There are just three Pacific-10 games this week. The headliner pits Oregon State, still trying to reach the Rose Bowl, against suddenly struggling Arizona. The other two games feature traditional rivals.
Oregon State (7-3, 6-1) at Arizona (6-4, 4-3)
Arizona was among the conference leaders until its loss to Oregon last week. However, Arizona has probably been overrated all season. Consider that five of the Wildcats’ wins have come against Idaho, Toledo, UCLA, Washington and Washington State. Arizona’s best win in 2008 is easily its 42-27 triumph against California. Arizona’s defense allowed 55 points to Oregon last week. Oregon State won’t score 55 but will tally enough to win. Oregon State 24, Arizona 20
Stanford (5-6, 4-4) at California (6-4, 4-3)
Stanford’s regular season ends today. Every other Pac-10 conference team will play at least one more game after today. The Cardinal needs to win to become bowl eligible. Given the conference’s bowl contracts and the fact that Washington, Washington State and at least one of UCLA and Arizona State (if not both) will finish with losing records, Stanford will have a postseason game. If only the Cardinal could win today. California is simply a better team and playing at home. The Golden Bears have controlled this matchup for several years and will do so again. California 27, Stanford 17
Washington (0-10, 0-7) at Washington State (1-10, 0-8)
The less said, the better. Everyone knows these two teams are among the nation’s worst. Probably among the conference’s worst-ever squads. One of them will claim the Apple Cup today and that’ll count for a lot in an otherwise horrid season. Washington has been more competitive more often and will want to avoid a winless season. Washington 17, Washington State 14
Arizona State (4-6, 3-4) off Next game: Nov. 28, Home vs. UCLA
UCLA (4-6, 3-4) off Next game: Nov. 28, At Arizona State
Oregon (8-3, 6-2) off Next game: Nov. 29, At Oregon State
USC (9-1, 7-1) off Next game: Nov. 29, Home vs. Notre Dame
