Oregon fans will be pinching themselves all over if California and Arizona can come up with wins this week. And along with the Cal-UCLA and Arizona-Washington games, one of the most storied rivalries returns to South Bend when USC takes on Notre Dame.

Arizona (3-3 overall,

(4-1, 2-1)
After UCLA handed the Huskies their first loss of the season last Saturday, Washington will be looking to get back on track this week against a struggling Arizona squad.
“We need to fix what broke against UCLA,” Washington head coach Rick Neuheisel said. “Most important to me is that we gather our confidence, bring back our swagger, and see if we can’t continue to improve and make this season a great one.”
The Huskies’ quarterback tandem of Cody Pickett and Taylor Barton are both nursing injuries, and it is questionable which one, if either, will play.
Even with Washington’s quarterback troubles, Arizona will have a tough time snapping its current eight-game Pac-10 Conference losing streak.
Arizona head coach John Mackovic has not given up on the season, though.
“We have a lot of work to do, and I still believe that we can get to a bowl game,” he said. “But we have to win three out of the last five games against good teams.”
After Washington, Arizona faces USC, Cal, Stanford and Arizona State.

California (0-5, 0-3)

at No. 4 UCLA (5-0, 2-0)
Expect this game to be quite a one-sided affair, because this contest pits the worst scoring defense in the Pac-10 against the fifth-ranked scoring defense in the country. Cal has given up 218 points, while UCLA has allowed only 60.
Cal’s trend of allowing opponents to score will also continue because of UCLA’s tailback and Heisman Trophy hopeful DeShaun Foster. In the Bruins’ win over Washington last Saturday, Foster ran for a school record of 301 yards. He is leading the nation in rushing yards per game with 162.6.
The Bruins’ quarterback, Cory Paus, is approaching the Pac-10 record in passes thrown without an interception. His mark of 173 consecutive throws is 43 away from USC’s Brad Otten (1994-95).
This game marks Tom Holmoe’s 50th game as Cal’s head coach and he knows that it is going to be a tough win to acquire.
“They’re experienced; they don’t make mistakes; they play hard; and they’re talented,” Holmoe said.

Southern California

(2-3 overall)
The 73rd meeting between Southern California and the legendary Notre Dame will be a dandy.
The Fighting Irish lost their first three games of the season to Nebraska, Michigan State and Texas A&M, but have rallied with two straight wins against Pittsburgh and West Virginia.
Notre Dame’s head coach Bob Davie is fully aware of the rivalry and may also be aware that his job is on thin ice.
“This, to me, is the best game and the biggest game that I’ve been involved with in my coaching career,” he said. “I think the Notre Dame-USC game is something that everyone looks forward to the challenge of being in.”
As is true for most Notre Dame football teams, this year’s Irish focus on defense and the running game. Tailbacks Julius Jones and Tony Fisher combine in the backfield for the Irish and are accompanied by quarterback Carlyle Holiday, who is averaging 126 yards rushing on 19 carries over the last two games.