DG on PX - Picking the Pac

Running backs Jacquizz Rodgers and Jahvid Best share the field in Berkeley, while Stanford looks to ambush Oregon across the bay.

Year to date - 42-13 straight up, 25-28 against the spread

Oregon at Stanford, 12:30 p.m.
My Pick – Oregon 31, Stanford 21
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – If ever there was a perfect scenario for a let-down game, this would be it: going on the road to play a team coming off the bye while you’re trying to keep your emotions up after shredding USC before a national TV audience. Stanford will try to punch Oregon in the mouth with a steady dose of Toby Gerhart and should find some success, but quarterback Andrew Luck will be baited into a bad throw or two. That will allow the Ducks to pull away in the second half for a decisive win, though not indicated by the final score.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Be blamed by Oregon fans for jinxing their team.

UCLA at Washington, 12:30 p.m.
My Pick – UCLA 20, Washington 17
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – UCLA can’t go winless in conference, right? QB Kevin Prince is coming off his best game since having his jaw broken, while his UW counterpart Jake Locker is questionable with a bruised thigh. A dinged up Locker will be corralled by a frustrated and angry Bruins defense.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Start the search for a suitable scapegoat in Westwood.

Washington State at Arizona, 12:30 p.m.
My Pick – Arizona 48, Washington State 17
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Not even Mike Stoops can blow this one.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Seriously reconsider if UCLA, not Washington State, is the worst program in the conference.

Oregon State at California, 4:00 p.m.
My Pick – Cal 30, Oregon State 27
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – To me, this is the most intriguing game of the weekend. As they usually do, the Beavers are rounding into form at the right time. Cal, on the other hand, has been sloppy in spots in their three-game Pac-10 win streak. It all comes down to Jahvid Best, who hasn’t been the same since the Oregon-USC face plant, averaging a pedestrian 4.8 yards per carry if you subtract his 93-yard scamper at UCLA. Best breaks out with a big effort and the Bears eek this one out.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Probably be forced to rescind my statement that Kevin Riley is Cal’s quarterback moving forward.

USC at Arizona State, 5:00 p.m.
My Pick – USC 28, Arizona State 17
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – What in the world has happened to Pete Carroll’s defense? 110 points in three games? USC didn’t give up that many all last season. He’ll simplify things for a banged up D and thank his lucky stars Arizona State has trouble scoring in conference. Matt Barkley actually played well at Oregon, only the Trojans were put in a mode where they had to score touchdowns on every second-half possession. Barkley continues to show the hype was well deserved, showing the poise of an upperclassman in leading USC to victory in its last road game this season.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Figure out ways to avoid covering USC in the Sun Bowl.