Out of the Pac

50-19 in our first year with the weekly picks, followed by a 46-24 record last season has Out of the Pac hoping a trend hasn't been set. A new year and new optimism reign - and so the fearlessly foolish press ahead...

Utah at Oregon State

For most of the off-season the thought was the Beavers would have a decent year - and they may. But right out of the gate??? Too much Sammie Stroughter drama and too much two quarterback distraction methinks. Utes 23 - Beavs 17           

Washington at Syracuse

If the Dawgs don't win this one they may not win until they play Stanford. That's November 3^rd. They don't win this one. Syracuse 21 - YewDub 14                                         

Washington State at Wisconsin

It probably isn't going to be much of a season on the Palouse this year. Starting the season in Madison is a bad, bad idea. Big W's 35 - Toothless Snaglepuss 13 

UCLA at Stanford

Stanford was terrible last year and they might be worse this season. The Bruins always start the season hot and scheduling the Trees to open the 2007 campaign is a good way to keep that trend intact. UCLA 31 - Stanford 10

Houston at Oregon

One of the more compelling contests on the opening docket. Houston is favored to win their division of the Conference USA and has speed and experience returning, although they will be putting a new quarterback behind center. Questions about the Ducks began sometime after the California game last year and the disappointment of their 2006 campaign has been frequently mentioned as motivation for 2007. The silver lining about those questions is they probably prevent the Ducks from looking past Houston to next weeks game in Ann Arbor. Oregon 35 - Houston 27

Arizona at Brigham Young

Screachin' Stoops is on the hot seat this year and in an effort to increase the Wildcats' offensive punch has installed a spread package to get more production out of oft-concussed quarterback Willie Tuitama. The last time BYU saw a spread offense they steamrolled it. Just for the fun of it. BYU 28 - Don't let the door hit ya on the way out 15

Tennessee at California

California needs this game. Really needs this game. Last year's embarrassing loss in Knoxville left a lasting impression on both the Bears and the Pac-10. It is certain Tedford circled this date a year ago and he won't let the opportunity pass by. Cal 23 - Tennessee 17

San Jose State at Arizona State

The good news is Dennis Erickson could be opening his season by visiting USC, but he's not... The bad news is San Jose State is no pushover, ex-Arizona coach Dick Tomey has made great strides with the Spartans since taking over the helm two seasons ago. That said, ASU is deeper and should have a livelier than usual Sun Devil Stadium crowd to witness Erickson's debut which should be enough for a 35-17 win.

Idaho at USC