TrojanWire - UCLA

What to watch in the Pac-10

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:06:32 -0800

With four teams still legitimately contending for the Pac-10 title, there are plenty of reasons to watch.

1. Will Foles bounce back after struggling at Cal? Arizona sophomore quarterback Nick Foles wasn't terrible at California last week, but he wasn't as good as he has been -- read: really good -- running the Wildcats offense since he took over the starting job, and his surprising decision to try to throw the ball a second time after a deflection was sort of, well, not smart. He admitted that the loss and his performance -- and that odd play -- stuck with him for a bit. So how does he respond against a fast, aggressive Oregon defense? Does he bounce back or does he again struggle?

2. Toby Gerhart vs. the Cal run defense. Since giving up over 400 yards rushing against Oregon and USC, Cal's run defense has been stout, holding both Oregon State and Arizona -- good rushing teams -- under 100 yards. But Stanford's rushing attack is a whole different challenge. There's no finesse. It's just a physical offensive line, a physical fullback and a physical Gerhart, who's trying to earn himself an invitation to the Heisman Trophy ceremony. If the Bears can't at least slow Gerhart, it could be a long afternoon.

3. Will Samson topple the pillars of UCLA bowl hopes? UCLA needs one more win to become bowl eligible, and a home game vs. Arizona State seems a better chance to pick up that win than a visit to an angry USC team coming off a bye week. The Sun Devils' quarterback situation is unclear, but it appears sophomore Samson Szakacsy is likely to make his first career start. The Sun Devils need to win their final two games to become bowl eligible. Will Szakacsy's mobility -- he will be as fast as anyone on the field -- add a wrinkle for a struggling ASU offense?

4. Does Washington State have any chance? The obvious conclusion is Washington State has no chance against Oregon State. The Cougars are bad and they are beaten up. But everyone knows that monumental upsets happen every year in college football. If the Beavers think they can just yawn their way through Pullman, they might get taught a lesson about playing one game at a time and taking every opponent seriously.

5. Will the Wildcats defense approximate the first half or the second half of 2008 vs. the Ducks? Oregon scored 45 points in the first half of last year's game with Arizona. And the Ducks scored only 10 points in the second half as the Wildcats came roaring back. The word in Tucson was the Wildcats came out unfocused and didn't do their assignments in the first half, but that changed for the better in the second half. The Arizona defense probably won't start slowly playing at home. Or will it?

6. Kevin Riley's big chance: The Cal quarterback has been mostly solid this year but he still doesn't have that breakthrough moment. The junior could create a lot of momentum for the Bears if he turned in a sharp afternoon in the Big Game against a hot Stanford squad. A win would bolster the Bears' bowl positioning and probably would get them back into the national rankings. It also would bode well for 2010.

7. UCLA's O-line vs. Arizona State's D-line: UCLA's offensive line, a huge question entering the season, has played well of late. But Washington and Washington State can make an O-line look good. Arizona State's D-line is as good as any in the Pac-10. The Sun Devils rank 21st in the nation against the run. The Bruins will seek balance and try not to put the entire weight of the offense on quarterback Kevin Prince. The Sun Devils will want to achieve the opposite.

8. Big numbers for Rodgers and Canfield: Assuming that Oregon State is going to pound Washington State early and often, a big question will be how long Beavers coach Mike Riley plays quarterback Sean Canfield and running back Jacquizz Rodgers. Both are candidates for All-Pac-10 honors and maybe more. The Cougars defense will offer a good chance to pad some stats. Not Riley's style exactly, but those postseason honors are valuable to programs.

Who's going to win? Week 11 Pac-10 picks

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:13:48 -0800

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

Went 4-1 last week -- if I could only pick Oregon games! -- and the season record stands at 43-15. And, as a few of you have generously noted, I'm on a bit of a run here -- 16-2 to be exact.

A couple of these games, however, gave me pause.

Stanford 33, USC 30: The Trojans have won 47 of 48 at home in the Coliseum, but the home loss that preceded that run and the defeat that interrupted its perfection both came vs. Stanford. That's just a quirky detail, though. What matters most is Stanford is hot, USC is not. And the Trojans are banged up. After seven years, there will be a new Pac-10 champion. Unless I'm wrong here. Which, you know, is possible.

Arizona 35, California 24: Bears will show some fight but, Arizona is rested and has been consistent on both sides of the ball throughout the season.

Oregon 40, Arizona State 17: The Sun Devils have issues on both sides of the ball -- a true freshman quarterback, a secondary thin on personnel -- and Oregon figures to be plenty motivated to right itself after the tough loss at Stanford. The Ducks defense, in particular, should be eager to bounce back.

Oregon State 41, Washington 24: The Beavers are surging, the Huskies are sagging. Sean Canfield and the Rodgers brothers should be in for a big day against the Washington defense.

UCLA 27, Washington State 14: It probably won't be pretty, but the Bruins will even their record at 5-5 and will set themselves up to become bowl eligible if they can beat either Arizona State at home or USC on the road over the final two games.

What to watch in the Pac-10

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:06:11 -0800

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

To paraphrase a great philosopher and renaissance man, Ric Flair, "This ain't no garden party, brother, this is the Pac-10, where only the strongest survive. Wooooooo!"

Folks, the screws are tightening.

1. Does USC's Pac-10 run end Saturday? It's fairly simple. If Stanford wins at USC, it's likely one of the great runs in the history of college football -- the Trojans' seven years atop the Pac-10 -- will come to an end. If the Trojans win, however, they head into a bye week when they can get healthy and rested and then fix their eyeballs on a conference race that remains within reach. Quick trivia question: How many Top-25 teams other than USC have played six of their last eight games on the road?

2. Will California be flat or inspired by Jahvid Best's absence? Arizona has a lot to play for at Cal. The Bears? Hard to say. It will be interesting to see which team shows up. The Bears have looked good at times this year. And very bad. Best, who suffered a concussion last weekend against Oregon State, was once a leading Heisman Trophy candidate. Now his season is likely over. Cal, which has clearly underperformed this fall, might come out yawning, a team just playing out the string. Or it might come out more focused than ever after learning how one unlucky moment could take the game away for good.

3. How will true ASU freshman QB Brock Osweiler respond to Autzen Stadium? Alright kid, go get 'em! What? Go get 'em! What? Osweiler will make his first career start in one of the nation's loudest and toughest venues against an extremely fast defense that was humbled last weekend at Stanford and will be plenty motivated for redemption. Osweiler, by the way, won't have Toby Gerhart or the Cardinal's smart, physical offensive line to help either. Good luck, though. What? The Pac-10 blog said good luck! What?

4. Sean Canfield vs. the Washington secondary: Canfield has been playing as well as any quarterback in the conference of late -- and that's saying something because a lot of quarterbacks are playing well. The Huskies' secondary has struggled throughout the season. It ranks ninth in the conference and 110th in the nation in pass efficiency defense. The idea of Canfield and his quick release dumping the ball to either of the Rodgers brothers in space has to keep Huskies defensive coordinator Nick Holt up at night. His secondary just doesn't have the speed to match up.

5. Might Pullman put a chill in UCLA? Good news for UCLA: It doesn't appear the Bruins will encounter a real mid-November day in Pullman. Reports say it may snow on Friday but it will be partly cloudy and pleasant -- mid-30s -- on Saturday. If the Cougars are to pull the upset, they need all the help they can get, and snow and cold might be a boon against the visitors from sunny southern California. Of course, the weather is often unpredictable. Maybe that snow will start Friday and keep coming?

6. Luck & Gerhart challenge the USC D: After piling up 505 yards against an Oregon defense that mostly shut down USC, Stanford will face those Trojans with a physical, balanced offense that can attack a defense by land (Gerhart) or by air (Andrew Luck). Whether the blame falls on youth or injuries, USC's defense has not been itself since the fourth quarter of the Notre Dame game on Oct. 17. Considering Stanford has scored 84 points the past two games against two of the nation's better defenses, this could be a humbling afternoon for the Trojans. Or it could be a turning point.

7. Will Nick Foles pick apart the Cal secondary? Before the season, Arizona had questions at quarterback, and California, with four starters returning, had one of the best secondaries in the nation. Now, the Wildcats have Foles, a sophomore who is completing 71.4 percent of his passes, and the Bears rank 93rd in the nation in pass efficiency defense. Go figure. Foles' quick release -- the Wildcats have surrendered only four sacks all season -- and accuracy will stress the Bears.

8. Jake Locker is due a big performance: Locker has been spectacular for Washington at times this year. Not so great at others. He's banged up. And his team has lost five of six. But there are reasons Pac-10 coaches fear Locker and the NFL covets him -- he's a great talent with superior playmaking ability. Washington can't win if he doesn't play well. It sometimes can't even if he does. But if he puts together a special game, the Huskies could pull the upset.

9. Oregon's O vs. Arizona State's D: The Sun Devils are suddenly hurting in the secondary, but they have been consistently tough on defense all season, particularly against the run where they rank sixth in the nation (87.4 yards per game). Oregon, of course, is one of the nation's best running teams (233.56 yards per game). It will be interesting to see who blinks in this strength-on-strength battle, or if the Ducks just try to attack through the air, sensing that's where Arizona State will be most vulnerable.

10. Will Matt Barkley's slide end vs. Stanford's defense? A few weeks ago, Barkley was running the USC offense with aplomb and was the toast of college football. But his last six quarters -- the second half at Oregon plus the visit to Arizona State -- haven't been sharp. It doesn't help that his two favorite targets, tight end Anthony McCoy and receiver Damian Williams, may not be available Saturday. But he's coming home, which should help, and it's hard to believe that he won't be eager to prove that his recent slump was just a momentary blip on his path toward becoming a superstar quarterback.

The Skinny: At Least This Year, The Trojans Are Running With The Pac

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:14:12 -0800

For the first time since the middle of the 2002 season, the separation (at least this year) between USC and the Pac-10 is not evident. The Trojans 14-9 victory over Arizona Sate was a clear indication that USC looks like any other solid Pac-10 team and they are fortunate to finish with 3 straight home games.

The Trojans will need to play well in all phases to successfully defend the Coliseum turf against 3 tough opponents (Stanford and Arizona are ranked and in the Rose Bowl race and you have the crosstown rivalry with UCLA). If they are able to win the final three, another trip to Pasadena is still very much alive. If they struggle, a match-up with Oklahoma in the Sun Bowl is easily be in the cards.

The Pac-10 is extremely strong this year and any 1 of 5 teams would represent the conference very well against a top 15 team on a neutral field. This type of quality is why a team with two losses in conference could play in the Rose Bowl.

Notes and Analysis for the Water Cooler and IM Chats:

Barkley in a slump: Matt Barkley was 7-22 for 122 yards against Arizona State. If you take away the short pass to Damian Williams that was turned into a 75 yard touchdown, Barkley was 6-21 for 37 yards. In the second half against Oregon, he was 5-16 for 49 yards. Did Raider quarterback Jamarcus Russell take over for the Trojans?
Hopefully the offensive coaches are doing some self scouting to help Barkley make adjustments to his tendencies. Opposing defensive coaches have enough film on Barkley to truly dissect his game and it is showing. Arizona State has a great defense but his throwing numbers were awful considering Cal QB Kevin Riley threw for 351 yards the week before.

*More Barkley, offensive line, Williams injury after the jump

Two Pac-10 DBs are Thorpe semifinalists

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:42:53 -0800

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

Two Pac-10 defensive backs -- USC safety Taylor Mays and UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner -- are among the 12 semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given annually to the nation's best defensive back.

UCLA safety Rahim Moore also was among five players who earned honorable mention.

This list will be narrowed Nov. 23 to three finalists who will be invited to the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on Dec. 10. The winner will be announced on the show and the official presentation will be at a formal banquet in Oklahoma City on Feb. 9, 2010.

The semifinalists are:

Javier Arenas, Sr., Alabama
Eric Berry, Jr., Tennessee
Barry Church, Sr., Toledo
Perrish Cox, Sr., Oklahoma State
Joe Haden, Jr., Florida
Brandon Harris, So., Miami (FL)
Taylor Mays, Sr., USC
Tyler Sash, So., Iowa
Darrell Stuckey, Sr., Kansas
Earl Thomas, So., Texas
Alterraun Verner, Sr., UCLA
Kyle Wilson, Sr., Boise State

The Sark Virus Vaccine

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:25:19 -0800

Bumped...P

The Sark Virus

Dictionary: vac·cine (văk-sēn', văk'sēn'), n. A preparation of a weakened or killed pathogen, such as a bacterium or virus, or of a portion of the pathogen's structure that upon administration stimulates antibody production or cellular immunity against the pathogen but is incapable of causing severe infection.

Paragon commented below on Chip Kelly's visits with Jon Gruden and their likely collaboration on a scheme to defeat USC's Tampa 2 defense. While there is little doubt that Kelly learned much from Gruden, in football there is no substitute for practice followed by live experience and further practice to help you perfect your scheme. A perfect scheme can give a team "immunity" against an adversary.

When Steve Sarkisian and Nick Holt moved to the University of Washington they installed offensive and defensive systems virtually identical those at USC. Sark and Holt were able to create a scheme to defeat USC on Sept. 19th thanks to their intimate knowledge of every phase of USC's playbook. That game produced a wealth of information for all of USC's future opponents, but in addition a total of 6 of USC's adversaries have or will have had the opportunity to practice against USC by playing a "weakened pathogen" or vaccine known as the Sark Virus of Washington.The Sark Virus vaccine contains attenuated USC offensive and defensive structures (or antigens) that can produce strong or even absolute immunity against USC infection.

If only the CDC could be this efficient

The following table shows that Stanford, Notre Dame, Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, and UCLA all get Sark Virus immunization this year before playing USC:

9/25/09	Washington at Stanford
10/03/09	Washington at Notre Dame
10/10/09	Arizona at Washington
10/17/09	Washington at Arizona State	USC at Notre Dame
10/24/09	Oregon at Washington*
10/31/09		USC at Oregon
11/07/09	Washington at UCLA	USC at Arizona State
11/14/09		Stanford at USC
11/28/09		UCLA at USC
12/05/09		Arizona at USC

*Oregon was vaccinated exactly one week before facing USC

Predictable Results?

The Oregon and Washington debacles show the extreme value of a perfectly crafted gameplan and live experience. In retrospect, this makes USC's victory at Notre Dame seem a little bit more remarkable.

Everyone has heard of "scheduling for success," but this years schedule, front loaded with tough road games and with opponents that are fully informed and extensively practiced against USC's methods is a schedule for misery. Difficult times may lay ahead against ASU, Stanford, Arizona and perhaps even lowly UCLA unless USC's coaches are able to develop new weapons or "antigens" that will defeat fully developed "antibodies."

Pac-10 power rankings: Week 10

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:57:11 -0800

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

No changes this week, which may be a first this season.

1. Oregon: The Ducks left no doubt against USC. None. Zero. Now, can they maintain the focus that got them here -- the Pac-10 title within sight -- or will they start to do most-muscular poses in their bathroom mirror? Because if they start to get impressed with themselves, a physical Stanford squad will give them a whipping Saturday.

2. USC: Hello, police? Yes, this is the Pac-10 blog. Yeah, thanks. Every day! Cool. No, I'm not the greatest. Not always. No, Washington beating Oregon was not a great pick. Look, I'm calling to report a missing team. Yeah, the Trojans. I know! I knowwww! Well, if you see them, please get them tell them to call the Pac-10 blog. We're worried about them. There's a rumor they'll be in Tempe on Saturday, but we're not sure who will show up.

3. Arizona: Every team has at least two conference defeats. Except Oregon, which has none. And Arizona, which has one. That means that if the Wildcats can hold serve, they could steal the crown from the Ducks on Nov. 21 in Tucson. Of course, they'd also need to get a win in the season-finale at USC.

4. Oregon State: The Beavers held on against UCLA. Now, can they win at California? If so, they likely return to the national rankings and put themselves in good position for a nice bowl game.

5. California: The Bears have returned to the national rankings, but they won't officially move past their dreadful efforts vs. Oregon and USC until they beat top-half-of-the-Pac-10 teams. See above.

6. Stanford: The Cardinal sat at home this past weekend and watched their next two opponents play: Oregon and USC. Know this: Coach Jim Harbaugh and his players aren't afraid. They don't see an unstoppable offense coming to town this weekend. They see an opportunity.

7. Arizona State: The Sun Devils are fighting and clawing, but their bowl chances are dwindling. Of course, if they keep fighting and clawing, they might catch a flat USC team off its guard and reverse the trajectory of their season.

8. Washington: The Huskies are coming off a bye weekend knowing they have to win three of their final four games to become bowl eligible. While technically a visit to UCLA is not a must-win, know that it is. As it is for UCLA. In other words, one of these two teams will walk away with hope. The other, probably not.

9. UCLA: Losing five games in a row is a horrible way to start conference play. Fact is, though, the Bruins lost to five teams that are better than them. That's debatable about the next three foes, starting with the Huskies. If the Bruins hold together and win this weekend, their bowl hopes suddenly become better than decent.

10. Washington State: Notre Dame flicked the Cougars aside in San Antonio. And it only gets worse. Now the Cougs head to Tucson to play a rested and likely healthier Arizona squad that figures to be hungry. The challenge for coach Paul Wulff is to keep his team focused on getting better when it doesn't look like it can do much to improve the positive side of the win-loss ledger.

Thoughts of the Day: 10-30-09 (Halloween Edition)

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:26:36 -0800

(Photo by Icon Sports Media)

Nothing has been easy this season for the Trojans. It seems like every week they face another tough test on the road. This week it is the Oregon Ducks (6-1, 4-0) and their terrible uniforms. Saturday’s contest will be the fourth road game against a ranked opponent. Also increasing the degree of difficulty is the Trojans must play in Autzen stadium. Even though it only seats 54,000, it is one of the loudest stadiums in the country. And it’s Halloween, so fans will be extra lubricated and extra spooky.

To make matters worse, the past few years, the Pacific Northwest has not been friendly place to visit for the Trojans. USC has lost three straight years in the state of Oregon and we all can’t forget what happened to the Trojans when they traveled to Washington earlier this season. The weather conditions in Eugen should be dark, cold and gloomy. At kickoff the weather report is predicting 57 degrees with a 60% chance of precipitation.

So to recap, a ranked opponent playing their best football of the year, in a hostile environment, with a possibility for rain, in a high-stakes game, with tens of thousands of students dressed in costumes and extra inebriated, in a part of the of the country that the Trojans have not played well in recent years…. Does it scare you?

It shouldn’t. It should fire you up. Saturday night is the perfect opportunity to for the Trojans to come together and show the haters and doubters in the country that even though we have a freshman QB, a defense that has struggled the past two games against potent offenses and are banged up with injuries, when it comes time to strapping on the pads the Trojans always come to play in big games. How does Coach Carroll fare against ranked opponents? Pete has played 38 ranked opponents since 2001. USC is 34-4 in those games. Let’s make it 35-4.

More Thoughts of the Day and Halloween costume ideas after the jump (if you dare)…

What to watch in the Pac-10

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:08:23 -0800

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

The big one is in Eugene but every game matters. Three teams are chilling at home.

1. Matt Barkley thinks Autzen Stadium is going to be a barrel of monkeys: Matt Barkley told the LA Times that he's looks forward to playing in Autzen Stadium -- "the energy is going to be awesome and it's going to be a cool atmosphere, especially on Halloween night," he said. Hmm. You know, maybe all this talk about how intimidating and loud Autzen Stadium is a bollocks. This whole, really cool "blackout" thing is just a rumor, after all. Hey, wear yellow! That will be scary. Oregon fans aren't really loud. They're very nice, actually. Cuddly even.

2. Were Arizona State's defensive numbers a mirage? Last weekend, Stanford piled up 473 yards -- 237 yards rushing -- against the Sun Devils, who entered the game ranked seventh in the nation in total defense (248 yards per game) and second vs. the run (58 yards per game). It's fair to ask if the Sun Devils' previously impressive defensive numbers were a function of the middling-to-poor offenses they faced during the early going. They can answer that question by shutting down -- or at least slowing down -- California and running back Jahvid Best.

3. Oregon State can't afford a "USC hangover:" The Beavers have a right to be disappointed with their close-but-no-cigar effort at USC last weekend. But if they spend too much time wondering what might have been, the Bruins might steal one in Reser Stadium. UCLA has enough athletes that, despite a 0-4 Pac-10 mark, it remains dangerous.

4. Washington State may shock the world: It's entirely possible that Notre Dame is going to run over the Cougars like a Mack truck rumbling through a garden party. And yet upsets -- even big ones -- happen all the time in college football. All it's going to take for the Cougars is a combination of their best effort and a team, such as the Fighting Irish, taking a victory for granted. At some point this season, that could happen, and it might as well be against a Notre Dame crew that has endured a series of emotional games and may be due for a letdown.

5. Who wins the trenches in Autzen? In terms of pure talent, Oregon doesn't match up on either line vs. USC. The Trojans' offensive line is athletic and experienced. It should be able to handle the Ducks' speedy D-front. The Trojans' defensive line isn't experienced, but neither is the Ducks' O-line. And the Trojans' front seven, despite its youth, has been dominant against the run and has been able to pressure opposing quarterbacks with just four pass-rushers. The Ducks have surrendered only 11 sacks this year. USC leads the nation with 29 sacks. This is one area where USC has a decided advantage. Or appears to.

6. Riley must be sharp in Tempe: Arizona State is going to gang up against Cal's run game, and the Sun Devils have enough talent and speed to make things hard on Best and the Bears' offensive line. That means, however, that there are going to be opportunities in the passing game. Can Cal QB Kevin Riley take advantage? He's been hot and cold much of the season. This would be a good time for some consistent execution. Of course, ASU ranks third in the nation with 13 interceptions.

7. Bruins try a two-quarterback system: It seems there's a split between UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel and his offensive coordinator, Norm Chow. Chow doesn't like to play two quarterbacks and he thinks Kevin Prince is the man. Neuheisel doesn't necessarily have a problem with Prince but the Bruins' offense is struggling and he wants to get a look at Richard Brehaut. So both will play at Oregon State. Who plays better? Or do both play badly? And what does it mean for the future? And are Neuheisel and Chow at loggerheads? We shall see.

8. Jeremiah Masoli must attack the USC secondary: No one has consistently run well against USC. The Trojans, however, have of late been fairly vulnerable against the pass. That may be due to playing against a couple of good quarterbacks in Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen and Oregon State's Sean Canfield. Or maybe there are some things that a balanced offense can take advantage of. Ducks QB Jeremiah Masoli isn't chopped liver, and he's thrown well over his past three starts (he missed the UCLA game with a sprained knee). He will need to make plays downfield in order to keep the Trojans defense honest.

SEC Fans Agree: Pac-10 > SEC In 2009

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:23:34 -0800

From the mouth of an SEC fan (Everyday Should Be Saturday and SB Nation's Spencer Hall), a little respect for the Pac-10:

Q is for Quorum. The minimum number of people needed to seat a body of oversight, or what is lacked across the board in the SEC right now in terms of quality teams. Talent abounds, but turnover has taken a hard bite out of the coaching ranks and talent pool, leaving the SEC in a state of flux. Even Alabama and Florida, the titans of the league right now, clearly have serious issues resulting from the loss of offensive players to the draft and graduation. I am as blatant an SEC homer as exists, but this year there are other conferences putting together a more complete menu in terms of teams with depth and cohesion. That conference, for the moment, is the Pac-10. Now I'm going to hide in a bombproof bunker and wait for a while until I hear the bombshells stop landing.

The gravity of those words cannot be understated, especially when you consider that he may get banished from the South permanently for committing such words to paper/screen. People who actually watch football know what's up -- after a rough 2008, the Pac-10 is where it's at in 2009.

Except, of course, for lowly Wazzu and UCLA. Those guys are still terrible.

The Alphabetical, Week 8: Admitting That The Pac-10 Is Better Is The First Step [SB Nation]

What to watch in the Pac-10

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:53:17 -0800

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

A full slate of games -- nobody's sitting home this weekend eating Doritos.

1. It's going to be nasty fun in Husky Stadium: Oregon has beaten Washington five consecutive times. And by at least 20 points each time. What was once the most bitter rivalry in the Pac-10 has become a mismatch, which has been galling for the Huskies because, historically, they've dominated the Ducks and still lead the series 58-38-5. Yet this one figures to be more competitive than any of the recent games. Washington has rejuvenated itself under Steve Sarkisian, and that rejuvenation has include renewed energy in Husky Stadium. It should be pretty intense. Just like the old days.

2. Jacquizz Rodgers won't back down: The conventional wisdom is that USC is looking for a little revenge after Oregon State shocked the Trojans 27-21 last year in Corvallis. And the best way to get that revenge is to shut down Rodgers, who sliced and diced them for 186 yards. Folks on the Trojans' side whisper that they didn't know much about the diminutive then-true freshman in 2008. Now they do. And they will put a hurting on Rodgers. Not so fast on that, though. Rodgers has surged of late, and he's an ultra-competitive sort who will be eager accept the Trojans' challenge. Don't be surprised if Rodgers makes some plays against the rugged Trojans run defense.

3. UCLA's secondary will challenge Arizona QB Nick Foles: UCLA's secondary is much better than Stanford's secondary, so Arizona quarterback Nick Foles doesn't figure to find things as easy in the passing game against the Bruins as he did when he piled up 415 yards and three TDs vs. the Cardinal. While UCLA's run defense has sprung a leak -- or two -- of late, the pass defense ranks second in the conference, giving up just 169 yards per game. It's grabbed nine interceptions while surrendering just six TD passes.

4. Vontaze Burfict vs. Toby Gerhart: Burfict is Arizona State's hard-hitting true freshman linebacker. Gerhart is Stanford's 235-pound battering ram of a running back. Burfict looks as good as any young linebacker in the country, but he hasn't faced a back like Gerhart -- probably in his life. These two figure to have plenty of impressive collisions Saturday. So, who wins most of them?

5. Washington State should be motivated by 66-3: On Sept. 6 of last year, everyone found out how deeply down Washington State was when California delivered a stunning 66-3 beatdown in Martin Stadium. It was a humiliating home loss, the second game of the Paul Wulff era. The Cougars haven't suffered a whipping like that this year (though Oregon came close). They probably won't win at Cal on Saturday, but the Cougs should fight hard to earn the Bears' respect. They didn't get it last year.

6. Will Masoli or Locker rule the day? First things first: Will Jeremiah Masoli be 100 percent? The Oregon quarterback appears on track to start, but how much of a running threat he is depends on how close his knee injury is to fully healed. Before Masoli got hurt against Washington State, he was playing with the same dual-threat sharpness he showed late last season. Washington's Jake Locker, meanwhile, is only the most highly touted quarterback in the conference. At their best, both are spectacular playmakers. It will be interesting to see who makes more plays.

7. Does Barkley just keep getting better? USC's Matt Barkley seems to improve every week, and the true freshman already is a pretty good quarterback. While Oregon State's defense has improved of late, it still ranks ninth in the conference against the pass (275 yards per game). The Beavers have given up the most TD passes (11) in the conference and grabbed the fewest interceptions (3, curiously tied with USC). The Beavers are stronger against the run, so it makes sense that Barkley might put the ball into the air. Does he turn in another stellar performance, or does he finally reveal some freshman fallibility?

8. Stanford's defense needs to step up: Stanford's defense has given up 81 points and 1,016 yards in the past two games, which, not surprisingly, were both losses. However, Arizona State doesn't have the offensive weapons that Oregon State and Arizona do, and quarterback Danny Sullivan has struggled much of the season. The Cardinal probably won't be able to pile up points in bunches against the Sun Devils' stout defense, but they shouldn't have to if they muzzle ASU's struggling offense.

9. The Bruins are desperate: Arizona coach Mike Stoops described UCLA as "desperate," and it's true. The Bruins are riding a three-game losing streak, and it's hard to find the three wins necessary for bowl eligibility on the remaining schedule. That desperation should translate into an inspired effort at Arizona. The offense seems to be improving after a solid performance against California. Now, if the defense reverts to the way it played during the first three games, the Bruins should give the Wildcats all they can handle.

10. Jahvid Best should run wild: Washington State ranks last in the Pac-10 in run defense. It's surrendered 17 rushing touchdowns, seven more than any other Pac-10 team. This should be a great opportunity for Best, Cal's spectacular runner, to regain his mojo. While Best had a 93-yard TD run against UCLA, he's still been mostly muted of late -- he's dropped to third in the conference in rushing (102.7 yards per game) and might no longer be a sure-thing for first-team All-Pac-10. He rushed for 200 yards last year at Washington State, including an 86-yard TD. So it might be time for another spectacular game.

Pac-10 lunch links: Plenty of intrigue with OSU at USC

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:58:57 -0800

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open.

Nick Foles and the Arizona passing game are flowing because young receivers are stepping up.
Arizona State quarterback Danny Sullivan deserves your respect. Freshman LB Vontaze Burfict is a bad man, only he's perfectly capable of proving that before the whistle is blown.
California has some good and bad news at cornerback. By the way, why did Cal have only 10 men on the field for consecutive plays against UCLA?
With Jeremiah Masoli's knee improving, it appears Oregon's visit to Washington will be about a pair of good quarterbacks. The Ducks' image has upgraded because they are more grounded.
Plenty of subplots with Oregon State's visit to USC.
Stanford needs to shore up its defense or its bowl hopes will dim.
What's up with cornerback Aaron Hester at UCLA?
Tight end Anthony McCoy is becoming a weapon for USC. An injury update.
This Washington receiver has rebounded nicely, which should not be a surprise because basketball is his first love.
For once, Washington State's injury news is more good than bad.
Updated bowl projections for the Pac-10.

We'll Get Back To You After The Game

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:58:50 -0800

A reader passed along this interesting post-game scene at the Rose Bowl from the Daily Bruin.

``In the press room beneath the Rose Bowl there are four big plasma screen televisions. One of these televisions was showing the thrilling game between USC and Notre Dame Saturday afternoon. Media that gathered in the press room had clustered to watch the dramatic finish.
``At that moment UCLA football coach Rick Neuheisel walked into the room, sunburned and exasperated after his team's 45-26 defeat to rival Cal.
``Almost no one moved. Necks remained craned toward the USC game until a frustrated Neuheisel spoke sharply. ``Would everyone like to watch the end of that ball game?" Neuheisel asked. "I am more than willing to wait."
``There was a hint of bitterness in Neuheisel's voice, a slight sign of the wounded pride of UCLA football.''

Pac-10 power rankings

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:28:45 -0800

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

We have a new No. 1, and California moves up. UCLA falls into the dreaded No. 9 spot after starting Pac-10 play 0-3.

1. USC: The Trojans have now beaten two ranked teams on the road and are back in national title contention, rising to No. 4 in both polls. While they made things unnecessarily interesting at Notre Dame, it's clear that they are elite on both sides of the ball.

2. Oregon: The idle Ducks fall out of the top spot, but their eyes shouldn't be focused on the Trojans. A visit to what figures to be a very angry Washington squad on Saturday will be a considerable obstacle. It's been a while since Washington had a chance in this bitter rivalry, and Husky Stadium is certain to be rocking.

3. Arizona: The Wildcats were fortunate to beat Stanford, but they will be quick to note they deserve some good fortune. If not for that "Immaculate Deflection" at Washington, Arizona would be comfortably in the Top 25 and tied atop the conference standings. As it is, quality wins over Oregon State and Stanford aren't too shabby.

4. Oregon State: Beavers fall a spot during their bye week -- recall Arizona won at Reser Stadium. They visit USC on Saturday. One school of thought is the Trojans will be focused and out for revenge after what happened last year in Corvallis. The other school might note that all those new Trojans starters might be emotionally spent after the win at Notre Dame.

5. California: It was only a win at sagging UCLA -- and the Bears are still only 1-2 in the conference -- but there was enough about the way Cal played to suspect this team is rising again. The Bears play three of their next four at home, with Washington State coming to town on Saturday.

6. Arizona State: Know why winning sloppy is so good? 'Cause it's winning! The Sun Devils' bowl hopes got a huge boost with the win over Washington. Now, how will that physical defense deal with a road trip to Stanford, a physical team that figures to be a bit angry this week?

7. Stanford: If someone had said the Cardinal was going to gain 584 yards at Arizona, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who would believe Stanford would have lost. But it did, in excruciating fashion. As dynamic as the offense is, the defense lacks the athleticism to consistently stop Pac-10 offenses, something Oregon State and Arizona exposed.

8. Washington: Win by the miracle, lose by the miracle. But this one fell heavily on coaching mistakes -- clock management and a horrible defensive breakdown. The Huskies are still a work in progress and so is the coaching staff. You know what, though? If the Huskies upset the Ducks, the fan base will be fairly forgiving.

9. UCLA: Speaking of works in progress, the Bruins took a step back against California, but this time the defense let the offense down -- particularly against the run. Things won't be any easier Saturday because Arizona's offense is humming.

10. Washington State: The Cougars spent the bye week trying to get healthy. They head to Berkeley on Saturday, hoping that Cal will revert to the team that scored just six points in two games, not the one that pounded out 45 vs. UCLA.

Who's going to win? Week 7 Pac-10 picks

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:15:51 -0800

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

Sometimes the difference between being a winner and being mediocre is an odd bounce.

Went 2-2 last week and the season record now stands at 27-13. Pffft.

USC 31, Notre Dame 20: It seems unlikely we're in for another blistering, but USC should extend its winning streak in the rivalry game because of one main reason: The Trojans have better players. The most engaging curiosity is whether Matt Barkley can upstage his buddy Jimmy Clausen on this big stage.

Arizona 28, Stanford 24: Arizona should be healthier this week and the Wildcats are tough at home. Also, part of the reasoning here is logical: Arizona won at Oregon State; Stanford lost there. That sort of logic, however, rarely holds in the Pac-10, so take it for what it's worth.

California 24, UCLA 20: You know that old girlfriend or boyfriend you kept going back to even though he or she did you wrong? Oh, Cal, will this time you be true? On a substantive level, it's a concern for UCLA that linebacker Reggie Carter is nursing a sprained knee when Jahvid Best is coming to town, and the Bruins' offense seems further away from a transformation to efficiency than the Bears. Of course, Cal never wins in L.A., so feel free to disagree with this one.

Arizona State 24, Washington 20: The winner here greatly bolsters its bowl hopes, while the loser faces a long-shot campaign to find six victories. Washington has a huge advantage at quarterback with Jake Locker, but the Sun Devils have a huge advantage on defense. Seems best to go with the home team here, not to mention that the Huskies are coming off consecutive emotional games -- an overtime loss at Notre Dame and a miraculous victory over Arizona. They may be spent. As for the Sun Devils: Will Danny Sullivan help his case to retain the starting quarterback job?