2026 Pac-12 Week 5 Game Previews: Game Time, TV Schedule, Odds, Predictions

Oregon State (2-2) at Colorado State (2-2)

Date & Time: Saturday, October 3rd, 3:00 p.m. PT

Network: USA Network

Spread: Oregon State -6.5, O/U 62.5

Preview: Conference play in the new Pac-12 officially begins in a heavyweight showdown between Oregon State and Colorado State.

Oregon State is riding on some momentum after a 33-7 win against UTEP, snapping its 10-game road losing streak. Quarterback Braden Atkinson has continued his ridiculous start to the season, throwing for 301 yards and three touchdowns in the victory. He has thrown for over 300 passing yards in all four games and is ranked second nationally with 355.3 passing yards per game.

That is a problem for a Colorado State defense that has allowed 454 yards per game, including 224 through the air. The Rams have made up for the struggles by forcing turnovers, entering conference play with 10 takeaways and a plus-seven turnover margin.

The Rams offense has its own firepower. Even without starting quarterback Hauss Hejny against UTSA, K’saan Farrar threw for a career-high 344 yards as the Rams put up 45 points and 500 total yards in the 59-45 loss to UTSA. Running back Mel Brown is another player to look out for, especially after he opened last week’s game with a 94-yard kickoff return touchdown.

This game looks to be a slugfest. Atkinson has been one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and the Rams have been an offensive juggernaut in their own right. Colorado State will need to slow down Atkinson, which might be a struggle considering the Rams give up 34 points per game.

Prediction: Oregon State 42, Colorado State 31

Utah State (1-3) at No. 22 Boise State (3-1)

Date & Time: Saturday, October 3rd, 4:30 p.m. PT

Network: CBSSN

Spread: Boise State -20.5, O/U 51.5

Preview: Utah State finally got a win, while Boise State enters its Pac-12 opener looking every bit like a conference contender.

The Aggies beat Troy 21-10 behind a much-needed spark on offense. Running back Javen Jacobs rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown, while wide receiver Eli Wood set career highs with seven catches for 96 yards. Wood has now caught a touchdown in three of four games.

Boise State’s offense has revolved around running back Dylan Riley. He has rushed for more than 100 yards in three straight games and is ranked third nationally with 592 rushing yards. Quarterback Maddux Madsen has complemented him with nine touchdowns and zero interceptions.

The Broncos have been difficult to keep drives alive against, holding opponents to a 23.3% conversion rate on third down and stopping all nine fourth-down attempts they’ve faced. That puts more pressure on Utah State, who are only scoring 13 points per game.

Utah State has gone into hostile environments against Washington and Utah on the road, so playing on the smurf turf won’t be anything new. But history isn’t on the Aggies side. The Broncos have won 10 straight meetings, even though last year’s game came down to a 25-24 victory for Boise State.

Prediction: Boise State 34, Utah State 10

Fresno State (3-1) at Washington State (1-3)

Date & Time: Saturday, October 3rd, 6:30 p.m. PT

Network: USA Network

Spread: Washington State -1.5, O/U 45.5

Preview: Fresno State has quietly become one of the hottest teams in the Pac-12, while Washington State is trying to turn improved offensive play into victories.

Since losing its opener to USC, Fresno State has won three straight games while outscoring opponents 113–37 and averaging 448.3 yards per game. Quarterback Jayden Mandal has been a major reason why, completing 67.4% of his passes for 712 yards and six touchdowns.

Running back Josiah Freeman has been the most consistent target. After being held without a catch against USC, Freeman has recorded exactly six receptions in each of the last three games, totaling 261 yards and two touchdowns. Fresno State has also forced seven turnovers, without committing one itself.

Washington State, meanwhile, may finally be seeing quarterback Caden Pinnick take a step forward. Pinnick set season highs with 241 passing yards, 24 completions and 41 attempts against Arizona while recording a passing and rushing touchdown.

Washington State is the only FBS team with four return touchdowns this season, including two pick-sixes and two punt-return touchdowns. So, the Cougars have found unconventional ways to score.

Fresno State enters Pullman playing solid football, but the Cougars are a slight favorite at home. Pinnick’s recent improvement gives the Cougars a chance to snap their three-game losing streak. With that being said, it’ll be a gritty and competitive matchup.

Prediction: Fresno State 24, Washington State 21

Texas State (2-2) at San Diego State (1-3)

Date & Time: Saturday, October 3rd, 7:30 p.m. PT

Network: CW

Spread: Texas State -7.5, O/U 58.5

Preview: The first-ever meeting between Texas State and San Diego State is also the first Pac-12 game for both programs.

Texas State has exploded off the charts offensively over the last two weeks, piling up 605 yards against before setting a season high with 658 yards in a 63-10 win over Incarnate Word last week. Quarterback Brad Jackson has been the leader of the machine, throwing nine touchdowns without an interception during the two-game winning streak, including a school-record-tying five touchdowns last week.

The Bobcats can hurt teams on the ground too. Running back Torrance Burgess Jr. has rushed for at least 140 yards in three straight games and enters conference play with 537 yards while averaging 8.52 yards per carry.

This creates a major test for the Aztecs’ defense. San Diego State has allowed 172.5 rushing yards per game. Linebackers Sione Hala and Tano Letuli will be important in slowing down Burgess, with Hala leading the Pac-12 with 39 tackles and Letuli tied for third with 32.

The Aztecs’ 1-3 record comes with a difficult schedule, with their three FBS opponents combining for an 11-1 record at this point in the season. The bigger concern is the offense, which is only averaging 320 yards per game.

The Aztecs have been much better at Snapdragon Stadium, but keeping this one close will depend on stopping both Jackson and Burgess, which is a tough task.

Prediction: Texas State 38, San Diego State 24