Pac-10 Week One: Tennessee, Michigan State, and Virginia Take on the West

The Pac-10 is arguably the second-best conference behind the "Almighty" SEC.  Out-of-conference scheduling creates West Coast versus East Coast matchups not normally seen until bowl season.  The depth of the conference creates parity year after year.  And of course, there's the annual chase to unseat perennial powerhouse USC.

Here's a preview of what's to expect from the Pac-10 in Week One.

Thursday, Aug. 28

Oregon State @ Stanford: 6:00 pm on ESPN2

Oregon State travels to Stanford for an uncommon Pac-10 Week One opener.  Stanford carries momentum from last year and looks to transfer it into 2008 with coach Jim  Harbaugh and a talented defense.  The Cardinal returns all three starting linebackers and five defensive linemen who have game time experience.

Oregon State has started slow the last few years and needs to start fast in order to keep up in the Pac-10 race.  In the past Stanford has been a sure W on the schedule, but this year could prove to be much tougher.  Improved quarterback play and the return of All-American hopeful Sammie Stroughter should help the Beavers.

Stanford will have trouble moving the ball in its early season games, and OSU's versatility and athleticism on offense will give the veteran defense fits. 

Prediction: OSU comes out of Stanford Stadium with a win, 30-17.

Saturday, Aug. 30

Washington @ No. 21 Oregon: 7:00 pm on FSNW

Another Pac-10 opener pits Northwest rivals Washington and Oregon.  While Oregon lost Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart to the NFL, they look to reload with Nate Costa at QB and Jeremiah Johnson at RB.  Both are athletic and fully capable of producing similar numbers to those of Stewart and Dixon.  Big play WR Jaison Williams returns for his senior season and wants to prove he can catch the ball with consistency.

Washington returns the Pac-10's most explosive quarterback in Jake Locker.  Locker will attempt to improve on his atrocious passing percentage this year.  The loss of leading tackler E.J. Savannah hurts the already porous Husky defense.  Coach Willingham is in trouble unless he can rally the troops.

People might mark this as an easy win for the Ducks.  However, this game is close until the fourth quarter.

Prediction: Washington's defense can't stop the spread offense, and Oregon wins at home, 35-24.

Northern Arizona @ No. 15 Arizona State: 7:00 pm on FSN AZ

Dennis Erickson returns for a second season after great success and a Holiday Bowl berth last year.  Rudy Carpenter is the best all-around quarterback in the league and should provide fireworks for a solid ASU offense.

Northern Arizona went 6-5 last year with close losses to FCS No. 1 Appalachian State and Big Sky Conference No. 3 Montana.  The Lumberjacks return senior quarterback Lance Kriesien, senior TE Sean Fitzpatrick, junior RB Alex Henderson, and junior WR Ryan Rouschert.

Prediction: Unfortunately, there's no Appalachian State miracle in this one—Arizona State wins big, 48-17.

Idaho @ Arizona: No TV Broadcast

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