This column first appeared on SuperWest Sports, a media partner of Oregon Sports News.
Wise is the fan who consults Nick’s No-Nonsense predictions before watching this weekend’s games.
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 Week 1 games, missing on Colorado, San Jose State, Oregon State, and UCLA. That brings my overall record to 16-7 on the season, good for 70%.
This week, I make picks for the following 10 games:
– Colorado at Houston
– Kansas State at Arizona
– New Mexico at UCLA
– Oregon at Northwestern
– Washington State at North Texas
– Oregon State at Texas Tech
– Air Force at Utah State
– Minnesota at California
– Boston College at Stanford
– Texas State at Arizona 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!
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Colorado at Houston
Friday, September 12
4:30 pm PT, ESPN
Colorado got their first victory of the year last week against Delaware. They were able to beat the Fightin’ Blue Hens easily.
CU has the best mascot in college football, but there is much on which they can still improve. The first area of concern is allowing Delaware to throw for 312 yards on 18 completions.
The Buffs cannot allow explosive plays against Houston. They also got torched on the ground in the Georgia Tech game.
Another thing to consider is that the Buffaloes will have a new starting quarterback. Kaidon Salter has started the opening two contests, but Ryan Staub performed well against Delaware and earned the nod against Houston.
Staub was 7-10 and threw for 157 yards against the Blue Hens, adding two touchdowns. Salter is a better dual-threat option, so it should be interesting to see how Deion Sanders manages this situation.
The Cougars looked good in their first two outings, winning comfortably, but this should be their first exam of the season.
Houston is led by its defense, which has only allowed nine combined points this year. Even though CU is in a transitional stage, they were 4-2 on the road a year ago.
Buffs smash the Cougs.
Colorado 31, Houston 20
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Kansas State at Arizona
Friday, September 12
6:00 pm PT, FOX
Arizona has gotten off to a solid start this season, but they haven’t played anyone yet. They faced Hawaii, but Micah Alejado was hurt in the contest.
The Wildcats struggled in their first year under Brent Brennan, making this game extremely important. Noah Fifita has looked solid in their first two outings, but this should prove to be his first test without Tetairoa McMillan.
Fifita has thrown for 534 yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions. This contest will also allow us to see if UA’s defense has improved.
The Tucson Wildcats allowed over 6.3 yards per play and ranked 109th in points allowed per game last season.
Kansas State is coming off an embarrassing loss against Army. The Black Knights outscored the Manhattan Wildcats 10-0 in the fourth quarter and snagged a three-point victory.
The purple Cats are gonna be temperamental. Avery Johnson’s been airing it out this year, but he’s dangerous with his feet. Johnson has thrown for 763 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception.
Arizona may be home, but Kansas State is battle-tested.
Team purp gets the nod.
Kansas State 38, Arizona 35
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New Mexico at UCLA
Friday, September 12
7:00 PM PT, Big Ten Network
Nico Iamaleava may have turned out to be one of the biggest flops in recent memory. The loss to UNLV last week is a huge step back for the program.
The Bruins fell behind early and weren’t able to pull off the comeback. They haven’t been able to find any production outside of Iamaleava, which has exacerbated the situation.
UCLA doesn’t have a running back with more than 60 yards rushing. They’re also struggling to find production at wideout. Kwazi Gilmer leads the team with 118 yards receiving, 87 of which came last week against UNLV.
If the Lobos jump out to an early lead, they could win. UNLV played Michigan tough on the road earlier this year, losing by 17 points.
UNM’s best weapon on offense is Dorian Thomas, who has 15 catches and two touchdowns on the season. He had 10 receptions, 71 yards, and two touchdowns against Michigan.
Jack Layne plays quarterback for the Lobos. He has struggled to find his rhythm in the early season. If the Bruins lose this week, they’ll become the Cubs. As bad as LA has looked this year, they can’t mess this up.
Nico gets his first one.
UCLA 42, New Mexico 13
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No. 4 Oregon at Northwestern
Saturday, September 13
9:00 AM PT, FOX
What Oregon did to Oklahoma State last week was funny. Talk s*hit, get hit. The Ducks have run through everyone on their schedule so far, while Northwestern is 1-1 with an opening-week loss to Tulane.
The Wildcats lost to the Green Wave by 20.
This contest feels similar to UO’s matchup with Purdue last year. Dante Moore has gotten off to a hot start, throwing for 479 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Oregon also features a pair of 100-yard rushers in Noah Whittington and Jayden Limar. The Ducks don’t have a standout receiver yet, but they’re getting it done by committee.
Northwestern did nothing in their opener, but responded last week against Western Illinois. The Wildcats ran all over the Leathernecks. Preston Stone also had a solid outing, throwing for 245 yards and three touchdowns.
If Northwestern’s going to compete in this contest, they’ll need to shorten the game. They’ll probably still get merked, but at least it’ll be closer. But closer than 66 is still a whoopin.
The Cats drown in Lake Michigan.
Oregon 45, Northwestern 10
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Washington State at North Texas
Saturday, September 13
12:30 PM PT, ESPNU
Washington State looked like a different team against San Diego State, or did they? It felt like the Cougars were going to repeat the sloggy Idaho result until Jimmy Rogers stepped in.
Rogers punted the ball instead of going for it. Coaches still do that. The result was a game-changing safety on a sack by Isaac Terrell. This gave WSU a five-point lead.
The Cougs then proceeded to score touchdowns on their next two drives, and San Diego State couldn’t respond.
This style probably won’t work against North Texas; the Mean Green have a better offense than either of WSU’s first two opponents.
UNT is averaging 42 points per game in their first two outings, and 33.5 in 2024. Ever since Eric Morris took over, the Green have had a top-25 offense.
Washington State’s defense has improved, but we’ll find out how real they are against the Eagles. If this were any other year, North Texas would get my pick, but the Cougs are different under Rogers.
The Cougars squeak to 3-0.
Washington State 28, North Texas 27
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Oregon State at No. 21 Texas Tech
Saturday, September 13
12:30 PM PT, FOX
Oregon State has had a disappointing start to the 2025 season, and that’s the understatement of the decade. The Beavers needed to win one of their first two games to avoid fighting a steep battle.
The opening loss against Cal could’ve been explained, but the defeat against Fresno State is unacceptable. The offense played a lot better, which makes the loss even more concerning.
The defense struggled against both the Bulldogs and Golden Bears, two programs not known for offense.
If OSU is going to save its season, it’ll need Maalik Murphy to go Tom Brady mode. Murphy played alright against the Dawgs, but he missed a pivotal throw on a two-point conversion that cost them the game.
Texas Tech hasn’t played any noteworthy teams yet, but they’ve won their first two contests by a combined score of 129-21. They’re led on offense by the duo of Behren Morton and Adam Hill.
The Beavs lost all their momentum, but a team with nothing to lose is dangerous. But not risky enough,
Raider Red traps the Beavers.
Texas Tech 38, Oregon State 30
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Air Force Falcons at Utah State Aggies
Saturday, September 13
6:55 PM PT, FS1
This matchup is the Mountain West opener for both squads. Both are hoping to get off to a snappy start.
Air Force enters this contest with a 1-0 record after defeating Bucknell in their opener. The Falcons dominated the entire contest.
AFA may be known for their triple option attack, but they found some production at the signal-caller position. Josh Johnson threw for 112 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Air Force also had three players finish with at least 50 yards rushing.
Utah State enters this matchup with a 1-1 record. The big story surrounding the program is how Bronco Mendenhall will do in Logan.
Mendenhall’s Broncos have looked solid in their first two outings. They lost to Texas A&M last week, but beat UTEP in their opener.
USU is led by quarterback Bryson Barnes, who’s a veteran farm hand and quarterback as well. Barnes has thrown for 402 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Air Force whooped Utah State two years ago, but the Aggies are at home this time.
Don’t bet against a pig farmer.
Utah State 35, Air Force 34
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Minnesota at California
Saturday, September 13
7:30 PM PT, ESPN
I’ve been a “Justin Wilcox hater” for a while, but I’m intrigued by this version of California. The Golden Bears have had a solid start to their campaign, and a victory against Minnesota could set them up for something special.
Cal doesn’t have the most talented roster in the ACC, but their schedule is ridiculously easy. This game should be a test to see how much better Cal’s offense really is.
The Bear offense has scored a combined 69 points in their first two outings. This unit could’ve sputtered with the losses of Fernando Mendoza, Jaydn Ott, and Jack Endries.
Cal’s defense is doing its usual thing under Wilcox, only allowing 18 points in its first two contests.
Minnesota’s defense is actually beating this mark, only allowing 5 points per game. Ever since P.J. Fleck took over, this has been the norm.
Two out of the last three years, the Gophers have featured a top-10 scoring defense, including fourth in 2022-23. Minnesota’s offense has also gotten off to a fast start, averaging 44.5 points per game.
Cal’s finally leaning into their East Bay Culture, which means I can go dumb at the side show.
Golden Bears by three.
Cal 27, Minnesota 21
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Boston College at Stanford
Saturday, September 13
7:30 PM PT, ACC Network
Stanford has had a tough start to their year, but the Tree has an opportunity to save face this week in what could be the most important game of the season.
If the Cardinal lose to Boston College, they’re in a real bad spot.
Against BYU, nothing worked. Ben Gulbranson finished with 142 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. Micah Ford was also limited to 12 carries for 21 yards.
The lone bright spot on offense was Bryce Farrell, who finished with five catches for 68 yards. The result against the Cougars should’ve been expected.
Moving ahead, the Eagles are coming off a disappointing overtime loss against Michigan State. BC’s quarterback Dylan Lonergan had a stellar outing, throwing for 390 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Nine points favor Boston College, but Stanford’s gotta get it done. Maybe Clay Patterson can make a game-changing play; he has three sacks in their first two matchups.
If Stanford doesn’t win this game, they’re at risk for a disappointing season. The tree may only win one, and this is it.
Cardinal survive the Eagle attack.
Stanford 31. Boston College 28
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Texas State at Arizona State
Saturday, September 13
7:30 pm PT, TNT
Arizona State should not be upset by its loss in Starkville. It’s a difficult place to win. The key for the Sun Devils is to avoid losing again.
ASU can still make the College Football Playoff, but a loss against the Bobcats would make things difficult. If Arizona State is going to rectify the mistakes of last week, it needs to get off to a fast start.
The Sun Devils fell behind 17-0 against Mississippi State. Texas State isn’t the same caliber as the Bulldogs, but they’ve been a reputable team under GJ Kinne.
The Bobcats have finished 8-5 the last two seasons, including a victory in the First Responder Bowl.
ASU should consider simplifying this game by attacking Texas State on the ground. Sparky’s squad had two 100-yard rushers last week, and they were dominant in the second half.
Raleek Brown and Kanye Udoh should be able to take advantage of a Cats defense that ranks 116th against the run. The ground game should open up some easy throws for Sam Leavitt, who had a terrible day against MSU.
If Texas State didn’t scare Arizona State last year, the result could be different.
The Bobcats get lost on the mountain.
Arizona State 42, Texas State 17
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