Arizona travels to Albuquerque to take on Rocky Long`s New Mexico Lobo`s. On paper this looks to be a mis-match, don`t bet on it. The Wildcats have put up 111 points in two games, not this week. The Lobo`s will play better defense than Arizona has seen this season; however, it won`t be enough to get the win……Arizona by a touchdown.
Arizona State plays UNLV at home, Rudy Carpenter and company should win this contest over a wide open UNLV team. The Sun Devils must be careful not to overlook the Rebels and be thinking about their home contest against the Georgia Bulldogs next week. Sun Devils by two touchdowns.
UCLA travels to Provo to take on the 18th ranked BYU Cougars. The Bruins have had two weeks to prepare after their opening win against Tennessee. This game provides personal motivation for UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow. Chow, long time assistant under LaVell Edwards, did not get the head job after Edward`s retirement. Could this provide a little juice to Norm`s preparation of the Bruin offense? UCLA has the best defense Max Hall, BYU`s quarterback, has faced this season. UCLA by three, in an upset!
California put up 66 points against the Washington State Cougars last week. Look for them to continue their early season run over a Maryland team, still looking for play makers. Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen will continue on their early season rushing pace. California by two touchdowns.
Oregon takes it`s spread offense and improved defense on the road in a contest against Joe Tiller and his Purdue Boilermakers. This will be the Ducks toughest opponent of the season. No team has stopped this Oregon offense of coordinator Chip Kelly yet, no reason to believe it will happen this weekend. Oregon by 14 on the road.
Oregon State finally plays at home against a Hawaii team after five consecutive road games, dating back to last season. The Beavs are 0-2 out the gate and desperately need a win. Will a home crowd help, let`s hope so. Oregon State by 3 in a high scoring contest.
Stanford travels to Fort Worth to play the TCU Hornfrogs coached by Gary Patterson. The Cardinal seem to be struggling in an attempt to find a quarterback to be their leader, not a good position, when on the road. Hornfrogs get the edge with Hurricane Ike approaching.
The Washington Huskies host the number three ranked Oklahoma Sooners. The Huskies are looking for their first win of the season which finds them playing the toughest schedule in the country. Not likely to happen this week, as Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops picks up his 100 career win. Sooners by 18.
Washington State plays Baylor on Friday night in Waco, Texas. This game has been moved to Friday in an attempt to avoid Hurricane Ike. The WSU Cougars thought they were in a hurricane a week ago, getting blitzed by a California Bear team for over 60 points. The Cougars and Baylor Bears are evenly matched in this game under new coaches, Paul Wulff (Cougs) and Art Briles (Bears). Baylor by 3.
The number one team in the country, USC, hosts the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Coliseum. This is viewed as an early season national championship contest. Ohio State`s star running back, Beenie Wells, is hampered with a foot injury. He will play, but this injury will have a potential psychological effect on the way the Buckeyes perform. The Trojans are healthy and at home. Troy by 14.
Don`t forget to check in next week for a quick look at the upcoming action in the Pac-10 conference. Hot Ticket Sports, your HOTTICKET to Pac-10 football.