2026 Pac-12 Week 8 Game Previews: Game Time, TV Schedule, Odds, Predictions

No. 21 Boise State (5-1) at Washington State (1-6)

Date & Time: Saturday, October 24, 3:00 p.m. PT

Network: USA Network

Spread: Boise State -13.5, O/U 52.5

Preview: Boise State enters Saturday’s matchup riding a five-game winning streak, but Washington State might have finally found its answer at quarterback.

Coming off a bye week, Spencer Danielson’s Broncos have plenty of momentum. Boise State has scored at least 32 points in five consecutive games, outscoring opponents by an average of 16.6 points during that stretch.

Quarterback Maddux Madsen has been a big reason for the success of the Broncos. Madsen has been outstanding, throwing 0 interceptions in 166 pass attempts, the 3rd most attempts this season without a pick. And if Madsen isn’t giving up the ball to opposing defenses, they have another problem on their hands.

Running backs Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines both surpassed 100 rushing yards against Fresno State, giving Boise State two massive threats out of the backfield. Riley is averaging 139.2 rushing yards per game, second-most in the country, and it’ll be difficult for the Cougars to slow him down.

The Cougars have a new weapon in quarterback Owen Eshelman. He made quite the first impression in his debut against Oregon State, throwing for 289 yards while also rushing for 136 yards, and he had three total touchdowns.

His performance also brought out the best in wide receiver Branden Ganashamoorthy, who caught 11 passes for 147 yards. If they both can build on that connection, Washington State has the chance to make some magic happen against the Broncos.

Unfortunately for the Cougars, they have another tough team just a week after taking on Oregon State. Boise State has the ability to control time of possession with Riley and Gaines, but a new rising star in Pullman could make things interesting.

Predictions: Boise State 38, Washington State 24

San Diego State (3-4) at Colorado State (2-4)

Date & Time: Saturday, October 24, 3:30 p.m. PT

Network: CW

Spread: San Diego State -1.5, O/U 62.5

Preview: Colorado State is getting its starting quarterback back, but San Diego State is starting to find its footing. Both teams are looking to build momentum in conference play, and this matchup could be one of the most competitive games of the week.

The biggest storyline for Colorado State is the return of starting quarterback Hauss Hejny, who hasn’t played since suffering an injury in Colorado State’s week 3 loss to BYU. Hejny put up impressive numbers prior to his injury. Through two games, he had thrown nine touchdown passes while averaging nearly 270 passing yards per game. His return could provide a spark for the Rams, a team that has lost four straight.

The Rams create explosive plays even without Hejny. Colorado State has recorded 10 plays from scrimmage of at least 50 yards this season, the second most in the country. Running back Mel Brown has accounted for three of those plays on the ground.

Big plays won’t be enough against a San Diego State defense coming off its best performance of the season.

The Aztecs held Fresno State to just 276 yards in its 26-23 victory last week. That was a major improvement after giving up 66 points to Oregon State the week before. Linebacker Tano Letuli led the charge with 11 tackles and a sack, giving him consecutive games with double-digit tackles.

San Diego State also got an offensive boost that was also much-needed from running back Lucky Sutton. Sutton missed three of the previous four games with an injury. Sutton returned to rush for 110 yards against the Bulldogs. His presence alone is important for the Aztecs, and he can be reliable if this game goes back-and-forth.

The biggest question is whether Colorado State’s offense can return to form with Hejny back. San Diego State has momentum after a big win, but the Rams’ ability to stretch the field could make it tough.

Prediction: San Diego State 34, Colorado State 31

Utah State (2-4) at Texas State (3-3)

Date & Time: Saturday, October 24, 4:30 p.m. PT

Network: CBSSN

Spread: Texas State -13.5, O/U 61.5

Preview: Something has to give in San Marcos. Texas State has one of the most productive offenses in the nation, while Utah State has quietly established itself as one of the best second-half teams in the country.

Texas State is coming off an offensive explosion against Colorado State. Quarterback Brad Jackson rushed for a school-record 181 yards by a quarterback, while also having three touchdowns and 213 yards through the air. His dual-threat ability has been difficult for opposing defenses to stop.

The Bobcats are averaging 562.3 yards per game, the best in the country, while also having 300 yards per game on the ground. Jackson is a key contributor to that but also running back Torrance Burgess Jr.

The Aggies are a much better team than the 2-4 record suggests. The defense has been particularly impressive. Utah State only allows 5.83 second-half points per game. Against Washington State, the Aggies held the Cougars scoreless and only gave up 64 yards in the last two quarters before having a bye week.

Utah State has playmakers including running back Javen Jacobs, who has found the end zone in three consecutive games and is averaging 95 rushing yards per game during that stretch. Wide receiver Eli Wood has also been a reliable target, recording at least six receptions in five of the six games he’s played this season.

The Aggies will need both players to play their best to keep pace with the Bobcats. The second-half defense for Utah State will be intriguing to watch when it comes to stopping Texas State. Slowing down Jackson for four quarters is extremely difficult, though.

Prediction: Texas State 42, Utah State 27