Arizona (1-3, 0-1 Pac-10)
Next game: Saturday v. Washington State
There’s no question that Wildcats coach Mike Stoops is on the hot seat after his team’s disappointing, 1-3 start. After losses to BYU, New Mexico and Cal, Arizona faces a must-win this weekend at home against Washington State. Quarterback Willie Tuitama has thrown for over 1200 yards already, but the Arizona defense hasn’t been able to stop anyone.
Arizona State (4-0, 1-0 Pac-10)
Next game: Saturday @ Stanford
The Sun Devils are off to a great start under new head coach Dennis Erikson and are ranked No. 23 in the newest AP poll. Arizona State has not faced a quality opponent so far, and they won’t this week when they travel to Palo Alto to face winless Stanford. Runningback Ryan Torain is one of the most underrated in the conference and he’s already racked up five touchdowns this year.
California (4-0, 1-0 Pac-10)
Next game: Saturday @ Oregon
It didn’t take long for the Golden Bears to prove that they deserved a top ten ranking. In the first week of the season Cal demolished Tennessee in Berkeley. Now Jeff Tedford’s team is ranked No. 6 entering a huge matchup this weekend at Oregon. Cal has lost its last two games in Eugene. Cal’s running back, Justin Forsett, will look to continue upon his early success; he’s rushed for 484 yards and seven touchdowns this year.
Oregon (4-0, 1-0 Pac-10)
Next game: Saturday v. Cal
After receiving an early challenge from Houston, the No. 11 ranked Ducks have blown out three straight opponents; Michigan, Fresno State and Stanford. Quarterback Dennis Dixon has shown his experience this year completing almost 70 percent of his passes and throwing for 11 touchdowns and no interceptions. Running back Jonathan Stewart is averaging 7.7 yards per carry.
Oregon State (2-2, 0-1 Pac-10)
Next game: Saturday v. UCLA
The Beavers are off to a rocky start. They were blown out on a Thursday night against Cincinnati and then fell last week in Tempe to Arizona State. Oregon State’s only two wins of the year have come in Corvallis against Utah and Idaho State. Quarterback Sean Canfield has already thrown nine interceptions, and his backup Lyle Moevao has seen some playing time as a result.
Stanford (1-2, 0-2 Pac-10)
Next game: Saturday v. Arizona State
Jim Harbaugh’s squad got its first win in week two against San Jose State, but the second one may be a bit more of a challenge. Stanford has been blown out by UCLA and Oregon and now must face No. 23 ranked Arizona State and No. 1 USC in its next two matchups. The Cardinal defense must improve upon the 33 points per game it has allowed thus far this season.
UCLA (3-1, 2-0 Pac-10)
Next game: Saturday @ Oregon State
After an impressive 44-31 win over Washington the Bruins sit atop the Pac-10 standings. UCLA’s 44-6 loss at Utah stands as one of the bizarre upsets of the college football season. The Bruins have looked solid in their other three games (all wins) while the Utes have lost to Oregon State, Air Force and UNLV. UCLA will go for its fourth win Saturday in Corvallis against the Beavers with quarterback Ben Olson returning after sitting out the Washington game due to headaches.
USC (3-0, 1-0 Pac-10)
Next game: Saturday @ Washington
The top ranked Trojans haven’t shown any signs of weakness so far with three easy wins over Idaho, Nebraska and Washington State. The USC defense has allowed just 18 points per game, and the team’s average margin of victory is at a whopping 26 points per game. This week Pete Carroll’s team travels to Washington to face a Husky team coming off two tough losses against Ohio State and UCLA.
Washington (2-2, 0-1 Pac-10)
Next game: Saturday v. USC
The Huskies got off to a 2-0 start that created plenty of buzz about Ty Willingham’s team, but losses to Ohio State and UCLA have stalled the team. It doesn’t get any easier this week, as Washington faces top ranked USC in Seattle. Quarterback Jake Locker has proved his threat as a runner in his first four college games, running for 361 yards on 51 carries.
Washington State (2-2, 0-1 Pac-10)
Next game: Saturday @ Arizona
The Cougars have lost twice to two very good teams, No. 1 USC and No. 7 Wisconsin. Quarterback Alex Brink has thrown for 1112 yards and 12 touchdowns so far. Brink’s leadership will be vital in the Cougars next stretch of conference games against Arizona, Arizona State and Oregon.