2019 Pac-12 win totals, betting advice, predictions: Washington, Utah the favorites but Oregon is a threat

Pac-12 win totals are out for the 2019 college football season and here are all the betting advice and football analysis you need in order to cash in this year.

When the 2016 college football season saw the Pac-12 send its second team in three years to the College Football Playoff, it looked like the conference was on its way to sustained prominence.  Since then, it hasn’t gone exactly to plan. Despite preseason hype, no Pac-12 team even sniffed the playoffs in 2017 or 2018. Washington is the only team to finish in the top 10 (10th) in the final rankings over that span.

Based on the 2019 Pac-12 win totals, it doesn’t look like the conference of champions will send a team to the Playoff this year either. In fact, FanDuel Sportsbook doesn’t project any Pac-12 team to win double-digit games. Is Vegas way off? Below are the 2019 Pac-12 win totals and advice on whether you should bet the over or the under.

2019 Pac-12 win totals

Washington — 9.5: Over

It’s hard to bet against Chris Petersen, now entering his sixth season at the helm, but this year will be a test. Washington is bringing in a new quarterback, Jacob Eason, the highly touted transfer from Georgia who sat out last year due to NCAA transfer rules. If Eason hits the ground running, this offense could put up a lot of points and they are going to need to with a young defense looking to rebuild.

Utah — 9: Over

There is a lot to like about this Utah team, beginning with the return of quarterback Tyler Huntley who had his junior year cut short due to a collarbone injury. He’s ready to make up for lost time in his senior year. Utah also has an experienced defense coming off a year they gave up fewer than 20 points per game and an appearance in the Pac-12 Championship Game.  Oh, and Kyle Whittingham remains one of the most underrated coaches in the game. An 8.5 win total would be a lot more comfortable, but the Utes look poised to win their division.

Oregon — 8.5: Over

Nike’s college team is entering its second season under Mario Cristobal and has a stud quarterback in Justin Herbert who is a candidate to be the top pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. With all the experience on defense and at quarterback, this should be a disciplined team able to handle adversity well. Injuries are always a concern with Herbert, but he put together a complete season in 2018. If he stays healthy, the Ducks will make some noise this year.

Washington State — 8.5: Over

Uncertainty at quarterback is the only thing that will hold Mike Leach’s offense back. Coming off an 11 win season, the Cougars will need to replace their starting quarterback for the second time in as many seasons. The favorite is a graduate transfer from Eastern Washington who is coming off a season-ending broken toe. A light out of conference schedule all but sews up the Cougars hitting the over.

Arizona State — 7.5: Under

You play to win the game, but Sun Devils might have some trouble making that happen this year.  Herm Edwards has not yet settled on a quarterback, with three true freshmen in a battle with last year’s backup all vying for the gig. The starting quarterback will be behind an experienced line and decent skill positions, but the defense is young. Getting all the young guys up to speed will be the deciding factor.

Arizona — 7: Over

Arizona should have no problem lighting it up with senior quarterback Kahlil Tate, who is talented enough to overcome any issues along the offensive line.  A second year under Sumlin will hopefully bring some stability to the program that has seen a fair amount of turmoil over the past few years.  As usual, though, the defense will be a question. 6.5 wins would be more comfortable, but Arizona steps up this year.

Stanford — 6.5: Over

This pick seems like the best value in the bunch. David Shaw is as solid a coach as there is in the Pac-12. His Cardinal return their starting quarterback that won nine games in 2018. A good blend of youth and experience on defense will keep Stanford in games, which should ease some of the concerns about the skill positions on the offense. Shaw will have his guys ready to go, and seven wins seem manageable.

USC — 6.5: Under

With all of the turnover at offensive coordinator, it’s hard to envision Clay Helton’s team lighting it up this year. They will need the defense to step up to keep them in games. There is no doubt that the Trojan’s have the talent to compete with anyone, unfortunately, that hasn’t been enough in recent years. JT Daniels is talented and should be improved, but USC is still at least a year away.

Cal — 6: Under

Cal brings experience on offense and defense, which will keep them in games. The trouble is, the team found points hard to come by in its seven-win 2018 campaign, this year it might have that same problem. The Golden Bears are going to struggle against a tough conference schedule, and the out of conference games won’t be enough to make up for the brutal slate.

UCLA — 5.5: Under

The rebuild of the Bruins continues under Chip Kelly. The college world is watching to see if one of the most influential coaches in modern college football still has it. This year, though, will be another tough one for the Bruins faithful. The team will surely be better than last year’s three-win squad, but the cupboard was so bare when Kelly took over, that his players will need some more time to put it all together. Watch them to turn it on toward the end of the season, though.

Colorado — 4.5: Over

Last year, Colorado won their first five games…then lost the rest.  They return their quarterback, Steven Montez, for his senior year.  They will need him to shine under a young offensive line and new head coach.  The defensive-minded head coach will need his defense to keep things close.  The Buffs will need to find at least 2 conference wins.  Leadership out of Montez will help Colorado eke out just enough wins to hit the over.

Oregon State — 2.5: Under

Oregon State is bringing back a lot of players under second-year coach Jonathan Smith. The trouble is, they are an underwhelming bunch. This squad might be able to sneak up on some teams this year if they take the Beavers lightly, but a tough conference slate means this is likely to be a long year.

It probably won’t be a banner year for the Pac-12, but Washington and Utah are primed for a meeting in the Pac-12 Championship Game.