2026 Pac-12 Week 6 Game Previews: Game Time, TV Schedule, Odds, Predictions
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Washington State (1-4) at Utah State (1-4)
Date & Time: Friday, October 9th, 6:00 p.m. PT
Network: CW
Spread: Utah State -5.5, O/U 43.5
Preview: Washington State and Utah State enter a Friday night matchup looking for their first Pac-12 victory of the season, with both teams sitting at 1-4. However, while the Aggies have faced a difficult schedule, the Cougars are making an offensive change.
Washington State only managed six points in its conference-opening loss to Fresno State. Because of this, head coach Kirby Moore announced he would take over offensive play-calling duties. Moore served as the Missouri offensive coordinator for three seasons, during which the Tigers averaged 30.6 points per game.
The Cougars desperately need offensive production. Washington State ranks last in the Pac-12 in total offense, averaging just 287 yards per game, and has scored 10 points or fewer three times this season. Quarterback Caden Pinnick has shown some flashes with his legs, but protecting him has been a problem. Pinnick has been sacked 18 times, including 11 in the last two games alone.
On the other hand, Utah State’s record doesn’t tell the full story. The Aggies are the only team in the country to have played three road games against AP Top 25 opponents this season.
Despite the tough schedule, the Aggies have found some offensive bright spots, including wide receiver Eli Wood. He leads the Pac-12 with 30 receptions and recorded his first career 100-yard game against Boise State last week.
Running back Javen Jacobs also broke out against the Broncos, rushing for 139 yards and a touchdown on just ten carries. Jacobs could be dangerous against a Washington State defense that has allowed 165 rushing yards per game.
This matchup also brings a rematch of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, which Washington State won 34-21.
The biggest question is whether Moore’s play-calling change will provide a spark for an offense that, to this point of the season, has been lackluster.
Prediction: Utah State 27, Washington State 17
San Diego State (2-3) at Oregon State (3-2)
Date & Time: Saturday, October 10th, 3:00 p.m. PT
Network: USA Network
Spread: Oregon State -14.5, O/U 53.5
Preview: San Diego State and Oregon State both opened Pac-12 play with victories last weekend, but the road to those victories couldn’t have been any different.
The Aztecs pulled off a crazy win, defeating Texas State 31-29 despite being outgained 565-239. Meanwhile, the Beavers dominated Colorado State 56-26, piling up 650 yards of offense. It was so bad that the Rams fired defensive coordinator Kenny McClendon midgame.
The Beavers have now won three straight games, scoring 141 points during that stretch. Quarterback Braden Atkinson has led the nation’s top passing offense, averaging 378 yards per game. San Diego State’s struggling secondary could be in for a long afternoon. The Aztecs are allowing 267 passing yards per game, ranking 128th nationally.
Atkinson’s connection with wide receiver Jesse Legree has been the headline for the Beavers. Legree is second in the nation with 741 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Tight end Eric Olsen has emerged as a reliable target too, catching nine passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns against Colorado State.
The biggest question for San Diego State is whether its offense can keep up. With running backs Lucky Sutton and Javion Kinnard sidelined last week, true freshman Josiah Lucas stepped up with 111 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Lucas entered the season fifth on the depth chart, but he could play an important role again.
The Aztecs’ defense also recorded a season-high nine tackles for loss and three sacks against Texas State, with Djibril Rahman contributing 3.5 tackles for loss. Oregon State’s defense is headlined by linebacker Takari Hickle, who leads the Pac-12 with 7.5 tackles for loss.
San Diego State relied on turnovers and special teams to overcome the offensive struggles last week, but that will be hard to repeat against Oregon State. The Beavers have too much firepower, especially being at home.
Prediction: Oregon State 41, San Diego State 20
No. 23 Boise State (4-1) at Fresno State (4-1)
Date & Time: Saturday, October 10th, 7:30 p.m. PT
Network: CW
Spread: Boise State -6.5, O/U 48.5
Preview: Both Boise State and Fresno State face off riding four-game winning streaks, with first place in the Pac-12 and the coveted Milk Can rivalry trophy on the line.
The Bulldogs have had Boise State’s number as of late, winning the last three matchups, including a 30-7 victory on the smurf turf last season. This game could provide an early indication of who will emerge as a conference championship contender.
The biggest storyline for the Broncos is the rushing attack. Running back Dylan Riley leads the nation with 685 rushing yards, averaging 137 per game. The Broncos have another weapon in quarterback Maddux Madsen, who has thrown 11 touchdowns without an interception this season.
However, the Bulldogs are coming off their best defensive performance of the season, holding Washington State to just 30 rushing yards. Fresno State has allowed just 43 points during the four-game win streak. Slowing down Riley and Madsen will be essential to maintaining momentum.
The Bulldogs have also taken care of the football, led by quarterback Jayden Mandal. He has thrown for 957 yards and six touchdowns without an interception during the winning streak. Fresno State ranks among the nation’s best in turnover margin at plus-eight.
With two of the conference’s hottest teams facing off, this could be one of the best games on the Pac-12 schedule this season. Fresno State has the home-field advantage and recent history on its side, but Boise State’s balanced offense gives them the edge.
Prediction: Boise State 27, Fresno State 24
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