Week 11 Previews

Let’s see if I can be shorter and sweeter than Graham.

Stanford @ Washington (-19.5)
The Cardinal are coming off a 42-0 loss at home against USC. If they don’t get fired up for the chance at beating UW, they may not be a very good football team. Or it could be the fact that they have been outscored by 185 points in their six Pac-10 games that makes them a bad football team. I am really not sure. This game should be Carl Bonnell’s first victory as the Husky quarterback. If its not his first win, look for Johnny Durocher to get his shot at QB.

Brian’s Pick: Washington (-19.5)
Mike's Pick: Washington (-19.5)

Cal @ Arizona (+14)
The Wildcats finally pulled out a real win last week against the Cougars. This week, I can’t imagine that they pull off another W. Cal is playing for a shot at the national title, while Arizona is just trying to become bowl eligible. Add to that the fact that Arizona hasn’t even scored the last two years against the Bears. I say it’s more of the same this week.

Brian’s Pick: Cal (-14)
Mike’s Pick: Cal (-14)

Oregon State @ UCLA (+2)
The Beaver pass rush is going to be too much for the Bruins. Plus Matt Moore lost by 23 in his return to the Rose Bowl last season and I think he wants revenge. With injuries to Yvenson Bernard and Clinton Polk, it is up to Moore to win the game for the Beavers (Unless Sammie Stroughter returns like 3 punts for TDs). Ben Olson will suit up for the Bruins, though Patrick Cowan will still start. Look for the Bruin fans to boo if Cowan plays poorly again and UCLA heads towards their fifth straight loss, then beg for Southpaw Jesus to return behind center.

Brian’s Pick: OSU (-2)
Mike's Pick: UCLA (+2)

Washington State @ Arizona State (+1)
I don’t know how to pick a game where every skill position player seems to be injured. ASU’s top FIVE receivers are likely to miss this game. Plus, starting tailback Ryan Torain has a sprained ankle. Zach Miller has been Rudy Carpenter’s favorite target all season, but he better get him the ball more than five times if the Sun Devils plan on winning this game. For the Cougs, no Jason Hill or Michael Bumpus at receiver. As a consolation, two of their top three running backs are hurt too. It’s like the Pac-10 caught whatever disease Fred Taylor’s groin and Ken Griffey Jr’s hamstring have. Seriously, how are you supposed to pick this? I guess that’s why it’s only one point. WSU has fewer injured players, and I think that may be enough to win this game by a final score of 2-0.

Brian’s Pick: WSU (-1)
Mike's Pick: ASU (+1)

*Pac-10 Game of the Week*
Oregon @ USC (-8)
It’s homecoming this Saturday for USC. If the Trojans lose this game, they are destined to visit El Paso to go bowling. I don’t think Pete Carroll and the boys want that. Look for an aerial assault coming from the Trojan offense this week. On the other side of the field, Dennis Dixon hasn’t been throwing the ball well as of late. He does however, run better than any QB in the Pac-10. Add Jonathan Stewart and Jeremiah Johnson to the mix and you probably have the best trio of runners in the nation. Should make for an interesting game, but I think the Duck pass defense is more overmatched than the Trojan run D. (Just a side note, USC and UO haven't played each other at the Coliseum in six years. Thank god every team plays one another from now on.)

Brian’s Pick: USC (-8)
Mike's Pick: USC (-8)

Wow, I took all the favorites to cover. Somehow I don’t think that bodes well for me….