Vince Grippi’s Pac-10 picks

Fast starts mean a lot in a sprint. But in a marathon, not so much. The college football season isn’t a marathon – unless you have to play, say, 11 consecutive weeks without a bye – but it’s not a 60-meter dash either. Let’s call it a 5K. That’s just long enough for my fast start to disappear in a series of mediocre weeks. Like the last one. Oh well, the race goes on. As always, the listed line is for your entertainment purposes only. All games Saturday. California at USC (USC by 2.5): With Oregon, Oregon State and Arizona State still on the schedule, the Trojans better make a stand now or the season is in the dumps. They will. USC 24-22. Oregon State at Washington (pick ’em): The Beavers started as the favorite, but the loss of James Rodgers seems to have made a difference. But it may not on the field. OSU 31-28. Arizona at Washington State (Arizona by 23.5): After last week’s home loss, the Wildcats take to the road with a fury, and get after the quarterback with a vengeance. Arizona 48-28. Last week: 3-2 overall, 2-3 vs. spread; Season: 35-8 overall, 20-14 vs. spread.