Pac-10 Week 4 Preview

With the exception of the ASU game, all games this will be within the conference. Most teams are done with their non-conference schedules and are prepared to take on the often overlooked, but very difficult Pac-10 schedule. Looking at this week’s games one cant help but wonder how Cal will fare in a hostile environment, how USC will rebound, and whether or not Washington will have a let down. This week’s games are:

6 Cal @ Oregon: The Bears have been impressive all year. There were questions as to how they would do in their road opener last week but the answered in a big way. This week they travel to Oregon to play the Ducks. Autzen Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in the country; however, Oregon is still looking to put a complete package together. The defense is waiting on the return of T.J Ward and despite showing signs of life in last week’s win over Utah, the offense desperately needs Jeremiah Masoli to step up his game. Cal’s only remaining problem is the special teams. While this is a big deal, I don’t feel that it will hurt them this week. It needs to be improved for the game against USC, but in the meantime Cal has beat Oregon 3 straight times. Look for them to make it 4.

ASU @ 21 Georgia: The ASU defense has looked strong this year, but the offense is yet to be tested. It showed improvement in its second game, but that was against Louisiana-Monroe. This will be Arizona State’s first test of the season and it will be on the road. Georgia has looked shaky so far this year, but they have played quality opponents, something the Sun Devils have yet to do. Georgia is at home and I’m picking them to defend their home turf. Bulldogs get the W.

Arizona @ Oregon State: This game is a toss-up. Both teams have question marks and have not lived up to expectations so far. Both are coming off a loss and looking to rebound. Unfortunately, one team will lose back to back weeks and I think it will be the Wildcats. Although they lost there last week, the Beavers usually defend their home field. Reser Stadium is a tough place to play and I don’t see two opponents beating the Beavers there in back to back weeks.

24 Washington @ Stanford: Washington needs to beware of a letdown. They have a lot of excitement within their program because of the win over USC. All to often we see teams like this lose their next game (USC beats Ohio State then loses to Oregon State and Washington in back to back years) because they get a sense of over confidence. The Huskies need to make sure they go back to basics and play solid football. The Cardinal will be at home and trying desperately to wipe the smiles off the Huskies faces. Jim Harbaugh has this program moving in the right direction, but so does Steve Sarkesian. I did not expect Washington to do anything this year, but Sarkesian looks like he is in the middle of a very impressive turnaround. Believe it or not, I’m picking the Huskies to win at Stanford.

Washington State @ 12 USC: One team is coming off a thrilling overtime win and the over is recovering from a shocking road victory. Sounds exciting right? Except that it’s Washington State and USC. This game will be played in the Coliseum and there is no way that Pete Carroll lets his team lose back to back games. The Trojans will be upset that they lost last week and will not break focus this week. They have way more talent than the Huskies and I expect a blowout. As if USC needed an advantage, Washington State will be without their starting running back for the remainder of the year.

My Picks through 3 Weeks: 21-6