DG on PX - Picking the Pac

USC and UCLA scored critical road wins last week, now Cal and Arizona have their chances. Will the Bears or Wildcats return home victorious?

Year to date - 15-3 straight up, 6-10 against the spread

California at Minnesota, 9 a.m.
My Pick – Cal 37, Minnesota 24
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Cal is very good, Minnesota isn’t. The Bears have the secondary to shut down Eric Decker. Jahvid Best will use this upcoming three-game stretch to vault himself into Heisman contention.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Write several hundred words that can be effectively summed up with ‘same old Cal.’

USC at Washington, 12:30 p.m.
My Pick – USC 30, Washington 20
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Aaron Corp is no slouch. He can make all the throws Matt Barkley can, plus has the ability to scramble when needed. Joe McKnight can exploit Washington’s defense for big plays. Ohio State ran no zone-read plays against USC. Steve Sarkisian will note that and use Jake Locker’s running to keep things close.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Write several hundred words that can be effectively summed up with ‘same old USC.’

Utah at Oregon, 12:30 p.m.
My Pick – Utah 28, Oregon 24
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Oregon’s defense has been on the field for 175 plays through two games, and the running game isn’t offering much them protection. LaMichael James has to assert himself as the lead back. Even with a true freshman at quarterback, Utah’s offense keeps on rolling and Kyle Whittingham is the better coach in this matchup.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Proclaim the official start of the Chip Kelly era.

Arizona at Iowa, 12:30 p.m.
My Pick – Iowa 21, Arizona 17
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Tight end Rob Gronkowski might have made the difference to put the Wildcats over the top, but he will miss his third straight game because of a back injury. Sophomore Matt Scott can’t overcome his banged up receiving corps in such a difficult setting. A critical call will go against Arizona; just ask Stanford about officiating in road non-conference games.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Rant and rave about the lack of respect for the Pac-10.

SMU at Washington State, 2 p.m.
My Pick – SMU 24, Washington 21
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – I just can’t pick the Cougs until they prove me wrong and show they have moved beyond the disaster that was 2008.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Still expect the line for the USC game to be around 50.

Cincinnati at Oregon State, 3:45 p.m.
My Pick – Cincinnati 34, Oregon State 31
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – It’s a clash of styles where the Bearcats’ no huddle passing attack can exploit OSU’s rebuilt secondary. Factor in Jacquizz Rodgers’ sprained ankle and this will be an uphill battle, even at home.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Construct the Mike Riley theorem, figuring out how the Beavers are always underrated.

San Jose State at Stanford, 6 p.m.
My Pick – Stanford 30, San Jose State 17
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – The Cardinal should have won at Wake and won’t waste this opportunity.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Retract predictions that Stanford will make a bowl game.

Louisiana-Monroe at Arizona State, 7 p.m.
My Pick – Arizona State 55, Louisiana-Monroe 20
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Ho hum, another massacre in advance of next week’s first test at Georgia for the Sun Devils.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Conclude 2007 was a total fluke.

Kansas State at UCLA, 7:15 p.m.
My Pick – UCLA 20, Kansas State 13
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Rick Neuheisel won’t let Kevin Craft lose this game, so expect something like a 70-30 run-pass ratio. The defense is playing unreal football right now and as linebacker Reggie Carter said Monday, “If they don’t score, we still win.”
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Excuse those fans who want to run Craft out of town on a rail.