Out of the Pac

For another yearly spin around the "O" we go - opening weekend of the college football season one monster match up and one conference tilt to go along with a whole bunch of charity contests. Last season's 60-21 record on the weekly picks hangs overhead like the sword of Damocles. As we state each season, the weekly prognostications are anything BUT a betting line. so proceed accordingly

Thursday, September 3

Oregon at Boise State          

Story lines intertwine like spaghetti in this one and any one of them may prove to be the lead for the post game wrap. Before the kick-off however the recurring thought is of the post game interviews last season after the Broncos upended the Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Without exception the players expressed their disappointment in their play, while respectful of Boise State, to a man the sense was the Ducks let this one slip away. The take here is that smoldering frustration has never been far from mind and that this group circled this date on their calendar as the final whistle sounded. That lesson won't be lost on this group. Oregon 38 - Broke Broncos 23

Saturday, September 5

Portland State at Oregon State

The perfect solution to Oregon State's recent history of stumbling early in the season. No disrespect to Portland State and to be fair, this Oregon State team would likely fare better against a tough non-conference schedule. But you can't blame them for sticking their toe in the water at the shallow end. Beavers 42 - Portland State 10.

San Jose State at USC

The first freshman starting quarterback in program history at USC won't be challenged significantly by the likes of the Spartans. The Men of Troy have seen more than the usual number of changes over the off season but their modus operandi of replacing the departed players with another five star recruit remains intact. Ohio State and the Pac-10 schedule may well show the Trojans to be vulnerable, but San Jose State will have a hard time buying that as the find their way back to San Jose after a 45-7 whupping.

San Diego State at UCLA

Rick Neuheisal will also be starting a freshman quarterback - Kevin Prince - across town at UCLA. Inconsistent play at the position last year provided endless drama for the sideline broadcast cameras as Neuheisal reacted to another interception. The more positive thought is the Bruins will have a solid defensive corps this season and San Diego State simply does not have the ability to run up a lot of points against that unit. The Bruins may again be inconsistent on offense this year, but they will score enough on Saturday to open with a 27-14 win.

Stanford at Washington State

Still find it hard to believe the Cougs won the Apple Cup last year. in more years of watching the Pac-10 than one cares to admit, last season's Washington State team was hands down the worst. Stanford on the other hand is making good progress after the Walt Harris debacle. Jim Harbaugh has established a tough, physical style of play and the quality of athlete showing up on the Farm has steadily improved since he arrived. So much for the Coug's one game winning streak. Cardinal 42- WSU 13

Central Michigan at Arizona

Every once in a while we have fun picking against a Mike Stoops team for all the obvious reasons plus a couple that are more subtle. Like. how do you dynamite the Wildcats 2009 campaign? Lose to Central Michigan. They do, 23-21.

Idaho State at Arizona State

Dennis Erickson suspended "five or six" players for the opener for breaking team rules. Perhaps it would be more punishment if he had them dress down for the Bengals. Clearly an underachieving team last season, the Sun Devils will get off to a big start with a 37-7 opening day cakewalk.

Maryland at California

A couple seasons back a lackluster Maryland team stunned the Golden Bears in a season opener. That won't be the case this week. Kevin Riley has been named the starting quarterback by head coach Jeff Tedford after a revolving door policy at the position last season. It has yet to be determined in Riley can lead the Bears to the lofty expectations held for this season - the revolving door was a direct consequence of his poor decision making last year. However the Terrapins aren't a team that will be able to bring pressure nor will they have an answer for Jahvid Best, California's stellar running back. No looking past the Turtles this season - California 47-17         

LSU at Washington