Oregon's players have it rough

And somehow people still make the argument that college football is considered amateur athletics. The Sun Devils visit the Autzen Genetic Engineering Facility, I mean Autzen Stadium, on November 3rd.

Opponents News and Notes

SDSU has 17 straight losses against Pac-10 opponents, including a 45-17 loss this past weekend against Washington State. Expect some inflated stats on Saturday; the Aztecs are the worst in D-I in Total Defense AND Pass Efficiency Defense. Early game prediction: 52-14, Sun Devils, easily covering the 27 1/2 point spread.

Oregon State couldn't handle Cincinatti's speed defense last Saturday resulting in 7 turnovers, including 6 interceptions. The Beavers face Idaho State this weekend, tuning up for the September 22nd showdown at Sun Devil Stadium.

Stanford was idle this past weekend, but will face San Jose State this Saturday. Last year, San Jose State came back from a 34-14 halftime deficit to beat Stanford 35-34. This year's contest will be dedicated to Bill Walsh, who coached both teams. Stanford is favored by 7. With the game dedicated to Bill Walsh and with revenge on their minds, my prediction is that Stanford will cover.

Washington State quarterback Alex Brink is a one-man wrecking crew.

It's not going to get easier for freshman phenom quarterback Jake Locker. Washington has to face Ohio State, UCLA, and USC all in the next 3 weeks. The Huskies are 4 point dogs this week at home against the Buckeyes, and I have no prediction as of yet. If the Huskies play smart with limited mental mistakes, anything is possible.

A lot of unexpected excitement in the Cal-CSU game this weekend, but Cal hung on for the 34-28 victory with the help of reserve running back James Montgomery. Cal returns home on Saturday to face Louisiana Tech, and are 33 1/2 point favorites.

Not only did Michigan get beat on the field by Oregon, but they lost off of it as well. 3 prized recruits that Michigan brought in this weekend decided that they now want to go play for the Ducks. Oregon is favored by 15 1/2 this weekend at home against Fresno State, a team that lost to top-25 ranked Texas A&M in triple overtime last weekend.

Opponents Notebook

Apparently, Lute Olson was a big fan of the text messaging that is now outlawed in recruiting. I think he can get his own T-mobile Sidekick deal with T-Mobile like Dwayne Wade has with the Sidekick 3, with big keys and an extra large screen. He can totally corner that aging baby boomer market. They can call it the Sidekick 73 Silver Edition.

A reporter in Boise is all for the idea of his team playing Oregon in China during the 2009 season, and details what needs to get done before it happens. I give it a 2% chance of happening. Write that down, stat boy.

Chuck Long is in year two of the "rebuilding" process of the San Diego State Aztecs football program. Rebuild...rebuild to what? The last time San Diego State was somewhat relevant, Marshall Faulk was in their backfield.

Washington cornerback Jordan Murchison was arrested for failing to show up to a July 16th arraignment hearing on a felony assault charge, and was released on $10,000 bail. Note to self: Pay ridiculous $123 jaywalking ticket I received on Mill Avenue on Saturday. If anyone knows how I can get out of that, please, send an email.

Also in the police blotter, it looks like UCLA receivers coach Eric Scott will not be charged after being arrested following a burglary in Norwalk, California. Looks like no witnesses were willing to talk. Now that Scott's past criminal history has been made public, I don't find it likely that he will be back on the sidelines for the Bruins anytime soon.

Assistant head coach Steve Sarkisian got to take over the reins for a day at USC camp, while head coach Pete Carroll attended Bill Walsh's memorial service. Sarkisian is hoping to take over a college program soon, I just hope he doesn't end up in Tucson next year.

Pac-10 News and Notes

Oregon is looking into the possibility of playing a game in China in 2009, against Boise State. Can someone tell Oregon that just because the children of China make new jerseys for the program every year doesn't mean they have any interest in attending a game.

U of A defensive end Louis Holmes has a court date in Scottsdale next week on charges of criminal damage and disorderly conduct after a fight at Pussycat Lounge in Scottsdale during the morning of July 1st. Let's hope he gets back on the field quickly and doesn't miss any significant playing time, just so the Wildcat fans can't use this incident as an excuse to why they couldn't beat us or make a bowl game.

There's a quarterback controversy happening at Oregon State, and coach Mike Riley's solution might be just to play them both.

Patrick Turner looks to be the new go to receiver at USC.

Washington quarterback Carl Bonnell is trying to finally get some time in as the Huskies quarterback.