For one half in the grueling Tempe, Ariz., heat, the Arizona State Sun Devils looked like the best team in the Pacific-10 Conference.
Leading 21-3 at halftime, Sam Keller, Terry Richardson, Derek Hagan and a host of others had the No. 1 USC Trojans and its 25 game win streak on the ropes.
Instead, as they did a week prior against Oregon at Autzen Stadium, the mighty Trojans rallied to overtake the Sun Devils, winning 38-28.
And, as crazy as it may sound, I’d like Oregon’s chances in Tempe Saturday against Arizona State had the Sun Devils held off USC’s comeback and pulled off the improbable.
Why would I prefer Arizona State to knock off college football’s biggest and best dynasty a week prior to playing Oregon?
It’s not because I’ve lost my mind; it’s because emotional letdowns are a huge part of the roller coaster that is college football from week to week.
Case-in-point: The 2003 season for the Oregon Ducks.
After taking down a heralded No. 3 Michigan team and gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated, Oregon dropped the ball, literally, against Washington State a week later, losing 55-16 to the Cougs.
Laying an egg, screwing the pooch, the SI jinx – you’ve heard them all.
We’ve witnessed emotional letdowns already this season around the country.
Notre Dame went into Ann Arbor, Mich., and shocked the Big House by upsetting then No. 10 Michigan 17-10, only to return home to lay an egg against Michigan State at home, losing 44-41 in overtime.
Speaking of Michigan State, after impressive victories over Notre Dame and Illinois on the road, the Spartans returned home and lost to rival Michigan 34-31 in overtime.
How’s this relate to Oregon’s upcoming trip to Arizona State?
Well, had the Sun Devils defeated the Trojans, chances are they’d be eyeing a BCS Bowl and the Pac-10 Championship. Instead, all their focus is squarely on the Ducks and improving to 2-1 in the Pac-10 standings.
Plus, the last thing Oregon needs is a hungry Arizona State team looking to avenge a loss.
Case-in-point: After its first loss this season, a 35-31 heartbreaker to LSU, Arizona State went on a tear, posting 94 points and 1,248 yards of total offense in its next two games – wins against Northwestern and Oregon State.
Factor in that Keller is looking to make amends for his five interception performance against USC, and things do not bode well for the Ducks’ defense and its suspect secondary.
Let’s just hope, for Oregon’s sake, that history does not repeat itself.

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