USC (-4.5) 24, Cal 10
It was supposed to be the game of the year in the Pac-10. Now the Trojans are fighting for a mere BCS bid, while the Golden Bears are looking for traction as a promising season has gone to naught.
But there are still plenty of compelling plots as these two meet Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Standout defensive tackles Sedrick Ellis and Fili Moala will both get chances to battle Cal junior center Alex Mack.
For Moala, the battle in the trenches is a throwback to battles past.
"I really remember ‘04 when [Shaun] Cody and [Mike] Patterson and Manny [Wright] was here and they had a great O-line with the center Marvin Phillip," he said. "This match up historically has always had a great group of guys in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Personally, I take it upon myself to go out here and give it to these guys. "
Golden Bears quarterback Nate Longshore is still hobbled by a sprained ankle. Quite simply, Cal cannot win if he can't move. USC's pass rush was relentless against Oregon State and could tee off on the junior if he can't move in the pocket.
Running back Justin Forsett (111.33 yards per game) is a good one and will be playing his last home game on Senior Day.
"Man, he comes with his own little bag of tricks," Moala said. "He can do it all – run the draws, catch the screen out of the backfield, hit it up in between the tackles, he can get it outside and bounce it. I kind of want to relate him to Maurice Drew, just in the sense of what they can do. Forsett is more than capable of doing the job. If we don’t cover him, he’s going to burn us."
The Trojans will ride their defense and rushing attack to a methodical win, setting up a BCS busting battle with the Sun Devils on Thanksgiving.
Arizona State (-7) 28, UCLA 20
Which Bruins team shows up? Would a win save coach Karl Dorrell's job? Why am I asking so many questions?
The bad one, who gave Notre Dame its only win. No chance in hell. I don't know.
Washington (+5) 24, Oregon State 21
Freshman quarterback Jake Locker is playing better, but that hasn't translated into many wins for the Huskies. Against the injury-riddled Beavers, who still possess a powerful rush defense, he'll avoid interceptions and carry the day.
Stanford (+11) 20, Washington State 17
Year one under Jim Harbaugh has stagnated after the upset win over USC, but the Cougars will cure what ails the Cardinal.
Showing posts with label Pac Ten Picks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pac Ten Picks. Show all posts
11.09.2007
10.19.2007
Pac Ten Picks is off to South Bend
USC 28, Notre Dame (+18) 14
Mark Sanchez will make his second start, facing off against Irish QB Evan Sharpley (first career start) as the Trojans look for their sixth straight win in the inter sectional rivalry and third consecutive in South Bend.
The ND defense has actually played OK, but is getting no help from its counterparts on the other side of the ball. The same will hold true this Saturday.
Cal 27, UCLA 20 (No Line)
Assuming Nate Longshore starts for the Golden Bears, they should have no trouble taking out last week's frustrations on the Bruins. Adding to Cal's intensity, it has not won a game in Los Angeles under coach Jeff Tedford.
Pat Cowan starts for UCLA and should provide a spark, but the score won't be indicative of the separation between these two programs.
Oregon (+13.5) 45, Washington 20
The Ducks can't afford any more injuries, especially with USC looming next week. Still, they cruise to an easy win over a struggling bunch of Huskies.
Stanford (+13) 21, Arizona 17
Death knell for Mike Stoops as the Cardinal yo-yo bounces up heading into the easiest part of the schedule.
Best Bets
Louisville (-3.5) at Connecticut
Cincinnati (-10) at Pitt
Colorado (+4) vs. Kansas
Mark Sanchez will make his second start, facing off against Irish QB Evan Sharpley (first career start) as the Trojans look for their sixth straight win in the inter sectional rivalry and third consecutive in South Bend.
The ND defense has actually played OK, but is getting no help from its counterparts on the other side of the ball. The same will hold true this Saturday.
Cal 27, UCLA 20 (No Line)
Assuming Nate Longshore starts for the Golden Bears, they should have no trouble taking out last week's frustrations on the Bruins. Adding to Cal's intensity, it has not won a game in Los Angeles under coach Jeff Tedford.
Pat Cowan starts for UCLA and should provide a spark, but the score won't be indicative of the separation between these two programs.
Oregon (+13.5) 45, Washington 20
The Ducks can't afford any more injuries, especially with USC looming next week. Still, they cruise to an easy win over a struggling bunch of Huskies.
Stanford (+13) 21, Arizona 17
Death knell for Mike Stoops as the Cardinal yo-yo bounces up heading into the easiest part of the schedule.
Best Bets
Louisville (-3.5) at Connecticut
Cincinnati (-10) at Pitt
Colorado (+4) vs. Kansas
10.12.2007
Pac Ten Picks: Los Angeles is standing, barely
USC (-21) 34, Arizona 10
Mark Sanchez makes the start for the Trojans, in what could be the first legitimate quarterback controversy for Pete Carroll. The sophomore will end it, showing better mobility and a stronger arm than John David Booty and setting the stage for a thrilling and desperate push to get back in the BCS title race.
Cal (-14.5) 41, Oregon State 20
What do the USC-Stanford and UCLA-Utah games have in common? Both were on Versus, the network no one has. The Golden Bears better bring their A game to avoid a third embarrassing meltdown for the Pac-10
Oregon (-19.5) 38, Washington State 17
QB Alex Brink has one more shot at his hometown Ducks. Unfortunately, they rout the Cougs in frustration after handing Cal a win two weeks ago.
Arizona State (-11.5) 27, Washington 14
The Sun Devils should be able to pick apart the Huskies, and run their record to 7-0 in the process.
TCU (-6.5) 28, Stanford 20
Classic let down game. After a week in the nation's spotlight, the Cardinal will come down to earth and be soundly contained by a Horned Frogs club looking for traction
Straight up (3-2 last week, 14-5 overall)
Against the spread (2-3 last week, 8-11 overall)
Best Bets (2-1 last week, 4-5 overall)
Boston College (-14) at Notre Dame
Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) at NY Jets
New England Patriots (-5.5) at Dallas Cowboys
Mark Sanchez makes the start for the Trojans, in what could be the first legitimate quarterback controversy for Pete Carroll. The sophomore will end it, showing better mobility and a stronger arm than John David Booty and setting the stage for a thrilling and desperate push to get back in the BCS title race.
Cal (-14.5) 41, Oregon State 20
What do the USC-Stanford and UCLA-Utah games have in common? Both were on Versus, the network no one has. The Golden Bears better bring their A game to avoid a third embarrassing meltdown for the Pac-10
Oregon (-19.5) 38, Washington State 17
QB Alex Brink has one more shot at his hometown Ducks. Unfortunately, they rout the Cougs in frustration after handing Cal a win two weeks ago.
Arizona State (-11.5) 27, Washington 14
The Sun Devils should be able to pick apart the Huskies, and run their record to 7-0 in the process.
TCU (-6.5) 28, Stanford 20
Classic let down game. After a week in the nation's spotlight, the Cardinal will come down to earth and be soundly contained by a Horned Frogs club looking for traction
Straight up (3-2 last week, 14-5 overall)
Against the spread (2-3 last week, 8-11 overall)
Best Bets (2-1 last week, 4-5 overall)
Boston College (-14) at Notre Dame
Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) at NY Jets
New England Patriots (-5.5) at Dallas Cowboys
10.06.2007
Pac Ten Picks
USC (-40.5) 49, Stanford 0
UCLA 24, Notre Dame (+22) 14
Arizona State (-8.5) 31, Washington State 10
Arizona (+3) 27, Oregon State 21
UCLA 24, Notre Dame (+22) 14
Arizona State (-8.5) 31, Washington State 10
Arizona (+3) 27, Oregon State 21
9.28.2007
Pac Ten Picks recognizes itself as 1982 national champion
Cal (+6) 38, Oregon 34
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
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
9.21.2007
Pac Ten Picks is fasting, but will play Saturday
UCLA (-6) 28, Washington 21
The Bruins, a trendy preseason pick in the conference, now faces a must-win at home Saturday night after an embarrassing 44-6 loss at Utah. If they lose to the Huskies, don't be surprised if the senior laden team goes in the tank and Karl Dorrell is out of a job.
However, turning to quarterback Pat Cowan - engineer of the 13-9 win over USC last season - should spark this offense. Cowan will make enough plays to save the season, for a week anyway.
Oregon (-17.5) 41, Stanford 17
Quarterback Dennis Dixon is playing like a new man - smart, decisive and turnover-free. He ranks No. 8 nationally in passing efficiency and should feast on the weak Cardinal defense.
The Ducks cannot look ahead to next week's huge showdown with Cal!
USC 45, Washington State (+24.5) 21
Expect John David Booty to have a big day against the Cougars sorry defense, as he looks to get on the same page with his receivers. Junior Patrick Turner dropped three passes at Nebraska and must respond.
Much-touted running back Joe McKnight has struggled to get acclimated to the college game, but should get some rhythm-building carries in a blowout at the Coliseum.
Arizona State 24, Oregon State (+11) 20
The Beavers remain an unknown in the Pac-10, mostly because of their turnover-assisted blowout loss at Cincinnati. It wouldn't surprise me if they play well later in the season, as Sean Canfield gets more comfortable, but the Sun Devils will continue their strong start.
Cal (-14) 35, Arizona 14
Revenge! The Bears gagged in Tuscon last season, despite several remarkable plays by DeSean Jackson.
He'll do it again, even against the conference's best corner tandem.
Straight up (6-3)
Against the number (3-6)
Best Bets (1-2)
Nebraska (-23.5) vs. Ball State
Kentucky (+7) at Arkansas
Texas Tech (-6.5) at Oklahoma State
The Bruins, a trendy preseason pick in the conference, now faces a must-win at home Saturday night after an embarrassing 44-6 loss at Utah. If they lose to the Huskies, don't be surprised if the senior laden team goes in the tank and Karl Dorrell is out of a job.
However, turning to quarterback Pat Cowan - engineer of the 13-9 win over USC last season - should spark this offense. Cowan will make enough plays to save the season, for a week anyway.
Oregon (-17.5) 41, Stanford 17
Quarterback Dennis Dixon is playing like a new man - smart, decisive and turnover-free. He ranks No. 8 nationally in passing efficiency and should feast on the weak Cardinal defense.
The Ducks cannot look ahead to next week's huge showdown with Cal!
USC 45, Washington State (+24.5) 21
Expect John David Booty to have a big day against the Cougars sorry defense, as he looks to get on the same page with his receivers. Junior Patrick Turner dropped three passes at Nebraska and must respond.
Much-touted running back Joe McKnight has struggled to get acclimated to the college game, but should get some rhythm-building carries in a blowout at the Coliseum.
Arizona State 24, Oregon State (+11) 20
The Beavers remain an unknown in the Pac-10, mostly because of their turnover-assisted blowout loss at Cincinnati. It wouldn't surprise me if they play well later in the season, as Sean Canfield gets more comfortable, but the Sun Devils will continue their strong start.
Cal (-14) 35, Arizona 14
Revenge! The Bears gagged in Tuscon last season, despite several remarkable plays by DeSean Jackson.
He'll do it again, even against the conference's best corner tandem.
Straight up (6-3)
Against the number (3-6)
Best Bets (1-2)
Nebraska (-23.5) vs. Ball State
Kentucky (+7) at Arkansas
Texas Tech (-6.5) at Oklahoma State
9.15.2007
Reviewing Pac Ten Picks: Sept. 15, 2007
Got it Right
USC - Trojans shut down Nebraska running game last year without Sedrick Ellis; with him, complete domination
Cal, Oregon, ASU, WSU - All gimmes
Got it Wrong
UCLA - Forgot Karl Dorrell still 'coaches' in Westwood
Stanford - Didn't expect a blowout, but kudos to Jim Harbaugh
Arizona - Actually thought Mike Stoops could coach football
Washington -Should have expected frosh Locker to struggle sooner or later
Forgot to Pick
Oregon State - But did you really need me to predict their win over Idaho State?
By the Numbers
Straight up 6-3
Against the number 3-6
Best bets 1-2
USC - Trojans shut down Nebraska running game last year without Sedrick Ellis; with him, complete domination
Cal, Oregon, ASU, WSU - All gimmes
Got it Wrong
UCLA - Forgot Karl Dorrell still 'coaches' in Westwood
Stanford - Didn't expect a blowout, but kudos to Jim Harbaugh
Arizona - Actually thought Mike Stoops could coach football
Washington -Should have expected frosh Locker to struggle sooner or later
Forgot to Pick
Oregon State - But did you really need me to predict their win over Idaho State?
By the Numbers
Straight up 6-3
Against the number 3-6
Best bets 1-2
Pac Ten Picks: Sept. 15, 2007
USC 31, Nebraska 14
Cal 45, La Tech. 10
UCLA 21 Utah 13
Oregon 38, Fresno State 20
Washington 24, Ohio State 14
Arizona State 49, SDSU 7
Arizona 35, New Mexico 13
Washington State 38, Idaho 10
Stanford 24, San Jose State 17
Best Bets
Navy (-7) vs. Ball State
BC (+7) at Georgia Tech
Washington (+3.5) vs. Ohio State
Cal 45, La Tech. 10
UCLA 21 Utah 13
Oregon 38, Fresno State 20
Washington 24, Ohio State 14
Arizona State 49, SDSU 7
Arizona 35, New Mexico 13
Washington State 38, Idaho 10
Stanford 24, San Jose State 17
Best Bets
Navy (-7) vs. Ball State
BC (+7) at Georgia Tech
Washington (+3.5) vs. Ohio State
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