It's the biggest game of the Pac-10 season not involving USC as the winner immediately becomes the top challenger to the nation's No. 1 team (and possible recipient of a trip to the Rose Bowl).
It should be a wild high-scoring affair as top 15 scoring offenses face off (first to 50 wins?). But when it comes to making a stop, side with Cal's superior rushing defense to produce what might be the biggest win of the Jeff Tedford era.
A lovely consolation prize.
USC (-21) 41, Washington 17
The Trojans have traditionally struggled with mobile quarterbacks, but their biggest struggle will be when the play breaks down. Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga must be disciplined and cannot over-pursue UW quarterback Jake Locker.
Good hit, bad containment.
On offense, USC showed it can win through the air last week (279 yards, 4 touchdowns). John David Booty and co. will force the Huskies to pick their poison and shouldn't have trouble putting them away.
Washington State (+3) 28, Arizona 21
This game should be sponsored by either Monster.com or a moving company, because the losing coach is at serious risk of losing his job at season's end. For the Wildcats, who must travel to USC and got whipped at Cal last Saturday, this is a critical swing game for their meager bowl hopes. However, their pathetic defense (No. 89 in pass defense, 259.25 pass yards allowed per game) will be shredded as senior Alex Brink rebounds from a weak effort in the Coliseum.
Arizona State (-14.5) 51, Stanford 27
Quarterback Rudy Carpenter has regained the form of his splendid freshman season, ranking No. 14 nationally in passing efficiency. Backed by a strong running game, the Sun Devils should have no problem scoring at will on the Cardinal. Stanford offensive tackle Allen Smith will miss several weeks with a left knee injury, a critical loss for a program lacking depth.
Oregon State (+2) 17, UCLA 16
The Beavers showed a spark last week, jumping out to a 19-0 lead at Arizona State. More importantly, coach Mike Riley will be able to lean on the nation's No. 2 rush defense (29.5 yards per game) and pressure Bruins quarterback Ben Olson. UCLA hasn't visited Corvallis since Oct. 2002 and will leave wondering how such a promising season derailed so quickly.
Straight up (5-0 last week, 11-3 overall)
Against the spread (3-2 last week, 6-8 overall)
Best Bets (1-2 last week, 2-4 overall)
Cal (+6) at Oregon
Michigan State (+7.5) at Wisconsin
Washington State (+3) at Arizona
2 comments:
Will Brain Cushing's absence this weekend allow Jake Locker to rush for over 100 yards?
You write very well.
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