Dismal week of predicting last week. I got enamored with road dogs based on their last performance and went 2-2, bringing the season record to 42-8. Unlike Jurrell Casey, I don't talk trash with a mediocre record.
#15 Arizona (6-1, 3-1) at UCLA (3-4, 1-3)
Matt Scott played brilliantly in the win over Washington, and the Bruins suffered a 7th-round knockout in their loss to Oregon. UCLA starter Prince is out for the season with a knee injury, so it's Richard Brehaut's job now. Foles might be available for the Wildcats. Bruin free safety Dalton Hilliard suffered a concussion in practice Wednesday and is doubtful.
Arizona ranks 10th in the country and 1st in the PAC-10 in total defense, first in the conference in rushing defense. The Bruins are 102th in rushing defense, 117th in passing offense, and 106th in turnover margin.
Neuheisel may have to take to the microphone again after the game, but the fans will start filing out at the end of third quarter.
Arizona 41, UCLA 13
Washington St (1-7, 0-5) at Arizona St (3-4, 1-3)
The Cougs could get their first PAC-10 win here. They've played tough against the conference leaders and have a respectable passing offense. But they don't run the football well and are 119th in rushing defense and 113th in pass efficiency defense. Here's the most dangerous stat: they're 119th in sacks allowed, and the Wildcats have aggression and quickness in the front seven.
ASU's biggest problem is they don't take good care of the football, ranking 116th in turnover margin. They're coming off a disappointing loss at Cal where they were soundly outplayed, and must win this game to keep slim bowl hopes alive. Steven Threet, who suffered a concussion against the Bears, has 11 passes intercepted in PAC-10 play while throwing only six touchdowns.
It's homecoming for the Sun Devils, who've been on the road since their September 25 date with the Ducks.
An ugly and uninteresting game, probably. Erickson is 3-0 at ASU against the Cougars, where he started his checkered coaching odyssey.
Arizona State 21, Washington State 20
California (4-3, 2-2) at Oregon St (3-3, 2-1)
The Beavers are coming off a bye and the Bears off a big win at home. Surprisingly, OSU ranks 119th in the country in total defense and 114th in pass defense. The Bears have been stout at home but are 0-3 on the road. Riley's teams are typically tough in the second half of the season and tough after a bye, and the Beavers have won nine of eleven against Cal. Interestingly, these two gave #15 Arizona their two toughest games of the years, Cal losing 10-9 and the Beavs pulling off the upset.
Quizz Rodgers says he's going to bring the killer instinct, and Ryan Katz has had time to recover from a bad game in Seattle.
Oregon State 28, Cal 24
Stanford (6-1, 3-1) at Washington (3-4, 2-2)
Stanford has Arizona next, but Harbaugh's team is too disciplined and tough-minded to have a look-ahead game. The national media will tout this as a matchup of marquee quarterbacks, but one is marquee and the other is further down in the credits. The Cardinal run for 216 yards a game and pass for 250, and the Washington defense is horrible and banged-up.
Stanford 38, Washington 20
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