DG on PX - Picking the Pac

Oregon and Stanford have emerged as the top challengers to USC in the Pac-10, but can they maintain their momentum in difficult road tests?

Year to date - 30-8 straight up, 16-19 against the spread

Oregon at UCLA, 12:30 p.m.
My Pick – UCLA 23, Oregon 20
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – The architect of last season’s 31-24 win at Autzen, quarterback Jeremiah Masoli looks to be a spectator Saturday with a knee injury. Nate Costa will likely start in his place, but doesn’t have the same mobility that gave UCLA fits in 2008, as Masoli rushed for 170 yards and a touchdown. The Bruins get their quarterback back in Kevin Prince after a two-game absence with a broken jaw. Prince's return and an increased role for young athletes like Randall Carroll and Damien Thigpen should give UCLA enough firepower to hold off Oregon.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Say the Ducks have finally moved past their recent history of quarterback injuries.

Arizona State at Washington State, 2:00 p.m.
My Pick – Arizona State 34, Washington State 7
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – The defense is up to the task, now the Sun Devils have a chance to get their running game on track against the lowly Cougars. Just maybe Danny Sullivan can duplicate last week’s aerial proficiency, but actually come away with the win.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Wonder how long it will take until Dennis Erickson gets the Bobby Bowden treatment.

Stanford at Oregon State, 4:00 p.m.
My Pick – Oregon State 28, Stanford 24
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Stanford helped keep Oregon State out of the Rose Bowl last season; you know the Beavers would love to return the favor. Mike Riley will go out of his way to force Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck into throwing the ball 30+ times, selling out against the run and letting his rebuilt secondary rise to the challenge. Toby Gerhart and Jacquizz Rodgers will each make plays, but Sean Canfield will outdo young Luck.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Take my spot on the Stanford bandwagon.

Arizona at Washington, 7:00 p.m.
My Pick – Arizona 30, Washington 21
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – If the Wildcats had somehow won at Iowa, they would likely be regarded as a viable challenger to USC. Instead, they find themselves part of the Pac-10’s unknown middle. Junior Nic Grigsby has to have a big game to control the tempo and keep it from devolving into a Nick Foles-Jake Locker duel. If that happens, Locker is far more advanced than Arizona’s sophomore quarterback and will put the Huskies back on track.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Finally convince myself Washington is more ’07 Stanford than ’03 Cal.