No. 6 USC at Arizona (7:15 p.m.)
This could very well be the most exciting game of the week. Arizona has been solid this season, but has only faced one ranked team with then-No. 25 California last week. Although the Wildcats got off to a slow start, Willie Tuitama was able to find his play makers, namely freshman running back Keola Antolin, who rushed for 149 yards. Everything seemed to click in the second half, as Arizona scored four touchdowns in less than 12 minutes during the third quarter last week against Cal, taking the lead and eventually taking the game with an interception returned for a touchdown by cornerback Devin Ross. No. 6 USC, on the other hand, has played angrily since losing to Oregon State, outscoring opponents 141-10.
The Trojans played Washington State last week in a blowout, where they won 69-0 while playing most of their starters for the first half alone. Pete Carroll claims he tried to keep the score down, and it is evident with the USC offense running out the clock at the 10 yard line at the end of the first half, as well as its one pass attempt in the second half. This week looks to be more competitive, but USC should run away with it.
Key Stat: USC has beaten Arizona the last six times they have met.
UCLA at California (12:30 p.m. ABC)
Although UCLA running back Kahlil Bell is the top offensive option with five touchdowns on 71 carries this season, he is averaging a mere 2.6 yards per carry and 37.4 yards per game. Last week, Arizona Wildcats running back Keola Antolin racked up 149 rushing yards against California’s defense. Bell will look to emulate Antolin’s success with the Bruins’ game this week against the Golden Bears, who lead the Pacific-10 in turnover margin.
UCLA quarterback Kevin Craft was about to be pulled against Stanford until he led the Bruins to a short field goal at the end of the first half and eventually to a victory over the Stanford Cardinal. He has been inconsistent, however, so look for a quick replacement if he has a slow start. Cal has also suffered from inconsistency at quarterback, where neither Nate Longshore nor Kevin Riley has been able to prove himself as a legitimate starter. It is unknown who will start this week, or whether or not they will split time, but someone will need to step up if they want to avoid a repeat of last season, when Cal dropped from No. 2 in the country to 7-6 for the season. The Golden Bears still have to face conference rivals Oregon, USC and Oregon State, who could possibly make it to the Rose Bowl if they win out in the coming weeks.
Key Stat: Cal’s defense has 11 interceptions on the season with six games remaining. Last year, the team ended the season with 10.
Notre Dame at Washington (5 p.m. ESPN2)
Washington has yet to win a game this season, and with a less than favorable schedule remaining, the Huskies could end it that way. Notre Dame is fresh off a bye week following the loss to then-No. 22 North Carolina. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen has had a solid season, throwing for 1,631 yards, 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His team has beaten some quality squads, including Michigan and Purdue. Sophomore wide receiver Golden Tate has been a main target for the Fighting Irish offense, hauling in 28 receptions for 518 yards and four touchdowns. Armando Allen and Robert Hughes will split carries at running back. The combo has gained a combined 492 yards and four touchdowns. They are 4-2 overall, allowing 21 points or less in all four of the teams wins.
Washington was less than stellar before its star quarterback went down with an injury, but Ronnie Fouch has played decently in his absence. He has thrown for 782 yards this season, along with three touchdowns and four interceptions. Notre Dame should not have a problem winning this game. The question here is whether or not they will play down to their competition, and allow the Huskies to contend.
Key Stat: The Huskies lead the Pac-10 in third down conversions, succeeding on 49.5 percent of their tries.
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