Pac-10 Preview - Week Three - Spokane Washington State Cougars

Last week Pac-10 football teams enjoyed played a complete slate of non-conference games. Seven of the nine teams in action came away with victories.

Impressive. Then again, that's to be expected from the Conference of Champions.

This Saturday there will be one conference game and some intriguing non-conference contests.

Let's get to it beginning with the lone conference matchup.

USC (-18) vs. WASHINGTON

The Trojans travel to Seattle after a big win over Ohio State. Former USC assistant Steve Sarkisian has put fire in the belly of the Dawgs. They don't resemble the team of a year ago. It takes more than cheerleading to defeat USC, even on your own field. The Trojan defense might give up a couple of scores to Jake Locker and company. Moral victory? Pick: USC

Neil Leitereg talks about USC vs. UW in his column HERE

Cal (-14) vs. Minnesota

Coach Jeff Tedford takes his show on the road for the first time this season. Minnesota will be carry the torch of pride for the Big Ten. It will take more than a time change to slow down BCS title-game-bound Cal.Pick: Cal

For a complete breakdown of Cal vs Minnesota Rob Calonge covers it in his column HERE

Utah vs. Oregon (-4.5)

Oregon may have found themselves last week. Or did they? Autzen Field is usually at least a touchdown factor for the Ducks. Utah will quiet the crowd and return home mission accomplished. Pick: Utah

Arizona vs. Iowa (-4)

When it comes to intriguing, this game fits the bill. With the potential outcome to sound like a baseball score, Coach Mike Stoops troops will find a way to kick three field goals while giving up just one. Intriguing doesn't necessarily mean interesting or entertaining. Pick: Arizona

(Photo Lewis Wright, Jr.)

SMU (-6) vs. Washington State

A glance at the records of these two teams and you'd guess they are headed in opposite directions. You'd be wrong. SMU has yet to play a quality opponent while the Cougs have been handled by a couple of good teams. New quarterback starting for the Cougs in the person of Marshall Lobbestael (pictured left). New confidence for the Mustangs after two wins to open the season. This game might wear out the scoreboard with plenty of offensive weapons on both sides of the field. WSU hasn't lost a game when playing a team for the first time in Pullman since 1902. That streak will remain intact. Pick: Cougars

Cincinnati (-1) vs. Oregon State

At the risk of sounding like a whiner, once again the Pac-10 gets a Rodney Dangerfield. The Bearcats travel to Corvallis ranked No. 17. Repeat, No. 17. The oddsmakers have this game a pick 'em. Ridiculous. Pick: Da Beavs

San Jose State vs. Stanford (-17)

About the only thing close in this game is the proximity between the location of the two schools. Even there Stanford gets the edge. The Cardinal may not have all the answers on defense, but they are playing very physical football under Coach Jim Harbaugh. The Spartans were run over by USC, but that happens to some of the best. Ask Coach Jim Tressel. Typical of a Dick Tomey team, San Jose State not only bounced back last week, they should have upset Utah. They will come out on the short end of the score again this week, but it will be close. Pick: San Jose State

For notes on Stanford vs. San Jose State check out Dave Fowkes column HERE

WR Chris McGaha (AP Photo Matt York)

Louisiana-Monroe vs. Arizona State (-19.5)

Always nice to have a softball thrown your way at home. At least that's what the Sun Devils are thinking in terms of LA-Monroe. A Sun Belt Team vs. a Pac-10 team should be an easy pick. Don't count the boys from Monroe out. After getting thumped by #2 Texas in their season opener they came back with a victory over Texas Southern 58-0. In this first meeting between the two schools, ASU might win at home...but not by much. Coach Dennis Erickson will do just enough for his team to earn the win at home. Pick: LA-Monroe

Devin Hicks has a preview of ASU vs. LA-Monroe in his column HERE

(AP Photo Wade Payne)

Kansas State vs. UCLA (-12.5)

UCLA is off to a good start and the program at Kansas State is simply starting off. The Wildcats have split a couple of squeakers to open the season against teams they should have handled. Coach Rick Neuheisel has the Bruins exceeding expectations after a solid road win over Tennessee. UCLA will be forced to start a new quarterback this week after Kevin Prince suffered a broken jaw. He'll miss at least three weeks. K-State will have a tough time getting their offense untracked against one of the strengths of the Bruins. UCLA - Defense? Do those two words really go together? Pick: UCLA

Darin McGilvra has notes on UCLA vs. K-State in his column HERE

Next weekend the Pac-10 conference schedule will be rolled out full force. Expect to see some experimenting with player combinations as coaches work to find out who will be ready to answer the bell when games really begin to count.

One thing is certain, it will be another weekend of college football.

That's a good thing my friends.

For more Pac-10 fearless predictions, check out Dave Fowkes picks for this upcoming weekend:

Week 3 Pac-10 Predictions

Last Week Lew's Picks were 5-4

Lew is now 9-9 on the season.

DISCLAIMER: College football is all about the spectacle and event. Wagering on games taints the experience. Have some fun, enjoy family and friends this weekend.