USC 27, Washington 24
The Trojans survived their Pac-10 road opener despite three turnovers and a staggering 16 penalties for 161 yards. The good news is that USC has lost these sort of games in the past (Cal 2003, Oregon State 2006) and managed to win on one of the most shocking college football Saturdays in recent memory. Defensively, they held UW to 190 yards of total offense and managed to contain quarterback Jake Locker well.
However, if the Trojans put forth such an undisciplined effort against Cal, Oregon or Arizona State, they will lose.
Injuries to center Kris O'Dowd, guard Chilo Rachal and corner Shareece Wright must also be monitored.
Cal 31, Oregon 24
For four weeks, Oregon had avoided the self-inflicted mistakes that caused its late season collapse a year ago.
Saturday four fourth quarter turnovers cost the Ducks a chance to control their own destiny in the Pac-10, to make a potential trip to New Orleans first go through raucous Autzen Stadium.
Instead, Cal will find itself in the top five come the release of the new polls. Justin Forsett delivered 101 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns. DeSean Jackson reignited his Heisman campaign with 161 yards receivers and two scores of his own.
But it was Cal's defense that refused to buckle in the face of Oregon's fireworks (497 yards of total offense). Now they control their destiny, one that will be determined Nov. 10 when USC comes to Berkeley.
Arizona State 41, Stanford 3
Quietly Arizona State has developed into a force out West, as quarterback Rudy Carpenter (259 yards, 1 touchdown) and running back Ryan Torian (16 carries, 103 yards) have led an offense that has scored no less than 33 points this season.
A four week stretch in late October and early November (vs. Cal, at Oregon, at UCLA, vs. USC) could vault Dennis Erickson's team into the BCS.
There are still question marks about the ASU defense, but the win over Colorado now looks quiet impressive.
UCLA 40, Oregon State 14
Did quarterback Ben Olson turn the corner Saturday in Corvallis? It sure looked that way, especially after the game-breaking 69 yard catch-and-run by Brandon Breazell.
Conversely, Oregon State quarterback Sean Canfield continues to struggle and negated a strong effort by Yvenson Bernard (125 yards, 4.6 yards per carry).
Arizona 48, Washington State 20
The Wildcats have found a running back and his name is Nicholas Grigsby. The true freshman Grigsby rushed for 186 yards and caught 9 balls for 76 yards and a touchdown in what might be a possible return to the power run game that defined Stoops' early tenure in Tuscon.
Pac Ten Picks
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)
First Impressions - gut reaction picks of next week's games
USC 47, Stanford 0
UCLA 24, Notre Dame 10
Arizona State 38, Washington State 17
Arizona 20, Oregon State 14
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
9.25.2007
Q and A - CJ Gable's role
Anonymous asked, "Why hasn't [USC running back] CJ Gable played more this season?"
Gable, who was the Trojans' lead tailback late last season, is a known commodity. The coaching staff seems more interested in answering questions about the rest of the group:
-Is senior Chauncey Washington healthy?
-Can sophomore Stafon Johnson be the player that recruiting services ranked as one of the nation's best prep running backs at Dorsey?
-What can freshman Joe McKnight do for this team?
Two of three have been answered; now expect Gable's touches to dramatically increase starting Saturday at Washington.
9.23.2007
Upon Further Review Mike Stoops can start updating his resume
USC 47, Washington State 14
It was as if Norm Chow had returned to the Trojans coaching staff.
USC opened with a series of easy throws, most of them swing passes to wide receivers allowing to physically manhandle the smaller WSU corners. Then quarterback John David Booty hit tight end Fred Davis for a 6 yard touchdown, finishing the drive with 79 passing yards on 10 of 11 attempts.
Mismatches were exploited expertly by offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, as the Trojans accounted for 302 yards through the air and another 207 rushing.
A viable argument can be made that the play calling of Sarkisian's predecessor, current Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin, cost USC the last two national championships.
With Sark running the offense, that shouldn't be an excuse this season.
Cal 45, Arizona 27
Golden Bears quarterback Nate Longshore will again be the difference between a BCS bowl and the Holiday Bowl for Cal.
Longshore struggled again against the Wildcats, completing just 16 of 30 passes for 235 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception in his third straight weak effort.
Obviously wide receiver DeSean Jackson's sprained thumb is affecting the passing game (3 receptions for 39 yards), but Longshore must improve to meet this season's lofty goals.
The margin for error will be tested this Saturday with a trip to Autzen Stadium.
Oregon 55, Stanford 31
Oregon's biggest fear became a reality Saturday in Palo Alto. The Ducks lost three fumbles, allowing the Cardinal to take a 31-21 lead late in the second quarter.
Unlike last season's turnover-fueled late season collapse however, Oregon rallied to score the final 24 points of the game. Quarterback Dennis Dixon continued his strong play with 382 total yards and 5 scores.
With a win over Cal this Saturday, this team can be considered the legitimate challenger to USC - whom they host Oct. 27 - for the Pac-10 title.
UCLA 44, Washington 31
The good news? The Bruins rallied one week after the Utah debacle for the win.
The bad? Quarterback Pat Cowan suffered a knee injury against the Huskies that may cost him the remainder of this season.
Unless Ben Olson - named the starter against the Beavers - can respond, UCLA might have just delayed the inevitable for a week.
Arizona State 44, Oregon State 32
Another gut check game as the Sun Devils rallied from a 19-0 deficit. The defense had five interceptions and quarterback Rudy Carpenter threw for four touchdowns, allowing ASU to return to the top 25.
Pac Ten Picks
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)
Storylines - what to watch for next week
USC is now dangerously thin at corner after Cary Harris dislocated his shoulder; The Trojans already started moving around defensive backs in response. ... Cardinal offensive tackle Allen Smith suffered a leg injury and his status is as yet unknown. ... WSU punter Reid Forrest replaced Darryl Blunt after a mishandled snap and could start against Arizona. ... PJ Irvin started, but Micah Reed also played in place of injured UCLA guard Shannon Tevaga. ... Oregon State is last in the Pac-10 in turnover margin.
First Impressions - gut reaction picks of next week's games
Cal 28, Oregon 24
USC 42, Washington 24
Arizona State 31, Stanford 14
Washington State 34, Arizona 28
Oregon State 27, UCLA 20
It was as if Norm Chow had returned to the Trojans coaching staff.
USC opened with a series of easy throws, most of them swing passes to wide receivers allowing to physically manhandle the smaller WSU corners. Then quarterback John David Booty hit tight end Fred Davis for a 6 yard touchdown, finishing the drive with 79 passing yards on 10 of 11 attempts.
Mismatches were exploited expertly by offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, as the Trojans accounted for 302 yards through the air and another 207 rushing.
A viable argument can be made that the play calling of Sarkisian's predecessor, current Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin, cost USC the last two national championships.
With Sark running the offense, that shouldn't be an excuse this season.
Cal 45, Arizona 27
Golden Bears quarterback Nate Longshore will again be the difference between a BCS bowl and the Holiday Bowl for Cal.
Longshore struggled again against the Wildcats, completing just 16 of 30 passes for 235 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception in his third straight weak effort.
Obviously wide receiver DeSean Jackson's sprained thumb is affecting the passing game (3 receptions for 39 yards), but Longshore must improve to meet this season's lofty goals.
The margin for error will be tested this Saturday with a trip to Autzen Stadium.
Oregon 55, Stanford 31
Oregon's biggest fear became a reality Saturday in Palo Alto. The Ducks lost three fumbles, allowing the Cardinal to take a 31-21 lead late in the second quarter.
Unlike last season's turnover-fueled late season collapse however, Oregon rallied to score the final 24 points of the game. Quarterback Dennis Dixon continued his strong play with 382 total yards and 5 scores.
With a win over Cal this Saturday, this team can be considered the legitimate challenger to USC - whom they host Oct. 27 - for the Pac-10 title.
UCLA 44, Washington 31
The good news? The Bruins rallied one week after the Utah debacle for the win.
The bad? Quarterback Pat Cowan suffered a knee injury against the Huskies that may cost him the remainder of this season.
Unless Ben Olson - named the starter against the Beavers - can respond, UCLA might have just delayed the inevitable for a week.
Arizona State 44, Oregon State 32
Another gut check game as the Sun Devils rallied from a 19-0 deficit. The defense had five interceptions and quarterback Rudy Carpenter threw for four touchdowns, allowing ASU to return to the top 25.
Pac Ten Picks
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)
Storylines - what to watch for next week
USC is now dangerously thin at corner after Cary Harris dislocated his shoulder; The Trojans already started moving around defensive backs in response. ... Cardinal offensive tackle Allen Smith suffered a leg injury and his status is as yet unknown. ... WSU punter Reid Forrest replaced Darryl Blunt after a mishandled snap and could start against Arizona. ... PJ Irvin started, but Micah Reed also played in place of injured UCLA guard Shannon Tevaga. ... Oregon State is last in the Pac-10 in turnover margin.
First Impressions - gut reaction picks of next week's games
Cal 28, Oregon 24
USC 42, Washington 24
Arizona State 31, Stanford 14
Washington State 34, Arizona 28
Oregon State 27, UCLA 20
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
9.19.2007
Upon Further Review Hates Wednesday
USC looked very good. UCLA looked incredibly bad. Beyond that, the Pac-10 remains a work in progress.
Quarterback play, usually the key factor in determining the conference race, has been shaky so far.
USC's John David Booty hasn't been asked to do much, while Cal seems to be winning in spite of Nate Longshore. Ben Olson was horrendous for UCLA and now will be benched for what has been nebulously labeled 'headaches.'
Based on the first three weeks of 2007, previously erratic Dennis Dixon has been the top performer. However, can he maintain his turnover-free play against tougher defenses?
In short - much like the NFL - the way things look this week might not be how they are the next.
The Ten - a weekly power poll (previous ranking)
1. USC (1)
2. Cal (2)
3. Oregon (4)
4. Arizona State (6)
5. Washington State (7)
6. Washington (5)
7. UCLA (3)
8. Oregon State (8)
9. Stanford (10)
10. Arizona (9)
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
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