks.
But they have the players to beat it, ranking 10th in the country in passing yards per completion. It won’t be easy, though; the Cougars rank 14th nationally in points allowed per game.
Another area of concern in this matchup is the Bearcats’ defense against Bear Bachmeier (it happened). They’ll need to avoid chunk plays through the air against a BYU team that’s a Top 40 unit in yards per completion.
They must swarm players like Parker Kingston and Chase Roberts to avoid yards after catch. It’s important because Cincinnati ranks 86th in the nation in pass yards allowed per game.
Cincy is having a heck of a year, but BYU’s on a mission.
The Cougs faithful bring some funeral potatoes to the Bearcats.
BYU 31, Cincinnati 20
No. 25 Arizona State at Colorado
Saturday, November 22
5:00 PM PT, ESPN2
Colorado, on the other horn, has had signal-caller issues all year after their transfer quarterback didn’t live up to expectations. The Buffs are now starting their third-string quarterback, Julian Lewis.
However, the story lies on the other side of the field. The key to this contest should be whether the Buffaloes can contain Jeff Sims. If Sims has a big day, ASU is gonna be tough to beat.
Sims has led the Sun Devils to back-to-back victories since becoming the starter, and has thrown for 384 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception in those two matchups. He’s also added 309 yards and two touchdowns with his feet.
CU ranks last in the Big 12 in rushing defense, so this should be a focal point of their game plan. The Buffs will need to find a way to do something on offense.
Lewis looked decent against West Virginia, but he has only played three games at the collegiate level, and he’s had bad protection. He was sacked seven times against the Mountaineers.
Colorado could still make plays, though. ASU is last in the Big 12 in passing yards allowed per game.
Ralphie’s falling off a mountain right now, and his pack’s gone.
Sparky prods the Buffs.
Arizona State 28, Colorado 24
Washington at UCLA
Saturday, November 22
7:30 PM PT, NBC
If Iamaleava doesn’t play, UCLA will need to find a way to replace most of their production on offense. If he makes the start, we could have a fun contest. Regardless of his status, this is an opportunity for Washington to look better on the road.
The Huskies have not scored more than 24 points in a road contest this season, averaging 34.3 points per game this year. UW’s also set to get Jonah Coleman back, after missing last week’s game following an injury at Wisconsin.
Having him back in the lineup is paramount for the Dawgs’ success. He’s the bash, to Demond Williams Jr. flash. The Bruins rank 121st nationally against the run, so UW should be able to take advantage.
LA also ranks 84th in red zone defense, which is problematic against Coleman. The Bruins need to hold Washington to three downs more than once if they’d like to hang around.
Another thing to watch in this contest is which Williams Jr. shows up. In two out of the previous four matchups he’s struggled, but against Purdue and Illinois, he was elite.
He needs to be precise against a UCLA secondary that ranks 27th in yards allowed per game.
The Bruins haven’t quit, but the Huskies are too good.
Harry steals Joe Bruins’ beach towel.
Washington 42, UCLA 14
San Jose State at San Diego State
Saturday, November 22
7:30 PM PT, FS1
This matchup is a random rivalry called the “Camino Real Rivalry,” but the stakes are real. The key to this game should be whether the Aztecs can stop the Spartans’ passing attack.
If SJSU can’t throw, they won’t win. Without their passing attack, they’re a limited team. Last week, they lost to Nevada by 45 points when they couldn’t move the ball through the air.
SJSU ranks fourth nationally in passing yards per game. This contest is an opportunity for SDSU to make amends after what happened last week. They were cooked by Hawaii, but their defense has proven fearsome all season.
Even after giving up 38 points, they still rank fourth in the nation in points allowed per game. They’re tough against both the rush and the pass, ranking 10th in passing yards allowed per contest, and 14th in rushing yards allowed per game.
If their scoring unit provides something, they should be alright. But the offense does need to score more than six points. That’s unacceptable.
The combination of Jayden Denegal, Lucky Sutton, and Jordan Napier should be able to expose the Spartans 132nd 132nd-ranked scoring defense.
The team with no official mascot wins.
SDSU 31, SJSU 14
