DG on PX - Picking the Pac

It's the Pac-10 game of the year as the Trojans and Ducks clash for a trip to the Rose Bowl. Who emerges victorious from Autzen Stadium?

Year to date - 39-12 straight up, 25-24 against the spread

Cal at Arizona State, 12:30 p.m.
My Pick – Cal 28, Arizona State 14
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – For all the praise heaped on Arizona State’s front seven, and rightfully so, they can’t keep bailing out their invisible offense forever. It showed in the loss at Stanford, and now the Sun Devils draw a far more potent offensive attack from the Golden Bears. Jahvid Best will be far more effective on a down-to-down basis than he was against UCLA, and Cal can always turn to Shane Vereen in the running game.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Start considering next week’s USC-ASU game a possible trap for the Trojans.

UCLA at Oregon State, 1:00 p.m.
My Pick – Oregon State 31, UCLA 16
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Even in its loss to USC, Oregon State is a confident team playing at a high level. UCLA is grasping for any sort of momentum, but that will be difficult with coach Rick Neuheisel employing some sort of two quarterback system this week. The monopoly ends when exactly, Rick?
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Credit LA Times professional curmudgeon T.J. Simers with the Bruins’ turnaround.

Washington State at Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.
My Pick – Notre Dame 45, Washington State 17
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – If Notre Dame doesn’t win this by a minimum of four touchdowns, Charlie Weis shouldn’t even getting on the charter back to South Bend.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Cackle that the worst BCS team could beat the Irish.

USC at Oregon, 5:00 p.m.
My Pick – USC 31, Oregon 24
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Even with myriad injuries, USC’s offense is peaking at the right time. Allen Bradford broke out in a major way against Oregon State, and brings a physical dimension to the running game. A steady dose of AB, Joe McKnight and play action will produce plenty of Trojan scores. Oregon’s passing game must be effective early to open up things for RB LaMichael James. The home-field advantage will keep it close, but USC finds its November form one day early.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Look for USC to avoid ever playing in the state of Oregon again.