A 7-2 opening weekend with the picks. Hardly a knockout but it is nice to get off to a good start, isn't it? Week two offers an interesting mix of non-conference match-ups including a pair of Pac-10/Big 10 tilts. But before the picks, a review of last weeks games.

Thursday, September 3

Boise State 19 - Oregon 8 (pick: Oregon 38 -23)

More than a coincidence department.

It's not surprising to hear many raised voices offering a free second opinion about Blount's rampage. But isn't the thought process behind the flaming this issue has generated much the same as the action the kid is being criticized for? Under the cloak of anonymity the verbal assaults exchanged on the message boards frequently mirror the anger and behavioral breakdown that Hout and Blount demonstrated. The exact instantaneous impulse to lash out seeking to injure, lacking only the physical proximity to escalate just as quickly as did Thursday's tango. Given there is a significant difference between verbal and physical intent, but with such clearly demonstrated inability to differentiate competition and conflict, isn't it just a matter of time before such a soul WILL walk in LaGarrette Blount's shoes? 

Saturday, September 5

Oregon State 34 - Portland State 7 (pick: OS 42-10)

Rodgers brothers welcome return wasn't going to be spoiled by the Vikings. There isn't much not to like with the way the Beaver's season is shaping up. If those two stay healthy the Benny's will be a handful for anybody. OS's defense is yet to be tested though it looks from opening week results, upcoming Cincinnati will offer a good measure, especially of the Beaver's pass defense.  

USC 56 - San Jose State 3 (pick: USC 45-7)

Matt Barkley lived up to the hype with a fine debut performance. The intensity will ratchet up a notch or two this weekend at Columbus but first impression is the kid has a solid offensive line to protect him and a handful of running backs to hand off to. That's a formula that will win a lot of football games.

UCLA 33 - San Diego State 14 (pick: UCLA 27-14)

An inauspicious start for the Bruins, surrendering 14 points to the Aztecs before Kevin Prince got rid of the first start jitters. The redshirt freshman completed 18 of 29 passes for 176 yards and a score, leading UCLA back from the deficit to take a 23-14 halftime lead and the Aztecs were done. A bigger challenge. and bigger stage awaits.

Stanford 39 - Washington State 13 (pick: Stanford 42-13)

The Cardinal have ambitions to crack into the upper division this season and to do that you have to thump the doormats. Doormat thumped.

Arizona 19 - Central Michigan 6 (pick: Central Michigan 23-21)

Central Michigan frequently faces off against Big 11 opponents so there was no "awe" factor in traveling to Tucson to play the Wildcats. Head coach Mike Stoops waited until game time to name Matt Scott the starting quarterback and he responded with 202 yards passing and 83 yards on the ground.

Arizona State 50 - Idaho State 3 (pick: Arizona State 37-7)

Just make that out to "Idaho State Athletics", please and we will be on our way.

California 52 - Maryland 13 (pick: California 47-17)

This was the game Oregon should have played in Boise. The Bears have been smarting ever since Maryland stunned them last year 35-27. Kevin Riley was sharp and the Bears were focused on correcting that result and the Bears controlled the game on both sides of the ball. If Tedford gets consistent play from Riley, the Bears will live up to their preseason clippings this year.

LSU 31 -Washington 23 (pick: LSU 40-14)

Perhaps the most surprising result of the weekend. After a winless campaign in 2008, a coaching change and a short recruiting effort not much can be expected from the Huskies in the near term. Clearly the return of Jake Locker improves the team by an order of magnitude, but it was still somewhat surprising to see the Huskies standing toe-to-toe with a vaunted SEC foe.

Saturday, Sept 12

Stanford at Wake Forest

This could be a very dangerous game for the Cardinal. On just the X's and O's of it, Stanford should be able to control the ball and grind out a comfortable win. If turnovers crop up the Deacons could steal a win that Stanford really needs if they are serious about making a bowl game this season. We'll play the favorite - Stanford 29-17.

Idaho at Washington

Just imagine the party scene this weekend on Montlake!! I hope they have an extra set of goalposts.. Huskies 35 - Spuds 10

UCLA at Tennessee

Still one of the biggest mysteries of last year was how the Bruins pulled off that upset of Tennessee. UCLA's Kevin Craft and head coach Rick Neuheisal were a running sideline drama as the kid kept throwing the ball to the Volunteers instead of the guys on his team. After UCLA won it at the buzzer one could only shake one's head and wonder how in the heck did that happen? There won't be a repeat this season. Tennessee, much like California above - has serious payback on their minds this year. Not that Tennessee is near the SEC powerhouse of a decade ago, but they are better than the Bruins - 34-13

Eastern Washington at California

Fans better buy a game program for this one. EVERYONE gets to play. California 67-6

Hawaii at Washington State

With this game set for Qwest Field, those party animal Cougs will get to celebrate side by side with their Husky brethren. WSU 27-Hawaii 21.

USC at Ohio State

Same old story, same old song and dance. The Pac-10/Big 11 mismatch continues. SC by three touchdowns. 35-14

Northern Arizona at Arizona

Do you think that high powered Mike Stoops offense can put 20 points on the board this week against the Lumberjacks? Yeah, but only barely. Arizona 21- 13.

Purdue at Oregon

Obviously a complete reversal of fortunes is in order for Oregon. The first game at Autzen will jump start the offense and Oregon's defense could be really really good this season. Oregon 38-17.

Oregon State at UNLV