Out of the Pac
Four of six with the week 10 picks improves the season tally to 51-21. All eyes have been trained on this week's marquis match-up since the schedule was published and on Saturday, Oregon and Stanford will play for the Pac-12 Northern Division crown. But first let's review last week's results.
Friday, November 4
USC 42 - Colorado 17 (pick: USC 34-21)
Matt Barkley and the Trojans got untracked quickly and cruised to an easy win.
Saturday, November 5
Utah 34 - Arizona 21 (pick: Utah 31-24)
The Utes chased Arizona quarterback Nick Foles all over the place, harassing the senior into a pair of interceptions. His counterpart Jon Hayes threw for 199 and two TD's and Utah tailback John White IV added two more while gaining 109 yards on 27 carries.
California 30 - Washington State 7 (pick: WSU 42-10)
No sense trying to figure out the Bears, just pick them to win at home and lose on the road. Like a stopped clock - they'll get it right at least a couple of times.
UCLA 29 - Arizona State 28 (pick: ASU 38-17)
Not only do the Bruins now hold the inside track to the Southern Division championship that has been Arizona State's to lose since the start of the season, but maybe too UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisal punked Dennis Erickson in the musical hot seat competition as well.
Stanford 38 - Oregon State 13 (pick: Stanford 63-13)
The Beavers had their moments.. Stanford had more. Particularly in the second half when Andrew Luck tossed a pair of touchdown passes and Tyler Gafney ran for another.
Oregon 34 - Washington 17 (pick: Oregon 42-28)
Two days before the real hard hats showed up, Oregon took the wrecking ball to Husky Stadium. Oregon's defense had their way with Washington quarterback Keith Price and running back Chris Polk. Eddie Pleasant picked off Price twice and his teammates chased Price down for six sacks while holding Polk to 80 yards on 24 carries. LaMike runs for 156, Kenjon for 41 and each for a score.
Saturday, November 12
Oregon State @ California
Play this game in Corvallis and the Benny's get this one 37-10. As noted above the new rationale has been reduced to the binary question - home or away. And Cal is at home. Bears get the 37.
Arizona @ Colorado
If not now when? Next year, maybe. No Pac-12 wins for the Buffaloes this year. Colorado's defense is a disaster and what might at first glance appear to be a chance for their first Pac-12 win really isn't. Arizona 35-21.
UCLA @ Utah
Let's say the Bruins break serve with a win in Salt Lake. Holding the tie-breaker with Arizona State, UCLA then hosts Colorado before facing USC in the Coliseum. Meanwhile ASU hosts rival Arizona first and then California to conclude their season a week later. A loss to Utah would then appear to end any thoughts of a UCLA Southern Division championship. right? Utah 27-23
Arizona State @ Washington State
Unless ASU gets clocked by the Cougars in Pullman. Still dazed by last week's last second loss the Bruins, the Sun Devils commit 8 personal fouls and Washington State stuns ASU 34-28
Washington @ USC
Lane Kiffin and his old man Monte should have spent the whole week watching the defensive cut-ups of Oregon's win over the Huskies last Saturday. Oregon absolutely dissected the Washington offense, exposing an offensive line that can be confused and overpowered. He has enjoyed some success against his former employer but this won't be a welcome homecoming for Steve Sarkisian, USC 37-23
Oregon @ Stanford
There is no telling which way this game will go. Stanford has jumped to an early advantage in the past two match-ups, holding on to win in Palo Alto two years ago but falling last year in Autzen when Oregon shredded the Cardinal defense in the second half. Ball control will play a role - Stanford would love to have 15-20 more snaps than the Ducks and if they do, it will be a tough row to hoe on the Farm. But if Oregon can force a turnover or two, make good use of their special teams - particularly in terms of field position - any advantage in the number of plays Stanford might run would diminish quickly. Injuries also will play a factor - the Cardinal are down a quality receiver, a quality tight end and a quality offensive lineman while Oregon is assumed to be healthy. Either team could win by three touchdowns or by three points . but it will be Oregon 33-27.
