Pac-10 Previews, Nov. 8

With the Rose Bowl in their sights, which defense will dominate in the Coliseum? Which Kevin Craft shows up for UCLA? Does it even matter if the Cougars or Huskies show up for week 11 of Pac-10 play?

-The Game of the Year
No team has constantly frustrated USC like Jeff Tedford’s Golden Bears. No team has pushed them to the brink time and again. No team consistently has threatened their stranglehold on the Pac-10 championship.

And yet since Cal stunned the eventual AP national champions 34-31 in three overtimes back in 2003, the Trojans have found ways time and again to hold off their nemesis.

A goal line stand against a seemingly unstoppable Aaron Rodgers. Steve Smith strolling into the end zone untouched on fourth down. Stafon Johnson pointing to the sky in a water-logged Memorial Stadium.

Can they do it once again, continue their quest for the BCS at the Bears’ expense?

To do so, USC must overcome a defense as fearsome as its own. The Cal linebackers might not have the notoriety of Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing but can match them in depth and playmaking ability. Defensive end Cameron Jordan has been a revelation, posting seven tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception as senior Rulon Davis recovers from a broken foot.

While the nation witnesses aerial theatrics in Lubbock, Texas, the Coliseum hosts unparalleled defensive intensity. No Pac-10 shootout here.

It will come down to execution, specifically the turnover margin. Consider two of the three touchdowns allowed by the Trojans in the last 22 quarters followed giveaways by their offense. Without a short field or two, Cal can’t win.

If they give USC a cheap touchdown, they can’t win.

These two offenses are good. The defenses are better.

Welcome to the new Pac-10.

-Rotten Apple
It’s almost over, Husky and Cougar fans. Not long now until the dismal 2008 season comes to an end and you can start looking forward to a slightly-less disastrous 2009.

Yes, that qualifies as a pep talk.

-Trouble Bruin?
Mike Riley’s struggles against UCLA are well documented, 0-9 as head coach of the Beavers and assistant with the Trojans.

Now he heads to Pasadena still in the driver’s seat for the Rose Bowl to face a team so erratic it should be a half-game back in the ACC Coastal.

Can anyone predict which Kevin Craft will show up from one game to the next, one quarter, one series?

If he comes through with a solid showing, the Bruins will find a way to end Oregon State’s dream season.

Pac-10 Previews (29-9 Straight up, 19-14 Against the spread)
USC 20 Cal 10
Arizona State 35 Washington 7
UCLA 21 Oregon State 20
Stanford 24 Oregon 20
Arizona 55 Washington State 13