Archive:
HTS PAC-10 Rankings: Week 10
HTS Ranking: Week 9
PAC-10 PREVIEW: Week 7
HTS RANKINGS: WEEK 7
PAC-10 PREVIEW: Week 6
HTS RANKINGS: WEEK 6
HTS Specials
Pac-10 Preview: Week 5
HTS Rankings Week 5
Pac-10 Picks: Week Four
HTS RANKINGS: WEEK 4
Rough Week for the PAC-10
Pac-10 Preview: Week Three
Week Three Pac-10 Power Ranking
WEEK TWO: 11-06-06
WEEK 1 IN THE PAC-10
College Football is Your Hot Ticket!
HTS Photo Picks
2008-2009 NCAA Top 10 Running Backs
Best Games of the 2008-09 PAC-10 Football Season
PAC-10 Non-Conference Games Preview
The Biggest Football Stadium in the PAC-10: Does Size Really Matter?
Life Without the PAC
Stanford Beats Arizona
Staffing For Cougars Fall 2008 Season
Tedford Building Up Bears For Final Victory
Bernard, Hate to Say Goodbye
Ducks 2007 Season Review
Football Finishes Nationally Ranked
Beavers are Bowl Bound
UW's Frosh of the Year
USC Trojans Conquer Annual Football Rivalry |
PAC-10 PREVIEW: Week 7
Written by Bob Grim (Texas St.)
58
Friday, October 10, 2008 |
Arizona @Stanford: The Arizona Wildcats are playing as well as any team in the conference. This week they travel to Stanford to battle the Cardinal. The Wildcats behind Willie Tuitama are averaging 43.3 points per game and the defense is getting an attitude…pretty good combination for a team trying to get over the hump after being labeled losers for the last few years. Stanford under Jim Harbough is also showing signs of improvement; however, they are not as far along as the Wildcats. Stanford has a new defensive coordinator and the defense has been a little shaky in the secondary as players begin to grasp a new philosophy. Look for Arizona to capitalize with their wide open offense. Another big day for the Wildcat offense. Wildcats by 7.
Arizona State @ USC: As we have said in the past, the Pac-10 has two levels; USC and everyone else. The Trojans showed their talent and depth last week against Oregon when they were able to move players around on defense because of the injury to Rey Maualuga. Brian Cushing moved to middle linebacker, Clay Mathews moved from defensive end to outside linebacker and the defensive front featured new starters at two positions. The result, a 44-10 win over the Oregon Ducks…featuring one of the most prolific offenses in the league. This week a struggling Arizona State squad on a three game losing streak with a sputtering running game, travels to the Coliseum and may not give injured quarterback Rudy Carpenter the start because of a severe ankle sprain. The last thing you want to do is take your club into the Coliseum on a three game losing streak! It also looks as though injured Mark Sanchez, the leader of the Trojans, will get the start at quarterback. Arizona State head coach Dennis Erickson and staff are good, but their not magicians. USC by 14.
UCLA @ Oregon: The Bruins earned a 28-3 win over a Washington State team last week, but this is a much different kettle of fish. The Bruins have three issues; a new coaching staff, lack of depth and injuries. Look for UCLA to attack the secondary of Oregon early in the game. The Ducks gave up 598 yards to USC last week, much of that through the air. The Ducks have been very vulnerable to play action passes in both the USC and Boise State games. UCLA has not shown the ability on defense to stop anyone from scoring, not good when you are facing the Oregon spread offense. The Ducks continue to struggle in their attempt to find stability at the quarterback position. Injuries at this position have taken a huge toll over the course of the season. Remember this game will be played at Autzen Stadium. Ducks by 10.
Washington State @ Oregon State: This is the first time in the memory of most that Oregon State has been favored to win a Pac-10 contest by at least 30 points. The Beavers are definitely improving as the season progresses. The Cougars, on the other hand, have a long haul in front of them. New head coach Paul Wulff will get it done over time, but the cupboard was bare when he arrived last spring. The Cougs have some Pac-10 quality players, but not enough. This week coach Wulff created a diversion of sorts by conducting an open tryout for a Scout Team quarterback. The student body was solicited and sure enough the Cougs now have a new team member. Let us hope he does not have to be used in a game soon! Beavs by 18.
California gets a rest this weekend before traveling to Arizona next week and the Washington Huskies are off prior to hosting Oregon State.
Here`s hoping your team is a “HotTicket” this weekend!
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