Pac 10 Week 1 Predictions
Two friends and die hard Bruin sports fanatics from the UCLA Marching Band will be competing throughout the season in predicting the outcomes of each week's Pac-10 games. Follow along as we predict each game and see which one of us comes out on top.
This week's post may be a little long, as there are many Pac-10 games this week.
Week 1 Pac Ten Predictions (Sept 5th)
#16 Boise State (-4) vs #14 Oregon
(Truebluebruin24)
In what is clearly the Pac-10 game of the week, Oregon starts of their season with a tough test at Boise State, a team they lost to at home just last year. Oregon has been getting a lot of love this season as the team most likely to beat USC (if anyone does), but might also be one of the most overrated pac-10 teams heading into the season, besides Cal. While Oregon has a tricky offense to stop, Boise State managed to last year, and now they have the home field advantage. If this was on a neutral site I’d pick the Ducks, but the Broncos haven’t lost at home since 2001. I expect them to pull out a tough win.
Prediction: Boise State 38 Oregon 31
(Blueandgold)
What a great way to start off the season with a marquee game on opening night of college football! Although Alabama vs. Virginia Tech is getting a lot of the national attention this week, I believe this game ranks up there in terms of talent and hunger of both teams. Boise State comes into this game with a regular season winning streak of 49 games when playing on The Blue, and have won 61 out of 62 games there since 1999—talk about home field dominance. Oregon, on the other hand, is looking to avenge what they called “an embarrassing loss” to the Broncos when they beat them 37-32, while also taking out their quarterback Masoli in the process. Masoli returns for his junior season as a multidimensional quarterback. Also Blout, a junior college transfer, looks good in the RB position and can fill in the role that Johnson played last year. As Boise State, Sophomore QB Moore threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, including 386 yards and 3 touchdowns against Oregon last year, and had a season completion percentage close to 70%. Even with all the fire power that Oregon gained, I like Boise State in this one, especially with them playing at home. I think this game is going to be filled with fireworks, and although I’m studying for my MCAT on Friday, I will be sure to watch this game Thursday night!
Oregon: 31 Boise State: 35
Washington State vs Stanford (-16.5)
(Truebluebruin24)
It is only thanks to Washington being so completely lousy that Washington State didn’t win the title of worst team in the pac-10 last year. Their only wins came against winless Washington, and Portland State. Meanwhile, Jim Harbaugh is slowly but surely causing Stanford to improve each year, just barely missing a bowl game last season. Stanford creamed Washington State last year, and with the exception of home field advantage, the cougars don’t have much to hope for in this game. Game should be put away by halftime.
Prediction: Stanford 41 Washington State 10
(Blueandgold)
A first week Pac 10 showdown. Stanford comes into the game on the upswing with Coach Harbaugh heading into his 3rd year coaching the Cardinal. They have one of the most talented collection of backs in the Pac 10 and a very formidable defensive line. Wazzu on the other hand, finished the season 2-10 last year and Coach Wulff is already on the hotseat in his second year. Although the Cougs are very hard to beat at home over the years at Martin Stadium, I don’t feel Stanford will have a tough time against the Wazzu. I like the way Stanford is maturing over the past few years under Harbaugh and think this one is a gimme to start off a season for Stanford that is in hopes of reaching their first bowl game since 2001.
Stanford: 28 Washington State: 13
#12 Cal (-21.5) vs Maryland
(Truebluebruin24)
Cal is once again receiving a lot of love to start the season, but the last few seasons the Bears seem to start of strong and fade away as the season continues. Cal has the skill players to be great this year, with arguably the best running back in the nation in Jahvid Best. The only real question for the Bears is can Tedford finally find a consistent quarterback. Between being dominating at home and motivated after last year’s humiliating defeat at Maryland, expect Cal to come out fired up for this game. With Eastern Michigan the following week, there is no reason for Cal to overlook this game.
Prediction: Cal 38 Maryland 17
(Blueandgold)
Cal is a preseason favorite to contend for the Pac 10 title; however standing in their way is a formidable Maryland team that upset the Golden Bears last year in Maryland. Last year at Maryland, QB Riley threw for over 420 yards, while RB Best ran for over 220. Despite the performance, Maryland beat Cal 35-27. That Maryland team that beat Cal last year went on to an 8-5 campaign. However this year will be completely different. Cal has the offensive firepower to open this game up and bode well for the rest of the season. Their new offensive coordinator, Ludwig, from the 13-0 Utah Utes enters his first season at Cal with the weapons in Riley and Best to get the job done. Maryland on the other hand loses 30 seniors and although are geared up for the game against the Bears, they don’t have the playmakers to beat a Cal team in Berkeley (which has won 27 out of 31 at Memorial Stadium since 2004). I like the Bears’ chances this year to lock up the Pac 10 and go to the Rose Bowl (if not better) for the first time in 50 years. Cal should win this one handily, and will make a statement that they are a force to be reckoned with in 2009 in the Pac 10.
Maryland: 14 California: 35
#4 USC (-33.5) vs San Jose State
(Truebluebruin24)
Ok Ok, I know Stanford came into the Coliseum two years ago and surprised the world by beating USC as the biggest underdog in history, so anything is possible, but there is no way in hell San Jose State wins this game. The only question is, by how much does USC win? There are a few factors that could make the game a little closer than expected: USC has a huge second week at Ohio State and could be overlooking this game. Pete Carrol needs to do just 3 things in this game: win, get his starters out as early as possible to avoid any injuries, and get his reserves some playing time. USC may just rely on their running game and save the big plays for their date with the Buckeyes the following week.
Prediction USC 48 San Jose State 10
(Blueandgold)
It pains me to see a U$C blowout, but this is obviously just a schedule filler for $C as they look to next week’s match up with the Buckeyes and a payday for SJSU. However, like all games, I will offer some analysis. $C comes in ranked as the preseason number 4 and a potential national title contender (no way, but Foxsports would have you believe that with their crush on Pete Carroll). $C plans to start freshman Matt Barkley, who played at Mater Dei. Although I was not at the game, my parents saw Barkley in action when he lost to my high school alma mater, Tesoro, last year during the CIF playoffs. They said Barkley was super sharp; the reason he lost was because his receivers were just not good enough to catch perfect passes. So I understand Barkley is the real deal athletically, but is he mentally, that will be the question for $C. Although $C is the heavy favorite, SJSU coach, Dick Tomey has beaten $C the last two times, and five out of 12, however that was the pre-Carroll era. SJSU comes off a 6-6 season, but returns 7 starters from the #21 defense nationally last year. However that’s not enough to beat $C.
San Jose State: 7 U$C: 42 (Go Bruins!)
Arizona (-13.5) vs Central Michigan
(Truebluebruin24)
Central Michigan is probably a team that most people would consider a cupcake at first glance. The Chippewas actually came close last year to winning their third MAC conference title in a row, and are considered one of the favorites this year. However, the competition in the MAC is still not the same as playing at a power conference team’s home stadium. Arizona however may have a harder time with this game then their fans would like. With an inexperienced quarterback facing an experienced team in his first game, the offense may have problems moving the ball. Expect a talented Wildcat defense to preserve a closer than expected win
Prediction Arizona 28 Central Michigan 20
(Blueandgold)
Arizona is without its star 3,000 yard QB Tuitama, and will look to Sophomore Scott who has little experience to make something of Arizona’s season. Both Arizona and Central Michigan will try to feature their elite group of receivers, meaning this game could come down to the secondary. While the line of the Chips was 14th nationally in sacks, their secondary was 109th last year, meaning a couple completions by Scott could give him the confidence to blow this game open. However, while Arizona is more of the big name school in this game, don’t count out Central Michigan with their QB LeFevour, who threw for close to 2,800 yards last season with 21 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. I like the Chips offensively but their defense, though improved, will have to step up to win the game.
Central Michigan: 21 Arizona: 24
UCLA (-19) vs San Diego State
(Truebluebruin24)
UCLA has a rough season last year, going 4-8. However, they open at home against a team with an even rougher season, as the Aztecs went 2-10. Football analysts love to go on and on about how the game is won in the trenches. San Diego State doesn’t have a defensive lineman over 270 pounds, while the lightest Bruin offensive lineman is 309 pounds. Expect UCLA to be able, at least for this game, to open big holes for the running game and tire out a thin Aztec defensive line. With the big showdown the following week vs Tennessee, UCLA might stick to a heavy run game and save some of their plays for the game the following week.
Prediction UCLA 31 San Diego State 13
(Blueandgold)
I’m so excited for this season as a Bruin! UCLA looks to take a 4-8 record under its first season under Coach Neuheisel and turn it into a bowl-bound season. However fires threaten the playing of this game during this week, and may cause the game to be moved to the end of the season on Dec. 5th. UCLA is a very young team offensively, starting a redshirt freshman quarterback in Prince, a RB corp that features two redshirt freshman in Knox and Franklin and an offensive line that has 3-4 starters that weren’t even Bruins last year. Standing in their way of opening the season with a win, are the phantom Aztecs of SDSU. Former Ball State Coach, Brady Hoke, is in his first year at SDSU, leaving the Bruins puzzled at what will be coming at them on Saturday. Backing up Coach Hoke are two former Bruin who will serve as SDSU’s coordinators. Defensive Coordinator Rocky Long’s 3-3-5 scheme looks to stump offensive mastermind Norm Chow. The Aztecs are ready for a fight, hopefully UCLA is ready to respond and make a statement on the improvements they made since last season.
San Deigo State: 17 UCLA: 21
Washington vs #11 Louisiana State (-17)
(Truebluebruin24)
I must admit that I’m surprised this line is so low. LSU has been one of college football’s powers recently despite a “down” year last year, while Washington has been steadily declining, finishing off their decent with last year’s meltdown of a season. I know Washington is at home, and they have a new coach and their star quarterback is back from injury, but this is an absolutely brutal way for Washington to start the season. If this game is close still in the second half, my hat off to the Huskies.
Prediction LSU 55, Washington 10
(Blueandgold)
Both LSU and Washington had disappointing season, although the scale used to measure those let down seasons are much different for each team. LSU finished 8-5 last year in a tough SEC, coming in third in the SEC West. Washington on the other hand comes into the game looking for their first win since 2007, going an abysmal 0-12 last season. However things are looking up for the Huskies with their new head coach, Sarkisian from $C. 11th ranked LSU though comes in with their all purpose guy Jefferson who can run, catch, and throw the football. LSU has won all 19 of their non-conference games under Coach Miles. Although Locker is back, his play style under the previous Washington regimes is not conducive to Sarkisians paly style. LSU is going to have a heck of a season, they just need to take care of business as they travel the furthest ever in their history to meet up with Washington.
Louisiana State: 28 Washington: 14
Arizona State vs Idaho State (no line)
(Truebluebruin24)
Expectations are down somewhat in the desert this year after ASU’s disappointing season last year. Coach Dennis Erickson had the sun devil faithful excited after his first season, but now entering year 3, the Sun Devils seem to be somewhere in the middle of the pac-10. Add in the fact that Rudy Carpenter is gone, and ASU is faced with breaking in a new quarterback. Thankfully, the Devils get an easy game to start the season at home against the Bengals coming off a 1-11 season. This should be a nice warm up for a Sun Devil offense that was surprisingly bad last season ranked 100th nationally in production.
Prediction ASU 42 Idaho State 10
(Blueandgold)
The Bengals come into this game with a dismal 1-11 record from last season. Despite this, Idaho State QB Hill had over 2,600 yards last season with 14 touchdowns; however he was intercepted 15 times. ASU looks to start off the season on the right foot with a bye week coming next week. Although not the powerhouse that they once were in the Pac 10, ASU should win this one easily and take it as a warm up to the rest of the season. ASU starts senior quarterback Sullivan, who got very limited play time behind Carpenter last year.
Idaho State: 10 Arizona State: 24
Oregon State vs Portland State (no line)
(Truebluebruin24)
The last few seasons, Oregon State has been blasted in a preconference game to start the season, gets completely overlooked, and then surprises the Pac-10, finishing in the top 3 the past 3 seasons, and beating USC 2 out of 3 times. Don’t expect any early season loss, at least in this game, as Portland State is no Penn State or Utah that have given the beavers fits in years past. Though Oregon State will be breaking in many new starters on both sides of the ball, the return of the dangerous Rodgers brothers who are now a household name, and 2 senior quarterbacks both with playing experience could make the Beavers a dangerous team once again this season. The defense may give up a few scores with all of the new bodies on the field, but the offense will put this game away quickly
Prediction OSU 48 Portland State 17
(Blueandgold)
Oregon State had a pretty successful season last year. Beating $C and having a shot at the Rose Bowl is definitely a successful season. Oregon State over the past two years has been pretty consistent and I see them doing the same in 2009, being in the upper half of the conference. They come into this game winning the past 25 non-conference home games. As for Portland state, they are coming off a 4-7 performance last year in NCAA Division 1AA. The “Quizz” will be all over the field in this game and this game will definitely be a good start for OSU, especially with their relatively easy early schedule.
Portland State: 10 Oregon State: 38
