Washington State at Stanford (2 p.m.)
Stanford has had some impressive wins this season over Oregon State and, most recently, Arizona. The Cardinal seems to be hit or miss every week, which is the true role of a middle-of-the-pack team. Running back Toby Gerhart continues to be successful, as he closes in on 800 yards for the season along with his team-leading nine touchdowns. He faces a defense that allows over 48 points a game, so look for him to have a bigger game than two weeks ago, when he scored two touchdowns on 138 yards rushing against UCLA in a losing effort. Washington State has yet to find the ability to consistently get the ball to its playmaker, Brandon Gibson, who has just one 100-plus yard game this season. If the Cougars can get him the ball, it may result in something other than a blowout loss, something they have only been able to avoid once this season in their win over Portland State. Kevin Lopina should be starting at quarterback again this week, and if he struggles again we may see Peter Roberts, the quarterback the team picked up in a campus-wide tryout a couple of weeks ago.
Key Stat: The Cougars have a third down conversion rate of 26.7 percent, the worst in the Pac-10.
Washington at No. 7 USC (3:30 p.m.)
Did anyone see the score or comments on the USC vs. Washington State game last week? Expect more of the same this week. Everyone on the Trojan roster should end up playing in this game, as it should be a melee by halftime. The Huskies are still searching for their first win, but heading to the Coliseum will make it tough. The Huskies will start off the new era of football with the most difficult game of the season after firing head coach Tyrone Willingham, effective at the end of the season. The Trojan defense has been stellar, keeping USC in the hunt for the national title. The offense still has some kinks to work out if it wants to be seen on the national stage in this year’s championship game. It will take losses from No. 1 Texas, No. 3 Penn State and No. 2 Alabama, but it is not such a tall order. Texas plays at No. 6 Texas Tech this week, Alabama will face No. 15 LSU in two weeks, and Penn State matches up with No. 22 Michigan State in its final game of the season. USC still has a chance, but unlike years past, its fate will not rest solely in its hands.
Key Stat: Running back Joe McKnight has yet to score a rushing touchdown this season.
Arizona State at Oregon State (7:15 p.m.)
Arizona State will have to come off a hangover-type game in order to compete in this one. After getting stomped by Oregon last week, ASU needs to figure out how to protect the quarterback. Oregon State, on the other hand, could very well be ranked with a win this week, as the Beavers have been playing strong all over. The offensive line has left gaping holes for freshman Jacquizz Rodgers, allowing him to rush for 812 yards and nine touchdowns. Look for him to have a day similar to the one Jeremiah Johnson and LeGarrette Blount had last week, combining for 116 yards and 4 touchdowns on 17 carries.
Key Stat: Carpenter was replaced in the fourth quarter of last week’s game. Will he start this week?
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