Week One Preview: Volume Two

San Jose State vs. Washington

The Answer: 1990. The Question: When was the last time San Jose State played in a bowl game? It has been a long road for San Jose State. After a lowly 3-8 record last year, Dick Tomey is still trying to resurrect the Spartan’s football program. Even as poorly as UW played last year, they were still light years ahead of San Jose State. Don’t expect this Saturday to be any different. Isaiah Stanback should have no trouble throwing on San Jose State's secondary or running past their linebackers. This one should be a laugher, but ASU’s game last night should have been a laugher too. If UW struggles in this one, and I mean really struggles, fire Ty. Seriously, if this game isn't dominated by UW, Ty didn't do his job.

Brian’s Pick: Washington
Mike’s Pick: Washington

BYU vs. Arizona

Bronco Mendenhall started the turnaround at BYU last year, and they should be better in 2006. John Beck won’t have any problems throwing touchdown passes in the Cougar’s wide open attack this season, but he won’t be able to throw enough at Arizona to bring down the Wildcats. Antoine Cason will shut down half the field for Arizona on defense and Beck will have to focus most of his passes on TE Jonny Harline if BYU is going to make this one competitive. Arizona fans are hoping Willie Tuitama gets started on his 2006 Heisman campaign, but they will probably have to wait until next year for anyone else to join them. With a little bit of help on the ground from Chris Henry and company, Tuitama and Arizona shouldn’t have a problem beating the Cougars at home.

Brian’s Pick: Arizona
Mike’s Pick: Arizona

Utah vs. UCLA

Urban Meyer has left his imprint on the Utah program. After going undefeated with Alex Smith at quarterback in 2004, Utah was still able to put up 30 points a game last year. Senior Brett Ratliff takes over for Brian Johnson and his torn ACL as the starting QB this season. Ratliff led the Utes to an Emerald Bowl win against Georgia Tech to put a stamp on last years somewhat disappointing season. Last year’s star running back, Quinton Ganther, will be missed by head coach Kyle Whittingham, but he still has stud safety Eric Weddle on defense. In case you missed it, Weddle held GT’s All-American WR Calvin Johnson to 19 yards in the Emerald Bowl.

UCLA is looking to continue their success despite the departure of most of their offense from last year: QB Drew Olson, RB Maurice Drew and TE Marcedes Lewis. Highly regarded Ben Olson, AKA “Southpaw Jesus,” looks to step in where Drew Olson left off. It may be difficult though, without all the proven weapons that Drew had last season. Junior Taylor or Joe Cowan will have to really step up for UCLA to win more games than it loses. Unfortunately, UCLA also has to replace all of their linebackers as well as safety Jarrad Page on defense. That makes defense the real question mark for the Bruins this year. This game could be a test for UCLA, but the Bruins should have enough weapons to take down Utah.

Brian’s Pick: UCLA
Mike’s Pick: UCLA