Here’s a breakdown of the games taking place around the Pac-10 this week.
California at Oregon (12:30 p.m. ABC)
California leads 37-30-2
California Report: Jeff Tedford’s team enters this marquee matchup in Eugene as the No. 6 ranked team in the country. Running back Justin Forsett has led the way, replacing the departed Marshawn Lynch. He has already rushed for seven touchdowns and 484 yards. The defense has allowed 361 yards per game this season.
Oregon Report: The Ducks offense has been unstoppable thus far with Dennis Dixon at quarterback and Jonathan Stewart at running back; the unit is averaging 536 yards per game. Thanks to a big win at Michigan, Oregon has moved up to No. 11 in the country,
Storyline: This is the game of the week in college football; the winner will emerge as a top challenger to USC. It should be a high scoring Pac-10 style affair, too, with both offenses having dominated in the first games of the season.
Prediction: Oregon 41, California 38
UCLA at Oregon State (3:30 p.m. FSN)
UCLA leads 38-13-4
UCLA Report: The Bruins got a big win last week at the Rose Bowl over Washington with Pat Cowan at quarterback. Cowan suffered a partially torn MCL in the game, though, so it will be Ben Olson leading the Bruins’ offense this weekend in Corvallis. Olson desperately needs to rebound after a dismal loss at Utah, when he threw three interceptions in the Bruins’ 44-6 loss.
Oregon State Report: The Beavers have had a tough start. They beat Utah and Idaho State at home, but were thrashed by Cincinnati on national television and lost at Arizona State last week. Quarterback Sean Canfield has thrown nine interceptions this year, and the offense has been inconsistent throughout the year. The run defense may be the strength of the team, allowing just under 30 yards per game so far this year.
Storyline: This is a big game for both teams. UCLA needs to prove that it can beat somebody on the road and Oregon State needs a win to prevent a major slide. Both quarterbacks, Olson and Canfield, need to protect the football.
Prediction: Oregon State 23, UCLA 16
USC at Washington (5:00 p.m. ABC)
USC leads 47-26-4
USC Report: The Trojans are still the undisputed top ranked team in the country, and they haven’t been tested in their first three wins of the season. The most resounding statement was made in Lincoln, as the Trojans rolled over Nebraska to a 49-31 victory. Last week USC opened up its air attack for the first time, as John David Booty threw for four touchdowns in a win over Washington State.
Washington Report: Quarterback Jake Locker has brought some excitement back to the Husky program with his running ability, but the team has hit a bit of a wall lately with losses to Ohio State and UCLA. Both games were close in the first half, but Tyrone Willingham’s squad couldn’t hang on in the final two quarters of either game.
Storyline: This could be a trap game for USC. Husky Stadium will be packed and the Washington players will certainly be pumped to face the No. 1 team in the country. Still, there’s no denying that this USC team is vastly more talented than Washington and that the Husky defense will have no way to stop the Trojan attack.
Prediction: USC 34, Washington 17
Washington State at Arizona (6:00 p.m.)
Arizona leads 21-13
Washington State Report: The Cougars’ two losses have come at Wisconsin and at USC. As a result it’s still hard to tell where this team sits. Wins against Idaho and San Diego State have done little to indicate Washington State’s potential. The Cougars are in for three weeks that will say a lot about how good they can be, with games at Arizona, against Arizona State and at Oregon.
Arizona Report: The Wildcats have had the most disappointing start of any Pac-10 team. Entering the year as a potential surprise team, Arizona has lost to BYU, New Mexico and Cal in the first four weeks of the season.
Storyline: This game is a must-win for Mike Stoops, Arizona’s coach. who hasn’t taken the Wildcats to a bowl game in his first three years as head coach. Washington State could really use a conference win on the road after being drubbed by powerhouse USC.
Prediction: Washington State 28, Arizona 20
Arizona State at Stanford (7:00 p.m.)
Arizona State leads 14-9
Arizona State Report: Dennis Erickson has gotten off to a great start in Tempe as the Sun Devils are back in the top 25 after starting 4-0. The offense, led by quarterback Rudy Carpenter, has scored more than 30 points in all four wins. The defense has defended the pass especially well, allowing only 188 yards per game through the air.
Stanford Report: The Cardinal got its first win at home over San Jose State in week two. Quarterback T.C. Ostrander’s offense has averaged 435 yards per game, but the Cardinal defense is allowing 20 yards more than that on average. The worst state for coach Jim Harbaugh is the nearly 200 yards rushing his defense has allowed per game.
Storyline: The Sun Devils have a chance to go 7-0 before facing California, Oregon, UCLA and USC consecutively before finishing against Arizona. If they show up in Palo Alto they’ll be 5-0 entering their Oct. 6 game at Washington State.
Prediction: Arizona State 52, Stanford 35
Compiled by Sam Allen and Dave Woods, Bruin Sports senior staff