DG on PX - Picking the Pac

Cal's two-week gauntlet to wrest the Pac-10 title away from USC starts with a trip to Autzen Stadium. Can the Bears knock off the suddenly resurgent Ducks?

Year to date - 22-6 straight up, 10-15 against the spread

California at Oregon, 12:30 p.m.
My Pick – Cal 27, Oregon 20
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Jahvid Best has a huge encore left in him after scoring 5 touchdowns against the Golden Gophers, but will it be this Saturday or next week versus USC. Jeremiah Masoli will throw the ball better at some point this season, right? Cal’s defense will be focused squarely on redshirt freshman runner LaMichael James and Minnesota showed there can be plays made in the passing game. If safety TJ Ward can go for the Ducks, that might be enough to slow down Best to pull the upset.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Be thoroughly disappointed that USC-Cal will not be the season-defining showcase it could have been, a la 2004.

Arizona State at Georgia, 4 p.m.
My Pick – Georgia 38, Arizona State 17
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Although the lack of sacks is troubling, the Sun Devils have the brand of defense to make life tough between the hedges, but won’t get much help from an offense that has yet to face anyone with a pulse. Danny Sullivan and, more importantly, the offensive line in front of him have to play the game of their lives to shock the Bulldogs.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Make frequent references to the Pac-10’s road wins over the SEC all year long.

Arizona at Oregon State, 4:30 p.m.
My Pick – Oregon State 27, Arizona 17
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – The Beavers won’t lose two in a row at home. More importantly, Reser Stadium might be the worst venue for a young quarterback to make his first Pac-10 road start and that’s exactly what Nick Foles has to do.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Be tempted to ask if Mike Riley has lost his mojo.

Washington at Stanford, 6 p.m.
My Pick – Stanford 33, Washington 20
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Classic let-down game for Washington, going on the road and trying to recapture the energy that propelled them to a massive upset of USC. Cardinal receiver Chis Owusu is quietly distinguishing himself as one of the nation’s top big-play threats and should find room against a questionable Husky secondary.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Pencil the Huskies in for a bowl game.

Washington State at USC, 7:15 p.m.
My Pick – USC 55, Washington State 6
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – The Cougars are the cure for what ails you, having turned the ball over nine times in three games and ranking 119th in total defense and dead last nationally in pass defense. Pete Carroll will use this opportunity to get plenty of touches for good soldiers like running backs CJ Gable and Allen Bradford; they’ll capitalize before October when tough opponents line the schedule and blowouts seem unlikely.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Start stocking up on canned goods and bottled water in advance of the coming apocalypse.