Pac-10 Preview - 10.29.05

Pac-10

Washington State at USC - On paper this doesn't look like it'll be much of a fight. Washington state is 3-4, tied for last in the conference, and has a loss to Stanford to its credit. Yes, I'm aware that maybe Stanford has gotten better, but still. Close losses to UCLA and Cal do point out that this Washington State team can hang with the better Pac-10 teams. However, there is a great divide between UCLA and Cal, and USC. Does that mean that I don't think UCLA or Cal could beat USC? Of course not; anything's possible. USC, though, is more consistent than UCLA or Cal and won't give in even if trailing late. I would not be surprised if the Cougars hang with USC for a half, but ultimately the talent level disparity will become apparent and USC will run away with it in the second half, as they tend to do. Washington State 24 - USC 45.

Arizona at Oregon State - It is highly possible that Arizona will upset Oregon State this weekend. Arizona has looked horrible at times (see the loss to Utah) and good at times (see USC...excluding the 4th quarter). Oregon State has a win over Cal to its credit, but that was the week after Cal had its heart crushed by a loss to UCLA. Basically, the Beavers seem to win when they are supposed to, but they graciously fold to superior opponents. I think Arizona is good enough to beat Oregon State, but I have yet to see them put together four quarters of football. Hence, I must defer to Oregon State at home. Arizona 21 - Oregon State 27.

Washington at Arizona State - The Huskies have still only won one game...over Idaho. They came close against UCLA, but that game was a fluke. Washington is just not good--plain and simple. Meanwhile, the Sun Devils continue to drop games and do not seem to really care about it. Realistically, they had their shot at glory and choked. Can you really blame them? Their only hope at a good bowl game is to win out, with the exclamation point being a victory over UCLA. Though it is possible, serious questions still hang in the air surrounding the quarterback position. QB Sam Keller will start, but he is still not 100%. If ASU has problems moving the ball against the Huskies, do not be surprised if redshirt freshman QB Rudy Carpenter makes an early appearance, even just for a drive or two. His performance last week against Stanford (19 of 25, 304 yds, 3 Tds) turned some heads. Washington 21 - Arizona State 38.

UCLA at Stanford - Surprise, surprise, guess who's not jumping on the Stanford bandwagon. That'd be me. So they beat Arizona State...and? I don't think Stanford will win six games. With the remaining schedule, they may be able to knock of Oregon State...maybe. Yes, UCLA's run defense is horrible, but so is Stanford's running game and defense. Maurice Drew and Drew Olsen will both have big days as UCLA cruises to victory. UCLA 45 - Stanford 21.