ASU Travels to Coliseum for Pivotal Matchup

If Arizona State–the trendy pick to win the Pac-10 yet hasn’t won a game in more than a month–has anything left , we’ll see it today against USC. I would have lost money by betting against the proposition that Arizona and California would be tied for first in early October.

Arizona State at USC If Rudy Carpenter was playing at full strength, then the Sun Devils would have a chance against any college team. He probably won’t play today. If he does take snaps, he won’t be 100 percent. USC quarterback Mark Sanchez isn’t 100 percent either. He missed practice time this week after suffering a knee injury during last week’s game against Oregon. However, the Trojans have too many skill players on both sides of the ball to lose this game. Furthermore, ASU lacks the discipline and mental toughness it will need to win a tight contest. USC 31, Arizona State 17

Arizona at Stanford The Wildcats can lead the conference outright with a win today in Palo Alto. Arizona would be 3-0 in the conference while 2-0 California is off this weekend. This game is a test to see if the Wildcats are really championship-level. I say not yet. Arizona is improved but not quite ready to be an elite team. Stanford, playing at home, will be motivated after losing at Notre Dame last week. Stanford 28, Arizona 24

UCLA at Oregon Both teams have struggled after losing their top two quarterbacks to injury. Oregon has had enjoyed a little more depth at the position and sports a winning record heading into tonight’s game. The Bruins did well last week against WSU but UCLA isn’t ready for a tough contest in Autzen Stadium. The Ducks won’t be great but “good enough” will be sufficient. Oregon 34, UCLA 20

Washington State at Oregon State The Beavers will be sloppy tonight and struggle for a while. However, the Cougars simply aren’t good enough to win this game. OSU will make enough plays to get a result that will be a bit closer than the score would indicate. Oregon State 41, Washington State 14

California off: Next game at Arizona Oct. 18.

Washington off: Next game at home against Oregon State Oct. 18.