Week 4 in the Pac 10

If you hear a rumbling, that’s the sound of everybody jumping off the Jake Locker bandwagon all at once. The biggest game of Week 3 for the Pac-10 was Nebraska vs Washington, and Locker’s 4 for 20 performance left a lot to be desired.

I wouldn’t be too alarmed for Locker, though. Yes, he was bad, but it’s not like everyone just missed the boat on him and he went from #1 overall pick to being a schlub. The Nebraska defense is really good, and the Huskie defense didn’t exactly do Locker any favors. I’ll wait to hold judgement, and the bye week should help Sarkisian and company refocus.

Then there was Arizona’s trouncing of Iowa. This was an odd game for a few reasons. Iowa’s first possession ended in a punt block, the end result being a Wildcat touchdown. Iowa’s next possession ended with a pick-six. After Iowa scored its first touchdown, the ensuing kickoff was returned for a score.Now, I give Arizona all the credit for being opportunistic and creating turnovers, but how much can you really gauge from this game? After those first few drives, were the Hawkeyes really that into it?

It was 27-7 at half time, with those three touchdowns resulting from a blocked punt, interception and kick return. The high powered Arizona offense, when having to face the Hawkeye defense with a long field, could only muster two field goals. I’m not completely sold on Arizona just yet.

Some quick notes on a few other games:

I continue to watch USC with an eye of skepticism. They just don’t seem to possess the ability to overwhelm inferior opponents. Winning is the name of the game, but I’m just not sure the Trojans have what it takes to knock a good team out. Still watching, still waiting for some signs.

Arizona State almost shocked the world by going on the road and coming within a blocked extra point of tying #11 Wisconsin late. I had this one nearly pegged last week, but I’m still surprised. Might not be the last time I say that about the Sun Devils this year.

I take nothing away from UCLA beating a Case Keenum-less Houston team. But you beat who is in front of you, so kudos to the Bruins. Now on to Week 4…

USC vs Washington State

Here you go, Lane. While most people won’t figure there is anything to learn from this game, I’ll be watching. I want to see the Trojans whoop up on somebody, and who better than the worst team (by far) in the Pac-10. This is the time to send a message.

Stanford vs Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish are coming off two hard to swallow losses, and now they face one of the top quarterbacks in the country, Stanford’s Andrew Luck. I would be fearful of the Cardinal players being caught looking forward to next week’s Oregon matchup, but does anybody really look past Notre Dame?

I really don’t see the Irish stopping Luck. And by the way, the drinking game for this one will be all puns that include the words “Luck” and “Irish” by NBC commentators.

UCLA vs Texas

Texas might boast the best defense in the nation, and UCLA has serious offensive issues. You get blanked at home against Stanford, then what are you going to do on the road against Texas?

What they need to do is make sure the Longhorns don’t get any kind of running game going. Then take a page from Arizona’s book and look to special teams and turnovers early to knock the wind out of Texas’ sails. If this were a home game for the Bruins, I could see something like that happening, but a road game against a top ten team? I’d be surprised if the score didn’t end in double digits favoring Texas.

Oregon State vs Boise State

This week’s Pac-10 game of the week. Here’s something I find interesting: The Beavers painted their practice field blue this week to prepare for a trip to Boise. I find this very funny, but at the same time, a possibly genius move by Mike Reilly.

It also helps the Beavers that they are coming off a bye week. Then again, Boise State’s game last week against Wyoming might as well be considered a bye.

The Broncos are the better team, but the matchup favors Oregon State slightly. You want to run the ball on the Beavers, and Boise is a pass-happy team. However, OSU quarterback Ryan Katz cannot get into a shootout with Kellen Moore.

The Beavers have to make this a low-scoring game. Even if they are down, say, 17-3 at half, that’s better than having Moore and the Broncos start lighting up the scoreboard, even if OSU is keeping up early. They won’t be able to sustain that, and Boise will.

California vs Arizona

The Bears seem to be a team that does well when everybody counts them out and folds under pressure. Well, after getting mauled by Nevada last week, and Arizona picking up a signature win, the pressure is off.

The Wildcats jumped ten spots from #24 to #14 in the AP poll. Not sure if I agree with that kind of movement in the polls with the kind of game that went on last week. And really, that was the only real game Arizona has played so far, and it was over early. This is also the last game before the bye week for the Cats. I smell “trap”.

What Cal needs to do is run the ball with a vengeance. Shane Vereen needs about 25 carries for the Bears to win. Keep the ball, stop Arizona from airing it out, and you give yourself a chance. I think they will keep it close late, but Nick Foles and the Arizona passing attack will find seams against a questionable Cal secondary, and make enough big plays down the stretch to put the Bears away.

Oregon vs Arizona State

While the loss was painful, Arizona State should feel pretty good about their performance against Wisconsin. This is also Oregon’s first real game. Kind of smell an upset here, as it has all the ingredients, but there’s only one problem: Oregon is really, really good.

And should be good enough to blow the Sun Devils out. Perhaps the game will remain close in the first half, as the Ducks get up to speed, but Oregon is the best team nobody is talking about, and ASU still has a ways to go before they can be seriously thought of as a threat.

Written by Jay Fisher @jfishsports on Twitter

Inside the MWC Week 4

 

 With the big dogs of the MWC winning their respected games this past weekend and alongside Idaho, the MWC didn’t put up much of a fight.  Got some big games going into week 4 but let me do a recap of week 3.

Oklahoma 27 Air Force 24 – besides TCU and UTAH, Air Force put up a fight against a ranked team, in which they ended up with 351 yards rushing that the Sooners had no match for. 

FSU 34 BYU 10 – I believe BYU wants to forget their flight to Tallahassee and forget about this game; perhaps they’re playing “On To The Next” by Jay-Z going home?

MIAMI (OH) 31 COLORADO STATE 10 – Although the Rams held an early lead, they let Miami (OH) score 31 unanswered points.  CSU WR Byron Steele 7 rec 118 yds 16.9 avg was the highlight for the Rams.

TCU 45 BAYLOR 10 – Baylor proved no match for the Horned Frogs as Andy Dalton completed 91% of his passes and tied with Max Hall for most wins in the MWC as a starting QB.

BOISE STATE 51 WYOMING 6 – The 3^rd ranked team in the nation just walked all over Wyoming.  From the kick-off this proved as no match as we all knew it. Wyoming can only hope to rebound next week.

MISSOURI 27 SAN DIEGO STATE 24 – this was an exciting game as it came down to the Tigers pulling off a touchdown within the closing minute of the game.  RB Hillman’s big game couldn’t help the Aztecs to victory as he rushed for 235yds 2tds (75, 93)

UTAH 56 NEW MEXICO 14 – another easy victory for the Utes as they look strong and ready to challenge TCU for the MWC crown and join in on the BCS Buster talk as well.

IDAHO 30 UNLV 7 – Idaho’s offense was to strong for the Rebels to handle as Idaho QB Nathan Enderle passed for 210 yards 1 td 1 int.

A FEW STANDOUTS FROM THIS PAST WEEK’S GAMES

• TCU – QB – ANDY DALTON – completed 21 of 23 passes for 267 yards 2 tds, set a single game record for completion percentage (91.3) by opening up the game with 11 straight completions.
• AIR FORCE running game that accounted for 351 yards against Oklahoma
• SDSU – RB – RONNIE HILLMAN – rushed for 235 yards 2 touchdowns, both being a distance of 75 and 93.
• BYU – RB – JJ DI LUIGI – 18car 93yds 3rec 36yds
• TCU – RB – ED WESLEY – 19car 165yds 2tds
• TCU – WR – JEREMY KERLEY – 6rec 69yds 2tds
• UTAH – QB – TERRANCE CAIN – completed 20 of 23 passes for 248 yards 3tds and 1 rush td
• UNLV – WR – PHILIP PAYNE – 3rec 79yds 1td

 

Now lets take a look at the upcoming games, as we should be in store for a few good ones.  Bracket Buster TCU heads over to SMU while Utah State visits San Diego State with RB Hillman licking his chops on having a big game.  After putting up 52 points against Cal, Nevada heads to BYU to see if the Cougars can stop the Pistol offense.  Colorado State can only hope they have a chance against Idaho, at home.  Air Force takes their dominant run game to Wyoming as the Cowboys only hope to contain. The Utes play host to the San Jose State Spartan while UNLV welcomes New Mexico to town.

My Game of The Week – (4) TCU @ SMU

TCU @ SMU

Dalton and company will look to continue to be a BSC buster, as they’ll continue their dominance of anyone who stands in their way to an undefeated record.  Stout defense and electrifying run game will be no chance for SMU’s run and shoot offense. TCU rolls big in this one.  TCU 52 – SMU 24

AIR FORCE @ WYOMING

With the Cowboys taking a beating last week against Boise State they can only hope to contain the rushing attack Air Force will bring.  Last week Air Force thrashed Oklahoma in the run department by running for a total of 351 yards.  The Falcons RB Clark and Tew look to lead the charge in what should be a blowout.

Air Force 47 – Wyoming 7

IDAHO @ COLORADO STATE

After taking the lead last week against Miami (OH) they couldn’t hang on and ended up losing their 12^th straight game.  With a pass offense that is ranked 12^th in the nation, Idaho will look to air it out against the Rams.  Colorado State just needs to keep their head up and continue to fight, someday their losing streak will end just not in this game as they’ll pick up their 13^th consecutive lost. 

IDAHO 33 – WYOMING 7

NEVADA @ BYU

The Cougars look to rebound after their devastating lost to the Seminoles last week.  RB Di Luigi will look to continue to pound the ball and get the rushing game going, as the defensive side will look to contain the passing attack Nevada possesses.  If the Cougars offense can keep the Wolfpack’s offense off the field, they can make this a game; but if Nevada can do what they please against BYU it’s a blowout. 

NEVADA 47 – BYU 34

UTAH STATE @ SAN DIEGO STATE

Coming off a tough lost to Missouri, the Aztecs will rebound as their high powered offense will dominate Utah State.  RB Ronnie Hillman, fresh off a 235 yard day, looks to cap another solid game and gaining another 200 yards on the ground shouldn’t be a hard task to do.  From kick-off it’ll be a blowout as both teams look passed this game and on to the next.  SDSU 52 – UTAH STATE 10

SAN JOSE STATE @ UTAH

BCS Bracket Busters Utah Utes look to continue their dominance as they’ll look to win their 20^th straight game at home.  QB Terrance Cain should move this offense into many scoring opportunities and put up big points on the score board.  Spartans could fight tough as they proved against the Badgers a couple weeks ago, but Utes is a different team and they’ll roll on in this one.  UTAH 55 – SAN JOSE 23

NEW MEXICO @ UNLV

Last week the Runnin’ Rebels offense looked stale and couldn’t move the ball against Idaho; should be a different story in this game.  Shouldn’t have to worry about either’s running game so look for an air it out affair and UNLV pulling this one out at home in a close battle.  UNLV 31 – NEW MEXICO 24

Written by Brandon “Bee” Salamat @TruGentleman808 on Twitter

This Week in the Pac-10

 

 Week 2 was a good week to be a Pac 10 team. The conference swept every game, with the lone exception being Stanford’s beat down of UCLA, where a Pac 10 team had to lose. This looks to be a much stronger conference than is being nationally perceived.

Granted, the wins were piled up against less than formidable opponents, but only to teams won by single digits. One of those teams is the consensus basement dweller or the conference, Washington State. Yes, it was against FCS team Montana State, and yes, it took a fourth quarter rally to eek out the victory, but any win the Cougars can get is fine by them.

Then there is USC. The Trojans struggled offensively, a week after the defense was an issue against Hawaii. I’m starting to doubt whether or not Lane Kiffin will be able to give this team an identity. There is talent on the team, we know that. But I find their play inconsistent and rough. They surely haven’t played like a top 25 team thus far, despite the fact they are 2-0.

Some other notes from Week 2. Oregon continues to look like a team not only competing for a Pac-10 title, but possibly looking for a BCS title. The conference schedule will be tough in terms of going undefeated, but the Ducks administered another thrashing, this time at Tennessee. We’re all waiting for that matchup against Stanford.

Speaking of Stanford, their win against UCLA marks the first in-conference game of the season, in which the Cardinal cruised 35-0. I admit, this is a team that is looking better than I expected them to, even if I am low on UCLA.

Oregon State was on a bye in Week 2.

Alright, let’s move on to Week 3.

California vs Nevada

This Friday night game is an interesting one. Both teams are looking to move into the top 25 with a win here, but the Bears are the favorite despite being on the road in a short week.

When playing Nevada, you must guard against the run. It’s not that I don’t think Cal can defend, but can the offense, and most importantly QB Kevin Riley, get out in front early to force Nevada to play from behind. I think Cal is the better team, but Nevada may have the matchup they want.

USC vs Minnesota

The Trojans shouldn’t have a problem winning this game. I’m looking to see how they win. They have shown two different personalities in as many games, so perhaps game three can provide a glimpse on what this team will be like going into Pac-10 play. If they struggle, you can officially put a red flag on USC and Lane Kiffin.

Nebraska vs Washington

This is my Pac-10 game of the week. I want to see Jake Locker against this Cornhusker defense, and I’m sure many NFL scouts will be in attendance to see the same. Locker must be brilliant if the Huskies have any chance to win. I don’t expect Chris Polk to do much in the running game.

Defensively speaking, it’s not like Nebraska is an offensive juggernaut. Washington has to kill the run, kill the run, and oh, did I mention, kill the run? What happens here will be very eye-opening on just how good Washington can be this year.

Arizona State vs Wisconsin

Ex-Michigan quarterback and current Sun Devil Steven Threet has beaten a ranked Wisconsin team before, one of only two of Threet’s Ann Arbor victories. Arizona State has looked good enough to repeat Threet’s past, but the Badgers are going to be a much harder team to beat than the cupcakes presented to them so far.

I’ve been trying to talk myself into a Sun Devil win here, since Big Ten matchups seem favorable to their style of play, but with no experience this year playing tough competition, and going on the road against a hard-nosed team, they should just be happy keeping it close, which I do expect. Gamblers might want to look at the point spread in this one.

Washington State vs Southern Methodist

I’m not going to say this very often this year, but the Cougars are coming off a win. I don’t foresee me typing the same thing next week. This team is building, folks, and the losses will come in bunches, even to teams with problems such as SMU. The best case scenario here is keeping it close early and seeing any signs of progress.

Louisville vs Oregon State

I would not want to be Louisville this week. The Cardinals problem so far has been stopping the ground attack, and Oregon State is a team looking to run it down opponents’ throats. Add into the mix that the Beavers have had two weeks to stomach their loss against top-5 TCU, and yeah, I don’t see this being too close a game.

But you have to mention that the Beavers face Boise State next week, and the fear of overlooking a lesser opponent is out there. Louisville needs to hope for just that, and perhaps get an early lead and force Oregon State quarterback Ryan Katz to make some plays. Otherwise, it will be a long day for the Cardinals.

Portland State vs Oregon

The Ducks’ last tune-up before conference play. Portland State is an FCS school, and they will likely get pounded. Not much to see here.

Iowa vs Arizona

The only game this week featuring two top-25 schools. I hate this matchup for Arizona, who come equipped with a high octane offense but face a tough Big Ten defense. I favor the defense in battles like these, and the Hawkeyes are the better team. Plus, I worry about the defensive line against Iowa’s offense, and if the Wildcats can supply any pressure.

Being at home obviously helps, and Arizona has what it takes to rally if they find themselves behind, but Iowa to me is bigger and stronger and should win the all too important line of scrimmage battle. The Wildcats must force a shootout to be successful. I don’t see it playing out that way, but either way, it will be a great test, and should be a great game.

Houston vs UCLA

The good news: Houston quarterback Case Keenum may not play. The bad news: pretty much everything else. We can start with the fact that the Bruins can’t stop the run. Then we move on to their lack of ground control on offense. I’m a fan of what they’re doing, or more precisely, what they’re trying to do, but Houston, with or without Keenum is simply better at what they are doing.

UCLA needs to pray for a Keenum-less game. It’s really their only chance in this one.

Wake Forest vs Stanford

Okay, Stanford is better than I thought. Andrew Luck, who I already loved, is better than I thought. As for Wake, when Duke puts up 48 points on you, what do you expect one of the nation’s top quarterbacks to do?

Stanford wins easily here. The only concern is whether or not the defense can play as well as it has thus far, especially the run defense, but I don’t see it becoming a huge issue.

Written by Jay Fisher @jfishsports on Twitter