Another mediocre 3-2 week -- missed on Washington and Washington State wins -- and the season record now stands at 31-11.
Does it mean anything that I nearly nailed three exact scores (if Colorado and Washington State are reversed)?
No? OK, tough crowd.
Thursday
Oregon 44, California 17: The Ducks are a different team at home, and they are tired of hearing about how Cal shut down their offense last year.
Saturday
Arizona 41, Oregon State 38: The Desperation Bowl II. The difference appears to be Arizona is good at something -- passing the ball with QB Nick Foles -- and Oregon State is not.
Arizona State 24, Utah 17: The Utes' defense will give the Sun Devils trouble, particularly a good D-line that will have an advantage against an offensive line that will be missing two starters. The key is the Sun Devils avoiding offensive mistakes and playing smart on defense against new Utes QB Jon Hays. There was a flicker of making this an "upset special."
Stanford 38, Colorado 20: Don't be surprised if this game is not unlike last weekend's Stanford-UCLA matchup. The Buffaloes will fight hard and stay within striking distance, then the Cardinal will assert its will as it has done in the fourth quarter over and over this season.
UCLA 33, Washington State 30: Confession: Went back and forth -- with the same score -- twice on this one. The homestanding Bruins get the advantage because they are absolutely desperate -- coach Rick Neuheisel is cooked if the Bruins lose -- and the Cougars might not know how to deal with success just yet.
