DG on PX - Picking the Pac

Road tests aplenty for the Pac-10, highlighted by USC's showdown against Ohio State in Columbus.

Year to date - 9-0 straight up, 4-3 against the spread

Stanford at Wake Forest, 9 a.m.
My Pick – Stanford 28, Wake Forest 20
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Former Oaks Christian standout Chris Owusu (63-yard touchdown reception, 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Washington State) is the big play threat Stanford has been missing for years. The Cardinal rushing game can mask shake-ups on its offensive line.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Question what bizarre parallel universe I've fallen into where Baylor is better than Stanford.

Idaho at Washington, 12:30 p.m.
My Pick – Washington 38, Idaho 14
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – The streak has to end this week. Even Tyrone Willingham wouldn’t lose to Idaho.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Blame it on the injury to Jake Locker that inevitably cost Washington the game.

UCLA at Tennessee, 1 p.m.
My Pick – Tennessee 28, UCLA 23.
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Stage fright will be a factor for UCLA’s young offense early on, allowing Eric Berry to make a spectacular play or two. Pete Carroll will bust the chops of Monte and Lane Kiffin and Ed Orgeron if Tennessee loses, not to mention the shame of the SEC losing to a Pac-10 team.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Start believing Phil Steele’s prediction UCLA will finish third in the Pac-10.

Eastern Washington at California, 2:30 p.m.
My Pick – Cal 56, Eastern Washington 16.
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Jahvid Best will get more than 10 carries this week. Eastern Washington can’t be more competitive than Maryland was, unless the ACC is far worse than anyone imagined.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Find new and inventive ways to trash the ACC.

Hawaii at Washington State, 4 p.m.
My Pick – Washington State 31, Hawaii 21.
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Hawaii struggles on the mainland and Washington State can’t lose them all, right?
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Call for the dissolution of the Washington State program.

USC at Ohio State, 5 p.m.
My Pick – USC 31, Ohio State 14.
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Pete Carroll doesn’t lose these kinds of games. USC’s defensive line is way better than Navy’s. Joe McKnight had 105 yards rushing last year and is bigger, stronger and more confident.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Be besieged with ‘I told you so’ emails from Ohio State fans.

Northern Arizona at Arizona, 6 p.m.
My Pick – Arizona 41, Northern Arizona 13
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – The no-name Wildcats defense was outstanding in shutting down Central Michigan’s Dan LeFevour. Quarterback Matt Scott will be better in his second start, even with All-American tight end Rob Gronkowski out again.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Call Mike Stoops an idiot.

Purdue at Oregon, 7:15 p.m.
My Pick – Oregon 35, Purdue 24
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – The Ducks offense has to be better, right? LaMichael James gets the start at running back, after looking spry on his two carries last Thursday, and will open things up for Jeremiah Masoli and the passing game. Oregon won’t lose at Autzen.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Start wondering if Mike Bellotti can be coach and athletic director at the same time.

Oregon State at UNLV, 8 p.m.
My Pick – Oregon State 34, UNLV 20
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Barring a look-ahead to Cincinnati or too much time on the Strip, the Beavers should roll in the desert behind plenty of big plays from the Brothers Rodgers.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Lambaste any Pac-10 athletic director that puts UNLV on its 2010 schedule.