Pac 10 Preview - October 22, 2005

Pac-10

USC at Washington - Sleeper and then some. USC is going to demolish Washington. No second-half comeback or extra Bush-push needed for this one. Even if USC suffers some let-down from the win over the Irish, it won't be close for long. USC 41 - Washington 14.

Arizona State at Stanford - Normally, the Sun Devils would be the clear favorite and likely blow out Stanford. However, with QB Sam Keller still nursing a hand injury, the offense will probably be limited. If Keller does not play, the offense will be rather bland (at least by ASU standards). Look for more emphasis on the running game of ASU, or for that matter, any emphasis at all. Stanford is not as good as its 4-2 record would indicate, as its schedule is back-loaded with ranked teams. If Keller plays, this game should not be close. If he does not, it would take a near perfect game from Stanford (or a horrible one from ASU) for the Cardinal to pull out the victory. Arizona State 34 - Stanford 17.

Oregon State at UCLA - UCLA is undefeated for the first time in a long time, but they have had to pull some rabbits out of their hats to get there. I like a team with the ability to come back, but seriously, we get it already. Oregon State is coming off a close victory over Cal, and it has proved it can hang with good teams. Had Cal not been emotionally flat after UCLA came back in the 4th quarter against them the week before, things probably would have been different. Oregon State has shown a propensity to fall flat on its face in big games this year, having lost to Louisville 63-27 and Arizona State 42-24. It has the talent to beat UCLA, but I don't believe it has the mental toughness to do so. Look for UCLA to come out strong, hoping to avoid the necessity of another late comeback, and to counter any questions about their legitimacy. With Stanford and Arizona being UCLA's next two games, Oregon State can be certain UCLA is focused solely on this one. Oregon State 20 - UCLA 34.

Oregon at Arizona - Oregon is 6-1, while Arizona is 1-5. There's always a story behind the records, but in this case, it's pretty self-explanatory. Arizona's one claim is that they gave USC a fight, which is more than Oregon can say. Unfortunately, that fact is negated by a loss to Stanford. Oregon 38 - Arizona 14.

Washington State at Cal - This is a match-up of two teams on the slide. The Cougars have lost their last three and the Bears their last two. Both played hard in tight losses to UCLA. However, I employ the "Stanford Test" yet again. By virtue of a 24-21 loss, the Cougars prove they do not have what it takes to consistently play well. Nothing other than the UCLA game points toward Washington State having a chance here. Cal will right the ship and play like they care. In other words, the Cougars are in trouble. Washington State 13 - Cal 41.