Week Two Preview: Volume Two

Oregon vs. Fresno State – The Pac-10 Apostle Game of the Week

Ok Oregon, it’s up to you to save the conference this week. Like OSU, you’re playing a tough WAC team on the road. The big difference is that you’re a better team than the Beavers. But after hyping you up last week, you gotta come through. A loss here will mean that no one outside of the Pac-10 will believe in this conference. Tom Brandstater won’t be mistaken for Paul Pinegar this week, but Dwayne Wright tore through the Nevada defense last week and looks like he has recovered from his knee injury. Stanford ran the ball hard against Oregon last week, but only for 2.9 yards a carry. Fresno State will have much better success, even with the inexperience of Brandstater. Oregon really enjoyed playing a suspect Cardinal defense, and the Bulldog’s isn’t likely to fare much better against Crowton’s spread this week. Jonathan Stewart may be limited after spraining his ankle, but there shouldn’t be much of a drop-off as Jeremiah Johnson looked almost as good as Stewart did last week. Oregon has a tough road matchup this weekend, but they have the talent to overcome a raucous Bulldog crowd. As long as Oregon keeps the turnovers down, they should leave Fresno with a W.

Brian’s Pick: Oregon
Mike’s Pick: Oregon

UCLA vs. Rice

Rice had great 2005, finishing 1-10 in a tough Conference USA. Sorry, I was trying to make this game sound competitive. Rice hung tough with Houston in their season opener, but they don’t have much talent on offense or defense. UCLA won by 40 points last year, and you can expect more of the same again this week. Ben Olson gets another chance to sharpen up before conference play begins for UCLA next weekend. The thing to watch in this game is whether Bell, Markey or Moline takes over as the heir apparent of Maurice Drew.

Brian’s Pick: UCLA
Mike’s Pick: UCLA

California vs. Minnesota

Cal needs to get back on the horse today. After a devastating loss to Tennessee, they’ll need this one to keep Bear fan from calling for Jeff Tedford’s head. Minnesota isn’t much of a passing team; they love to run the ball. That’s good news for Cal, as they showed that no Tim Mixon means they cannot stop the pass. Marshawn Lynch and whoever gets to play quarterback need to get on track early, as Minnesota is going to run for a lot of yards. They had more than 300 against lowly Kent State last Saturday, but it’s their strength and they’re going to go to it all day. If Cal can keep them under 200 yards on the ground, they shouldn’t have a problem in this one.

Brian’s Pick: Cal
Mike’s Pick: Cal

Arizona State vs. Nevada

After skipping past 1-AA Northern Arizona, the Sun Devils need to prove they can beat real football teams. Jeff Rowe is a pretty good quarterback, but he doesn’t have the weapons around him to be that effective. ASU should be able to score at will, as Nevada gave up 38 points per game last year, including 55 to Washington State. Rudy Carpenter will have passing lanes free all night long, so don’t expect anything but a high scoring affair.

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