Week Ten
Saturday, November 7

Stanford 51 - Oregon 42 (pick: Oregon 31-21)

It wasn't that Stanford running back Toby Gerhart was hard to catch - Oregon generally had several defenders draped all over the guy - he just wouldn't go down. Stanford's special teams deserves a large portion of the credit as well, effectively keeping field position in the Cardinal's favor. The good news is Oregon won't face another offense as problematic for them as was Stanford's. The bad news is Stanford is only going to get better over the next couple of seasons unless Harbaugh loses his mind and takes the Raiders job at the end of the season.

Oregon State 31 - California 14 (pick: California 34-27)

Just a stupid pick - California has clearly shown over the past couple of years that inconsistent quarterback play is the norm and that as the season progresses, the Bears get worse, not better. Oregon State is vastly improved offensively and it should have been obvious they would chew up a pretty disinterested California defense. They did.

UCLA 24 - Washington 23 (pick: Washington 27-20)

A game that Washington really needed to win to demonstrate concrete progress in Steve Sarkisian's first year. After the upset of USC, the Huskies have dropped six of their last seven and are probably going to lose two of their last three. Better than 0-12 certainly - but a long way from turning any corners.

Arizona 48 - Washington State 7 (pick: Arizona 45-10)

As far back as the Huskies have fallen - they at least have better prospects than the Cougs.

USC 14 - Arizona State 9 (pick: USC 41-13)

USC's offense was again less than potent but Arizona State's was pathetic. A quarterback change at halftime by head coach Dennis Erickson was a capitulation on the rest of the season. Oregon, UCLA and USC close out the Sun Devil schedule and a freshman quarterback isn't likely to beat any of the three.

Week Eleven

Saturday, November 14

Arizona at California

What looked to be a key conference tilt is now likely a less epic clash thanks to the Bears annual tent folding. Too bad. with Oregon next on the schedule for the Wildcats a stiff tussle in Strawberry Canyon could have been a trap game but at this point one has to wonder if the Ted Heads can stay within 28 points. They can - but barely. 35-10 Wildcats.

Stanford at USC

The Trojans have been less than impressive on both sides of the ball for the past couple of weeks. Stanford's defense isn't a world beater by any stretch but SC's offensive struggles are real. injuries and youth have severely limited the Trojan's attack. As Oregon learned last Saturday, the Cardinal will pave Toby Gerhart's path using a variety of "jumbo" packages and just as was the case with the Ducks, USC won't be up to the task for 60 minutes. Stanford 35-28.

Washington at Oregon State

Senior day at Reser Stadium and it won't be close. Beavs by at least 30, 42-12.

UCLA at Washington State

If the Cougs are going to win a conference game this season, here is their chance. It is supposed to snow on the Palouse this weekend and it's a fair bet an already impotent UCLA offense isn't likely to gain traction on a slippery field. However, Washington State simply doesn't seem capable of turning what could be an advantage to their favor. UCLA by a pair of touchdowns, 17-3.

Arizona State at Oregon