A 6-3 round with the picks for week two puts the tally so far at 13-5. A wide ranging slate of games awaits this Saturday. But first, as always, a review of last week's contests.
Wake Forest 24 - Stanford 17 (pick: Stanford 29-17)
Too many times to count over the past few seasons Stanford has been beaten by a team that had no business winning the game. Frequently in those losses the Farmers have enjoyed at some point a substantial lead or held the lead late. They did it again in Winston-Salem. Until the Trees stop getting beat once or twice a season by mediocre teams and losing those games in the way that they do, it's really difficult to see this as a program on the rise.
Washington 42 - Idaho 23 (pick: Huskies 35-10)
The plus is obviously the end to your 15-game losing streak. The minus is giving up 23 points to a doormat Div-II football team. The Huskies do have enough of the pieces on the offensive side of the ball to get on the scoreboard, but they will have a harder time of it keeping the opposition off the scoreboard.
UCLA 19 - Tennessee 15 (pick: UCLA- 34-13)
You do have to give UCLA credit for this win, it was a big boost to the Pac-10. Not that the Volunteers are a good football team, they are not. Neither are the Bruins but give them this, for the second time in as many years, they knocked of a SEC team that was perceived to be "better" than most of the teams in the Pac-10. That UCLA will finish six or seventh both of those seasons seems to be lost on the fans of the SEC.
California 59 - Eastern Washington 27 (pick: California 67-6)
Jeff Tedford's offense is hitting on all cylinders early although neither Maryland nor Eastern Washington were expected to offer much resistance. Minniesota isn't much better, so the Ducks will be the first true test for the Bears.
Hawaii 38 - Washington State 20 (pick: WSU 27-21)
Can the Cougs really be this bad? The only answer possible is that yes, the Cougs are really that bad. This isn't even a good Hawaii team. And they manhandled the Wazzo's.
USC 18 - Ohio State 15 (pick: USC 35-14)
Freshman quarterback Matt Barkley didn't disappoint, leading the Trojans to the victory in the games last minutes. The point that was made with some of the other match-ups may be applicable here as well, however. This isn't a world beater Buckeye team and they very likely should have won this game. USC did what they needed to do to win, but they certainly didn't seize control of this game as they have often done in prior seasons. Perhaps the Trojans are coming back to the pack a bit this year.
Arizona 34 - Northern Arizona 17 (pick: Arizona 21- 13)
Pretty much a meaningless win for Stoops and Co. and on neither side of the ball did the Wildcats distinguish themselves. While 2-0 on the season, it is hard to imagine that this team will be able to consistently win football games in the conference.
Oregon 38 - Purdue 36 (pick: Oregon 38-17)
A gutty performance by Oregon's defense even if the points allowed number is higher than expected. Purdue showed multiple sets and their talented players played well. Oregon's offense did come to life in the second half and many of the young players did contribute meaningfully to that result. Putting Boise State and all the attendant trappings one week further back in the rear view mirror will help the Ducks immensely as well.
Oregon State 23 - UNLV 21 (pick: OS 31-13)
Saved by a last minute field goal, the Beavers are beginning to show a few cracks in the armor. Offensively the Bennys are limited to the Rodger brothers and this in no way trivializes the talent that pair brings to the field. But that is all the Beavers have and other options don't seem to be materializing. Defensively the team is suspect as well.
Saturday, September 19
California at Minnesota
The Golden Bears really look to be a serious threat to the Pac-10 crown this season and the Golden Gophers are likely to enhance that perception. The Bears will cruise 45-14.
USC at Washington
Party is over on the shores of Lake Washington. This will be something of a grudge match for Pete Carroll and the Trojans and on both sides of the ball USC will hold significant advantages in talent and experience. USC 38-10
Utah at Oregon
This could well become the benchmark game of the season ahead for each of these teams. Utah returns several of the players from last year's 13-0, Sugar Bowl championship team the Utes will see this as their opportunity to extend their claim to BCS aspirations. If those aspirations weren't dashed opening weekend in Boise, the Ducks need to come away with a quality win to set the stage for the following week's visit by California and the rest of the Pac-10 schedule. Home field advantage will pay off, Oregon 37-28.
Arizona at Iowa
The Hawkeyes haven't been a true contender in the Big-11 for several seasons now and this year isn't going to be any different. Iowa is a very middle of the pack team in a conference that can't seem to beat a team from the Pac-10. Mike Stoops and Arizona aren't going to be able to take advantage of that opportunity however, Hawkeyes 27-13.
Southern Methodist at Washington State
June Jones has built quite a reputation as an offensive coach, his Hawaii team scored points like a pinball machine. Do you think they think they will be lighting up the Cougars this weekend? So do I. SMU 38-WSU 10
Cincinnati at Oregon State
Tough game for the Beavers, one of those no-win situations - if they win, it will be said the Big East doesn't belong on the same field with a Pac-10 team. If they lose. well. you can just imagine. Imagine this. Bearcats 33- OS 17.
San Jose State at Stanford
The Cardinal is the much better football team and after last week's disappointing performance at Wake Forest, one would assume that Stanford will want to make emphatic amends. Let's call it 32-10 for the Farm boys.
Louisiana-Monroe at Arizona State
The biggest surprise here is that Florida, Alabama and Georgia haven't locked up Louisiana-Monroe's non-conference schedule for the next 10 years. Sun Devils won't have any trouble, 45-10.
Kansas State at UCLA
3-0 and heading into Pac-10 play is probably better than UCLA deserves but Kansas State isn't likely to be able to do anything about it. The Wildcat offense is mostly inept and although the Bruin's offense isn't a juggernaut, they will only need to score 10 to win. Being charitable, let's call it UCLA 17-9.
