Pac-10 picks

Before the season, there was no doubt the Pac-10 would have one game between two powers that would serve to eliminate a conference school from the national championship race. But most everyone thought it would be next week, when USC traveled to Cal.

Times have changed, however, and the game is coming a week early. The undefeated and sixth-ranked Arizona State Sun Devils travel to fourth-ranked Oregon with the Pac-10 lead on the line – and a possible berth in the BCS championship game.

The game was so big, ESPN went out of its way to get a hold of the broadcast rights. That’s a rarity in the Pac-10.

By the way, no one has had a worse six-week stretch than the Washington Huskies, unless it was yours truly. As one reader pointed out, if you followed this column’s picks vs. the line, you’d be broke. If you had gone the other way, you’d be rich. As always, however, the line is for entertainment purposes only.

Arizona State at Oregon (Oregon by 7): Though Dennis Erickson’s Sun Devils have been the surprise team, this is the Ducks’ year. Oregon 42-17.

UCLA at Arizona (UCLA by 2.5): This is the week the Bruins are supposed to be up, right? Maybe they won’t complain about the trip to Tucson and just play. UCLA 24-17.

Washington at Stanford (UW by 3): As bad as the Cardinal were last season, they were able to go to Seattle and win. Stanford may not have had coach Jim Harbaugh, but UW didn’t have Jake Locker. Washington 35-33.

Oregon State at USC (USC by 15): Let’s see. Cal and USC were the preseason conference favorites. Oregon State has already upset Cal. Now is it the Trojans’ turn? No. USC 27-14

Washington State at Cal (Cal by 14.5): The Cougars have been a different team on the road than in Pullman. The Bears have something to prove. They’ll prove it, but it won’t be easy. Cal 35-33.

Last week: 2-3 overall, 0-5 vs. spread; Season: 36-19 overall, 19-33 vs. spread.