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

Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post reminds us not to overlook Oregon State (September 22nd, 7 PM, Sun Devil Stadium)

Washington State players looked sluggish during a scrimmage due to the heat with temperatures reaching all the way into the mid-80's. Coach Larry Doba didn't sound too concerned as he said, "It's not like we're playing tomorrow." Looks like someone is going to be challenging Stanford for last place in the Pac-10 this season.

UCLA news and notes courtesy of Bruins Nation, including a diary entry on the reinstatement of Wide Receivers Coach Eric Scott.

Stanford Head Coach Jim Harbaugh found his new defensive coordinator on the internet.