Only three games are scheduled this week in the conference of champions. Oregon, UCLA, Arizona State and Stanford have an improvement week, but some are improving more than others.
The Duck Stops Here is 37-6 this season picking winners. ESPN's Ted Miller, the Rebel Black Bear of prognosticators, is 33-10.
Cal at USC
Does USC's struggling and beat up defense have an answer for Shane Vereen? It's not certain they could stop Ben Vereen, but I think Kevin Riley will Coug it up on the road.
USC 31, Cal 27
Arizona at Washington State
Washington State has impressed many observers with their effort this year, but it hasn't translated to wins, and won't this week against a talented Wildcat team rebounding from their first loss of the year. The Wildcats seem to have focus, leadership and maturity issues, and will likely drop two or three games in the season's second half, but this isn't likely to be one of them.
An early scare, another good effort, and a second half run-out-of-gas for the Cougs.
Arizona 34, Washington State 24
Oregon State at Washington
Beavs have lost playmaker and catalyst James Rodgers, which is a huge blow, but they seem to be doing what they always do, rounding in to form when the leaves turn orange. Ryan Katz is rapidly developing into a top flight quarterback, and Markus Wheaton seems to filling in well for James Rodgers in both the return game and the passing attack. Quizz Rodgers is likely to have a big game against the Huskies' suspect run defense, determined to play on for his brother.
Still, I think this game will be an old-fashioned PAC-10 shootout, the kind where the last team with the ball wins. Jake Locker has one good game at home left in him, and Chris Polk will match carries and yards with Quizz. Neither defense is deep or accomplished.
Huskies win with another late field goal, maybe in overtime.
Washington 41, Oregon State 38
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