DG on PX - Picking the Pac

Stanford's last visit to the Coliseum was a 24-23 upset that shocked college football. Is there another upset in store or will USC continue its march back from the brink?

Year to date - 45-15 straight up, 28-30 against the spread

Stanford at USC, 12:30 p.m.
My Pick – Stanford 28, USC 24
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – A healthy USC wins this game convincingly, but receiver Damian Williams (ankle) is unlikely to play and tight end Anthony McCoy (ankle), fullback Stanley Havili (shoulder), defensive end Everson Griffen (toe) and linebacker Malcolm Smith (shoulder) aren’t close to 100 percent. The Trojans will try and keep quarterback Andrew Luck and running back Toby Gerhart on the sidelines with a heavy dose of tailbacks Joe McKnight and Allen Bradford, but aren’t disciplined enough to stick with that game plan. Stanford knows what it wants to do, USC doesn’t and suffers only its second loss at the Coliseum during the Trojan dynasty.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Be accused by Stanford fans of jinxing their team.

Washington at Oregon State, 12:30 p.m.
My Pick – Oregon State 34, Washington 20
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – If Washington couldn’t capitalize on five UCLA turnovers, what hope does it have against an Oregon State team that has thrown five interceptions and lost one fumble in nine games?
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Tip my hat to Sark for his most impressive win to date.

UCLA at Washington State, 2:00 p.m.
My Pick – UCLA 30, Washington State 13
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Everybody crushes Washington State. Now quarterback Kevin Prince, who has been fantastic in his last three quarters of action, and the Bruins get a lay-up to keep their bowl hopes alive.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Curse the Pac-10 for making those poor, sun-drenched LA kids play in Pullman in November.

Arizona at California, 4:00 p.m.
My Pick – Arizona 27, Cal 20
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Cal’s defense can’t stop anyone with a pulse. QB Nick Foles and company certainly qualify, averaging 37.6 points per game since moving Foles into the starting lineup. More impressive is the Wildcats’ pass protection, only allowing four sacks in 282 attempts.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Credit Cal for rallying in the face of Jahvid Best’s horrifying fall.

Arizona State at Oregon, 7:20 p.m.
My Pick – Oregon 38, Arizona State 13
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – Arizona State’s defense is legit, but its quarterback situation isn’t. Whoever starts this week, be it incumbent Danny Sullivan or true freshman Brock Osweiler, faces an angry Oregon team that was pummeled at Stanford and will be out for redemption. The Ducks still aren’t a lock for the league’s automatic BCS berth, but it won’t be the Sun Devils keeping them from Pasadena.
If I’m Wrong, I Will – Cover USC, Stanford, Arizona or Oregon State in the Rose Bowl.