Thu, September 2
#14 USC @ Hawaii
With sanctions and all, SC is headed for a fall - but not quite this quickly. All eyes will be on the conference's only new head coach Lane Kiffin and he gets off on the right foot - for the moment. Trojans 34-10.
Fri, September 3
Arizona @ Toledo
The Wildcats are expected to contend for the Pac-10 crown but new coordinators for offensive, defense and special teams means nobody is on the same page - yet. In recent years the Rockets may have had more of a chance for the upset but Arizona QB Nick Foles will guide the Wildcats to a 27-13 opening win.
Sat, September 4
UCLA @ Kansas State
The Bruins can't get out of camp soon enough - seemingly every day has been a downward spiral of injuries and other distractions. No solid decision by Rick Neuheisal on a qb, no answers at running back, injuries decimate the offensive line - gee how much worse can it get once the games start? Well, for one, you get tagged with your first loss.. KState 24-14
New Mexico @ #11 Oregon
Darron's debut. Sortof . we all know he played as a frosh against Boise State - but this is one we really meant. It could be dazzling - but let's just hope for solid. Too much defense and the offensive line will steamroll and Thomas gets a comfortable 33-6 initiation.
UC Davis @ California
The Bears could be sleeper this year - Tedford's due to spring one on the conference. Quarterback Kevin Riley has been an anchor around his neck the past two seasons but Riley wouldn't be the first Pac-10 qb to jumpstart a team and his career in his senior season. The Bears do have other questions - it won't be UC Davis who prompts those answers. The Tedfords 44 - The UCD's 13
Sacramento State @ Stanford
A trendy pick to contend for the title, the Cardinal have too many questions on defense for me to take the bait. But as above, those answers won't be provided by Sacramento State. Hammerin' Harbaughs 42-17
Washington State @ Oklahoma State
If there were any justice another long year on the Palouse wouldn't start with a long trip to Stillwater to get thumped 35-13. It can only get better from there, right?
Washington @ Brigham Young
A couple seasons back, Jake Locker tossed an upset of the Cougars into the air, so this one has been on his calendar for while. He is repaid with a 27-23 win in Provo. As for Locker's preseason publicity blitz and the Huskies prospects in 2010??? See Kevin Riley above.
#24 Oregon State vs. #6 TCU
Not a single reason can come to mind for the Beavers to win this one. It's in TCU's backyard, the Horned Frogs are loaded on both sides of the ball and nagging questions about the OSU's defense won't let you take the points. Frogs 31-14
Portland State @ Arizona State
Keeping company with Coug's is how most see Dennis Erickson spending his 2010 season. He will start the year with a 35-10 win, but it is still probably true.
