Pac-10 Predictions: Week Seven A Must Win For Beavers, Ducks, And Trojans

After drowning my sorrows post Utah, I'm back for the bulk of Pac-10 play and ready to provide my insight which I know you all so desperately search for week-in-week-out.

Anyway...

Luckily for the Pac-10 this week has no Mountain West or Western Athletic Conference teams scheduled.

Here's my always spot on (ha) predictions for Week Seven:

Arizona State @ No. 8 USC - 3:30pm ET on ABC/ESPN360.com

Dennis Erickson's squad is hurting and in need of a feel good win after dropping their last three. Unfortunately they travel to LA this week.  As if things weren't tough enough, the Sun Devils could be without starting QB Rudy Carpenter, nursing a sore ankle. 

What was supposed to be an explosive ASU offense has only scored 23 points a game and is rushing for only 85 yards per game.  ASU relies heavily on QB production to be successful, could be trouble if Rudy is unable to go.

The Trojans have their swagger back after knocking off the Ducks 44-10 last week.  Had it not been for penalties, USC may have pitched a shutout defensively.  Mark Sanchez suffered a bone bruise on his already injured leg and could miss the game. 

The Trojans need this win to get back above .500 in conference and remain confident in their BCS hopes.  If Sanchez can not go, look for Mitch Mustain to hand the ball off to 25 different runningbacks who should total around 200 yards rushing.

Biggest statistic: ASU is converting only 31 percent (18/59) on third down.

Prediction:  ASU has underachieved all season, and USC is still hungry, but more importantly, at home.  With USC's defense back on track and ASU's inability to maintain drives, USC should win easily.

USC 38    ASU 14

Arizona @ Stanford - 5:00pm ET (Radio only)

If you would have told me at the beginning of the season that through Week Six, Stanford would be scoring more points per game than Arizona State I would have laughed at you. 

While Stanford is only .500 (3-3) overall, they are 2-1 in conference and vastly improved from a season ago.  The Cardinal are fourth in the conference in rush yards at 162 a game thanks to the two headed monster of Gerhart and Kimble.  Stanford will need to be able to throw the ball if they want to continue winning in the Pac-10 and chase their bowl dreams.

Arizona was once again predicted to be great and is holding steady at 4-1 and 2-0 in conference.  Unfortunately for the 'Cats they've yet to play the big boys.  Arizona needs this win to move to 3-0 and keep spirits up.  They're notorious for pulling late season upsets, with a win this week this could be the year that said upset finally pays dividends. 

Biggest Statistic: Arizona has only allowed opponents inside the red-zone nine times. However, the success rate for points is 100 percent (4-9 touchdowns 5/5 red-zone field goals).

Prediction: While Stanford is playing better football and is at home.  Arizona is scoring over 43 points per game and giving up just 15. Stanford loses on Homecoming.

Arizona  38   Stanford  23

Washington State @ Oregon State - 7:00pm ET on FSN-NW

The Beavers return home from Utah after blowing what would have been their second upset win in consecutive weeks.  The Beavs return All-Conference CB Brandon Hughes and with the extra two days to heal after their Thursday night match up, should get S Al Afalava, and WR Sammie Stroughter close to fully healthy. 

The Beavs need to work on fundamental football and continue to improve week to week. At 29 points, this is the biggest spread versus a Pac-10 opponent in OSU history. Needless to say, this is a MUST WIN for OSU.

Washington State is coming off of what, strangely enough, can be called their best performance.  After being shelled for 39, 66, 45, 48, and 63 points, the Cougs traveled to the Rose Bowl and held UCLA to 28 points. 

Only problem; they only got a field goal.  Coach Wulff recently held an open tryout for the scout team quarterback position. WSU is on their third string quarterback and can use all the help they can get.  The Cougs aren't expected to win, however need to continue to improve, be competitive, and build momentum into next season.

Biggest Statistic: Oregon State has outscored opponents at home 111-17 in the first quarter over the past 12 games.

Prediction: Washington State doesn't have many games circled as possible wins this year, however they play well in Reser.  OSU is too powerful on offense and sound on defense and after the let down in Utah, will not be overlooking the Cougs.

OSU  49  WSU  13

UCLA @ Oregon - 10:15pm ET on FSN-NW

Oregon must move on from their 44-10 shellacking handed to them by an angry USC team.  The Ducks' secondary has been exposed by Boise State as well as the Trojans.  Coach Bellotti has made it a focal point to switch up personnel and schemes to tighten the coverage. 

RB LaGarrette Blount was held to no yards on nine caries vs USC and will need to produce to keep the offense balanced.  Justin Roper could return to play and provide assistance through the air. Big game for Oregon, a loss could send the team into a downward spiral, while a win could boost morale and get UofO back on track. 

UCLA, a team of 'huh?' After upsetting Tennessee to begin the season, the Bruins have had inconsistent QB play, rightfully so after losing their top two candidates to injury.  UCLA is throwing for under 200 yards per game and rushing for under 100.  Tough to create anything when you're not hitting 300 total yards a game. 

While UCLA looked decent at home last week, this is their first trip on the road to face a Pac-10 opponent.  If the BYU fiasco is a sign of things to come, UCLA might want to pop the bus tire before their trip up I-5 to Eugene.

Biggest Statistic: Oregon has given up 829 yards passing in their two losses.

Prediction: Upsets happen when teams plan well and attack weaknesses.  While UofO gives up a lot through the air, UCLA will not be as successful and unable to take advantage with spotty QB play.

Oregon  33  UCLA  20

Pac-10 Standings after Week Six:

Arizona                 2-0

California               2-0

Oregon                  2-1

Stanford                2-1

USC                      1-1

UCLA                    1-1

Oregon State         1-1

Arizona State         1-1

Washington State   0-3

Washington           0-3