No. 21 Oregon State at Arizona, 4 p.m. Versus
This will be a big test for Oregon State: Can it win on the road against a team that plays excellently at home? The Rose Bowl is in its sights with USC breathing down its neck. The Beavers have the talent to win out, but the big question is whether or not they will play to their potential under such pressure. There is no doubt that Lyle Moevao has been a great game manager, realizing he does not need to put the team on his shoulders as he has in years past. Freshman sensation Jacquizz Rodgers has been huge for the Beavers, rushing for 1,233 yards and adding 244 yards through the air to go along with his 12 total touchdowns. The defense has also played well, allowing fewer than 22 points a game this season. Arizona has a very similar mold to that of Oregon State as its defense holds opponents to about the same amount of points. It has a strong running game led by Nic Grigsby along with a quarterback who manages the game well in Willie Tuitama. This will be a close game that comes down to the finish, but the team that has the least amount of turnovers will win.
Key Stat: Oregon State has won eight of the last nine games between the two teams.
Washington at Washington State, noon, FSN
As hard as it may be to believe, one of these teams will come out of this weekend with a win against someone in a major football conference. Neither team has been able to get much going this season, with injuries and coaching changes. Washington is considered the better team in this match-up, but Washington State is the favorite to win. Husky quarterback Jake Locker may play this game, regardless of whether he is able to throw. If he can’t but still plays, expect to see him playing some cornerback on defense. The Cougars have yet to get a running back over 400 yards rushing this season, but that should change this week as Dwight Tardy, with 353 yards this season, will be able to run on Washington’s defense. Both teams have problems on the offensive and defensive lines, so this could be a very sloppy game. The Apple Cup will be decided by whichever team is able to overcome its woes. With Washington winless on the season, expect it to come out playing extra hard.
Key Stat: The only win of these two teams is Washington State beating Portland State.
Stanford at California, 12:30 p.m., ABC
Stanford is just 1-5 on the road this season, but will not need to travel far to play this week’s opponent. The Cardinal will play with some extra passion against the Bears; this is a game that is not only nationally televised but also will dictate whether or not the Cardinal becomes bowl-eligible (it is 5-6 and needs six wins). Stanford will ride the two-headed monster backfield of Toby Gerhart and Anthony Kimble,Proxy-Connection: keep-alive
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ho have combined for 21 touchdowns and more than 1,900 yards from scrimmage. California has a similar situation in its backfield, with Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen combining for 10 touchdowns. Look for the defense of each team to set the tone and dictate the outcome of the game. This game should go Cal’s way, but look for it to be a battle.
Key Stat: California’s offense is averaging 31.5 points a game.