Oregon @ USC:  The Trojans have all the marbles on the table this week.  This is a must win for them to get back into the Pac-10 title race.  They already trail the Ducks by two games in conference play.  Then, there is the national race, a race the Trojans will not be a part of should they lose this week.  Look for USC to respond in a very positive way against a team to whom they lost last season.  We will find out a lot about the ability and character of this team this week.  Will they be in the national race, will they be in the Pac-10 race or will they be in any race?  They have the ability and Pete Carroll will give them the focus.  It would be wise to not discount the Ducks, their record is 3 and 1 with a national ranking.  The Ducks can get it done, if they get the quarterback play necessary from Jeremiah Masoli, Chris Harper or Darron Thomas.  Some solid running from Jeremiah Johnson and LaGerratte Blount would be helpful, along with more catches than drops from the receiving corp.  Oh yes, the defense better strap on a physical attitude.  USC by 10. 

Arizona State @ California:  Arizona State has dropped two straight non-conference games, but they have eight conference games in front of them.  We all know what Rudy Carpenter and his receivers can do.  The big question is whether or not the Sun Devils can muster a better ground game.  ASU running back Keegan Herring is back this week and he is capable of lifting the ground game to a new level.  Cal is playing well, but their leading rusher Jahvid Best is out this week with a dislocated elbow.  The quarterback position may also be up for grabs.  There seems to be a quarterback issue brewing between incumbent Kevin Riley and last year`s starter Nate Longshore.  The deciding factor in the game could be special teams and Cal is playing extremely well in that area.  Hard to make a pick against Dennis Erickson after a bye week.  ASU by 3.

Washington @ Arizona:  Washington is in real trouble, 0 and 5 without Jake Locker and the defense is giving up 507 yards per game.  Arizona averages 42.5 points per game….you do the math, doesn`t look so good for the Huskies.  Arizona has talent on offense:  Willie Tuitama at quarterback, Mike Thomas at outside receiver, Nic Grigsby at running back and talented Rob Gronkowski at tight end.  The Dawgs are in serious trouble this season.  Arizona by 17.

Washington State @ UCLA:  The Bruins are 1 and 3 and the Cougars are 1 and 4.  This game will not be close because WashingtonState is without size and speed on the defensive side of the ball, both Cal and Oregon put more than 60 points on the board against the Cougars.  UCLA showed signs of improvement last week against nationally ranked FresnoState.  This week they should be able to do what they could not a week ago…..finish.  UCLA by 14.

Stanford @ Notre Dame:  Coach Jim Harbough has the Stanford Cardinal moving in the right direction…steady improvement each and every week.  This game against Notre Dame will tell us a lot about the Cardinal development.  Notre Dame is tough at home (undefeated  this season), so it will be important for Stanford to get off to a good start and put points on the board early.  Quarterback Tavita Pritchard needs to step up and have a solid game and he is capable, 3 TD passes last week.  The Stanford ground game is solid with Toby Gerhart and Anthony Kimble.  The real question mark will be the Stanford defense.  The defense has not performed up to expectations this season.  The secondary has been extremely vulnerable.  This will have Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen fired up for a big game.  Harbough will have his team ready.  Stanford by 1.

Oregon State @ Utah:  The Beavers knocked off the Trojans last week, can they go on the road and defeat the number 15 ranked Utah Utes?  Last week was not a fluke, OregonState defeated USC in all phases of the game.  This week more of the same is needed.  Swarming front seven and great coverage in the secondary.  The secondary is seasoned and the front seven are starting to get it!  They will be faced with a versatile quarterback in Brian Johnson who comes into this contest with a 158 QB rating.  Couple this with a pounding running game, Matt Asiata and Darrell Mack averaging 120 yards per game between them and you have a formidable opponent.  The Beavers offense is beginning to gel.  OregonState must minimize turnovers and convert third downs.  In case you were curious, Jacquizz Rodgers is for real !  OregonState by 7.