California at No. 23 Oregon State (12:30 p.m. ABC)
Think back to last year, when Oregon State traveled to Berkeley, Calif., to face the No. 2 Golden Bears. Down three points with just a minute and 27 seconds to play, quarterback Kevin Riley drove the desperate Bears down the field to OSU’s 12-yard line. They had no timeouts, and with 14 seconds left on the clock, Riley was sacked, leaving no time for a field goal. Fast-forward to the here and now, where each team has a record of 6-3. The Beavers have not lost at home yet this season, but in the past four years between these two teams, the away team has won each time. This season, the Bears have won just one game on the road, where they demolished Washington State 66-3 – but is that really an impressive score against a team whose lone win is against Portland State? The Bears are fresh off a loss at the L.A. Coliseum against No. 6 USC, a game in which they only managed to put up three points. Cal has a stout run defense led by linebacker Zack Follett, whose main goal is to slow freshman sensation Jacquizz Rodgers. Look for OSU to end the streak between these two teams by winning yet another conference game, with Lyle Moevao being the greatest factor in the game and protecting the ball against the take-away happy Cal defense.
Key Stat: Jacquizz Rodgers now holds the record for all-time rushing yards by a freshman in the Pac-10.
Washington State at Arizona State (2:30 p.m.)
If Arizona State wants to make a bowl game this year, it will have to, at the very least, win out. This week, the Sun Devils host Washington State, a game that for most is considered a “gimme.” With the way the Sun Devils have been playing this year, however, nothing is ever certain. They have had inconsistencies along the offensive line, allowing 25 sacks this season. The running game has been decent, averaging just fewer than 100 yards a contest. With Rudy Carpenter’s time as a college quarterback dwindling down, and only a small chance of the Sun Devils finding their way to a bowl game, ASU head coach Dennis Erickson may begin to think about the future, meaning backup quarterback Danny Sullivan may start to get more looks.
Washington State, on the other hand, is a young team. The Cougars will continue to build up their team, giving the young guns as much playing time as possible. It is uncertain what their plans are for the quarterback position, with junior Kevin Lopina not really impressing and little competition at the position. Look for this to be a yawner game that ASU should win.
Key Stat: ASU’s Michael Jones had career-highs last week with 11 receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns.
No. 6 USC at Stanford (4 p.m.)
Stanford, a team that was supposed to surprise the nation this season with its gritty defense, has done nothing but fall short of expectations. The Cardinal were supposed to have a linebacking core that mirrored USC’s. They allowed over 300 yards on the ground last week in their loss to Oregon, something that won’t fly this week against the No.6 Trojans. USC, a squad that averages over 200 yards rushing a game, will decimate Stanford if the Cardinal cannot tighten up their defense. USC has far too many options out of the backfield, all of whom can go off for big gains. The top three rushers, all with over 400 yards on the ground and averaging over five yards a carry each, should be able to keep the chains moving and the clock running. This is the game the Trojans need to get their offensive kinks out as they make their bid for a top bowl game. Look for USC quarterback Mark Sanchez to control the clock with short passes and a strong rushing attack. This should be an easy game for USC if it controls the ground.
Key Stat: Stanford has not lost a home game this season.
UCLA at Washington (7:15 p.m.)
Neither team is heading to a bowl game, so it is time for both teams to see what next season may hold by playing youngsters. Of course, it’s also a game about the return of former UW coach Rick Neuheisel, now in his first year as UCLA’s head coach. UCLA quarterback Kevin Craft may be the starter next year, but Kahlil Bell will be gone after this season, meaning freshman running back Derrick Coleman may be getting more carries. Washington, on the other hand, needs a win for its new coach, as well as for its own morale. Is there anything tougher than going into an offseason winless? Sure, Jake Locker, the face of the team was injured, and the offensive line is young, but it’s about time the Huskies put complaints aside and won – and this could be the game. They have the means, with Ronnie Fouch playing well in the absence of Locker, and young receivers starting to find their stride. The Huskies are playing at home with a crowd of true fans, against a vulnerable team that has glaring weaknesses in the secondary. Look for lots of up-field passing, draw plays and seven-step drop backs from Fouch. If the Huskies don’t win this week, in-state rival Washington State could be their last chance for a win, as a final game with Cal looms.
Key Stat: Washington is averaging just over 14 points a game this season.
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