DG on PX - Picking the Pac

Three Pac-10 rivalry games are set for the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but the must-see attraction is Stanford hosting embattled Notre Dame.

Year to date - 52-17 straight up, 34-33 against the spread

Arizona at Arizona State, 12:30 p.m.
My Pick – Arizona 35, Arizona State 14
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Will someone teach the Sun Devils the finer points of ball security? ASU has lost 13 fumbles and thrown 12 interceptions this season, with six turnovers coming in a disastrous loss at UCLA. Dennis Erickson is now assured a second straight losing season in Tempe, but can cool his seat with an upset of the Wildcats, coming off their own crushing defeat at the hands of Oregon. Arizona was so close to its first-ever Rose Bowl berth, how the team responds will be critical. QB Nick Foles continues his hot streak and carries the ‘Cats after a sluggish start.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Figure out how to pronounce Szakacsy. I mean it this time.

Washington State at Washington, 3:30 p.m.
My Pick – Washington 28, Washington State 7
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Jake Locker is playing and the Cougars are as banged up as they were last season. The presence of Locker would have been enough for Washington to secure a win in the 2008 Apple Cup, but paired with running back Chris Polk, the Huskies will have no trouble putting up points.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Disregard the result when Washington State is dead last in my 2010 Pac-10 predictions.

Notre Dame at Stanford, 5:00 p.m.
My Pick – Stanford 41, Notre Dame 35
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Charlie Weis is finished, Jim Harbaugh is angry. One would expect Stanford to be able to name its score, but the probable last game for Irish QB Jimmy Clausen and WR Golden Tate should be enough motivation to keep it close.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Wonder how in the hell Stanford knocked off Oregon and USC.

UCLA at USC, 7:00 p.m.
My Pick – USC 24, UCLA 17
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Does it really matter how UCLA plays Saturday night? Maybe not, provided USC avoids turnovers and remembers how to tackle. The Trojans still have an overwhelming talent edge, even with all their injuries, and it will take short fields or defensive touchdowns to offset it. Matt Barkley gets his two top weapons back in receiver Damian Williams and tight end Anthony McCoy, but should steer clear of UCLA safety Rahim Moore and his NCAA-leading nine interceptions.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Resist comparisons between UCLA ’09 and USC ’01.