Breaking Down the Pac-10: Week Eight Predictions

Week Eight in the Pac-10 poses some intriguing games. We'll break them down here.

Washington State at California

No reason to expect anything crazy out of this game. Washington State will be lucky to put three points on the board. Cal, on the other hand will run up, over, and around the struggling Cougar defense. Heck, maybe even California QB Kevin Riley will complete some passes.

Cal 38, WSU 3

Arizona State at Stanford

Stanford is coming off two tough losses in a row, but the Cardinals return home this week, where they are undefeated on the season. Arizona State boasts a respectable 4-2 record on the year, with their two losses coming against Georgia and Oregon State. This is an important game for both teams as a potential turning point in their season. Look for "Touchdown" Toby Gearheart to seal it late for the Cards.

ASU 24, STANFORD 27

UCLA at  No. 22 Arizona

I'm still a little puzzled as to how Arizona ended up in the Top 25. Yeah, they're 4-2, but they are a couple of favorable whistles from being 2-4, and their strength of schedule isn't something to brag about. UCLA, on the other hand, opened the season with three straight wins, including a big one at Tennesse. Since that time, the Bruins have dropped three in a row to the Pac-10's better teams.

I like UCLA in this one. The Bruins are tough and I think they've got what it takes to get it done in Tucson.

UCLA 24, Arizona 17

Oregon State at No. 7 USC

Ahh...sweet revenge. The Beavers upset the then-No. 1 Trojans in Corvallis last year and cost likely cost USC a national title shot. USC has already lost one game to a mid-level Pac-10 team, don't expect them to drop another one at home against Oregon State. The Trojan defense is more then prepared for the running game of Jacquizz Rodgers, and the Beavers' passing game is struggling as it is. The Beavs are headed for a long night on Saturday.

Oregon State 10, USC 41

-----PAC-10 GAME OF THE WEEK-----

No. 11 Oregon at Washington

Jake Locker and the Huskies have had a pretty impressive season. Yes, I'm aware the Huskies are 3-4 on the year. But their four losses have come at the hands of some great teams, including LSU and Notre Dame—and let's not forget the Huskies did knock off the Trojans. 

Oregon, however, has been on fire. Their defense has been unshakable, and with Jeremiah Masoli returning for the Ducks at quarterback, it's hard for me to call another Husky upset, even in Seattle.

Oregon 38, Washington 13