Weekend Picks

The Pac-10 standings look a little weird heading into Week 8 of the season. Cal, Oregon, Stanford and USC top out the list, while Arizona State sits at 7th with a 2-4 record. There are no real big games in the Pac-10 this week but it will be interesting to see if OSU can finally get a win on the road at Washington and also if Arizona can bounce back after a loss against Cal.

Last Week: 3-1
Season Total: 34-10

Stanford at UCLA: Stanford has kind of quietly settled into 3rd place in the Pac-10 right now. They don't do anything exceptionally well but they have found a way to win four games this year. This game is pivotal for their bowl chances. With a win this week and a win next week against WSU, Stanford can really start to turn their program around. UCLA put up a good effort last week at Oregon, but despite what Slick Rick says, their 2-4 record has got to be getting to them. I expect a close game but for Stanford to continue their surprising season. Pick: Stanford

No.25 California at Arizona: Arizona suffered a gut wrenching loss last week against Stanford. If they are the good team that they seem to be they should bounce back and play well this week. Cal sits at 4-1 and has got themselves ranked and sitting atop the Pac-10 standings. Will they begin their annual second half of the season collapse this week? The Golden Bears haven't played a road game in over a month so expect them to be a little shaky at the beginning of this one. I want to pick Arizona in the upset but I can't see Mike Stoops winning a big game like this. Pick: California

Oregon State at Washington: With the one man show Jake Locker on the sidelines, UW has all of the sudden had to run an actual offense and it is killing them. Ronnie Fouch is a descent passer but the young receivers and backs is hurting UW because teams no longer have to worry about Locker running. Oregon State who has not won a road game this year is coming off a drubbing of WSU and looking to have a winning record for the first time this season. Jacquizz Rodgers should be able to have a big day and build on his 718 yard, 8 TD season. Pick: Oregon State

No.6 USC at WSU: What can you say about this one? A national title contender against the worst team in D-1 Football. I think this is the week the scoring streak ends. I hope I am wrong but I don't see how the Cougs could score on USC's second team defense. Hopefully nobody gets hurt. Pick: USC, big.