It’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy a weekend of football knowing that no matter what happens, Oregon is in the Rose Bowl. Ain’t it sweet?

Last Week: 4-0
Season: 54-19

Arizona @ USC
After witnessing the Beavers valiant effort Thursday night, I’m carrying the “Beavers to the Holiday Bowl” flag. They deserve it. So with that said, I’m passing them positive mojo from a blog that has mostly picked well this season and yelling loud…Go Cats! If the Beavers get into a four-way tie for second with Arizona, Cal and Stanford, an argument can be made for the Beavers despite their loss to Arizona early in the season.

Of course, none of that says anything about Arizona vs. USC. I didn’t get to see the Trojans game against UCLA, but there’s not much to like about the way USC has played in the second half of the season. I think the Wildcats have the motivation USC will be lacking. The pac-10 is hungry to eat at the Trojans table and I think Arizona will be the latest to burn down Troy.

The Pick…Arizona

California @ Washington
The only other game on the schedule Saturday is an odd one. I’m not sure why Cal is playing Washington on the last weekend of the season. Perhaps the Pac-10 just wanted to give the Huskies a chance to play in December. It doesn’t happen often and there is no bowl in UW’s future so this is it. Washington probably wants to put one final stamp on a season that featured a lot of progress in the early half and set themselves up for a better 2010. A win for Cal and they finish 9-3 after seeing their season take an ugly turn in back-to-back weekends against Oregon and USC. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Washington win this game,  but I’m not risking it.

The Pick…California

Almost forgot this week’s picks amidst a sickness that has taken hold and forced me into a semi-comatose state of  being where all I can do is lay still and watch football. Well, that, and the only game left that matters is on Thursday, so what’s the point?

And no mom, it’s not H1N1, so settle down. But, Chip, don’t think I’m not still winning the day.

Last Week: 3-1
Season: 49-19

Arizona @ Arizona State
I’m not sure what these two teams traditionally call their rivalry game but this year, let’s just go with the “Downer Derby.” ASU lost any hope of avoiding a losing season and still having bowl eligibility a week ago. Arizona rushed the field to celebrate their run for the roses,  but forgot all NCAA sanctioned games last 60 minutes before ending. Now, they trudge their depressed football corpses onto the field to salvage the next best thing – whatever that may be.

The Pick…Arizona

Washington State @ Washington
While it would be hilarious to watch the Cougars win the Crapple Cup again, I can’t see how this could happen. Even Washington should beat these guys by 20. And they probably will.

The Pick…Washington

UCLA @ USC
Ooh, the intrigue. Could the dynasty in L.A. officially be over as procalimed by the UCLA marketing department at the start of Rick Neuheisel’s tenure? I doubt it. In fact, I think people are making too much of the end of this dynasty. It’s still the same coach with the same caliber of players. Perhaps the Pac-10 has caught up, but that doesn’t mean USC won’t be right there again in 2010. As for the present day, I think it’ll be close, but the home field edge gives the game to the Trojans.

The Pick…USC

Notre Dame  @ Stanford
Call me a Pac-10 homer, but after seeing mark Ingram against Auburn, the nation’s best running back will be on display tonight against Notre Dame. Jim Harbaugh’s the kind of coach who will try and pad his guy’s numbers and I’ll bet we see Toby Gerhart surge to the front of the Heisman pack against the Irish’s porous defense.

The Pick…Stanford

The blog is making budget cuts this week and streamlining its efforts into one, efficient post.  Call it a corporate reorganization. As such, the normal Oregon-centric preview post has been downsized into the Pac-10 Picks to create more synergy.

After a 3-2 effort last week, the deliverables weren’t good enough. It was clear the blog was spread too thin and needed to make its efforts more dynamic. Without a doubt, the user experience has been enhanced with this innovative move into a result-driven realignment.

Last Week: 3-2
Season: 44-15

Stanford @ USC
Some will have you believe that the Trojans are cracking and the dynasty is about to come crashing down. Such reports are premature. The Trojans finish the season with three straight at the Dump. Huh? It’s called the Memorial Coliseum? I thought they played at a dump. I’ll be damned. I mean, give them credit, they’ve won 46 of 47 there, but I really thought it was a dump (yep, still bitter about 2006).

The Pick…USC

Washington @ Oregon State
The Civil War looms. The Beavers have only to get through a tour of the college football wasteland that is the state of Washington to bring possible Rose Bowl hopes into the game. The Beavers win – and you can scribble the W in pen right now – will make it 12 in a row for the state of Oregon against the “preeminent” program of the Northwest.

The Pick…Oregon State

UCLA @ Washington State
This is the dumbest pick I’ve made all year. I mean, who picks Washington State for anything? This is such a bad team. But this is also a rallying cry for the Cougars to nail down a Pac-10 win. The game day high in Pullman is going to be 34. UCLA needs this win for bowl eligibility so maybe they fight through it, but I feel like picking an upset and where better to do it than in the Pac-10’s most irrelevant game of the year?

The Pick…Washington State

Arizona @ California
Hopeful Duck fans aside, I don’t think Cal can stay any closer than two touchdowns. One team is surging with confidence after years of bad football. The other just can’t seem to get things to go their way this season. And I don’t mind Arizona winning. In fact, I kind of hope they do. it would set up a huge showdown between ranked teams and it’s just more fun that way. Besides, if Oregon wants the Rose Bowl, it needs to win their games and not rely on complicated tiebreaking scenarios (not that this blog doesn’t enjoy wasting time on such things).

FOTB Pick

The Pick…Arizona

Arizona State @ Oregon
Oregon gets their third straight freshman quarterback. It seems safe to say that Brock Osweiler won’t be as dangerous as Andrew Luck given ASU’s offensive ineptitude this year. And as for the Sun Devils “stout” run defense, the last time a team surrendering fewer than 90 yards per game on the ground came to Autzen, they got burned for almost 400. Given that it’s an entirely different team and scenario, that might seem like a meaningless line, but it would count as expert analysis if my name was Jon Wilner.

The Pick…Oregon

Basketball Bonus Pick: Winston-Salem State @ Oregon
The official “Save Ernie Kent’s Job” tour begins with non-conference creampuff number 1.

The Pick…Oregon

I’ve been waiting all year to use the word “perfect.” After calling my shot a week ago, it finally happened. 5-0. Judging by this week’s slate, another perfect week is a distinct possibility.

California @ Arizona State
I kind of believe in Cal. The way they got drilled by Oregon and USC makes you wonder a little bit, but there’s no reason they should lose to Arizona State, even if it’s on the road.

The Pick…California

UCLA @ Oregon State
The Beavers looked good against USC and Sean Canfield was especially impressive. They could win out from here setting up a Civil War showdown. Wouldn’t it be something if they end up with a chance to knock Oregon out of the Rose Bowl? God, I’m even getting ahead of myself in talking about the Beavers. Must. Calm. Down.

The Pick…Oregon State

Washington State @ Notre Dame (in San Antonio)
Okay, this is the week, Washington State. We’re all rooting for you. There’s no way you have it in you, but dammit, we’re still going to root for it!

The Pick…Notre Dame

USC @ Oregon
Must. Calm. Down.

The Pick…Oregon

I’m barely getting by here, but you have to understand, it’s the coaching. I can’t take the blame for Jim Harbaugh messing up a game his team mostly dominated. And there’s no way I’m letting Steve Sarkisian and Nick Holt off the hook for that stunt they pulled down in the desert. Nope, 2-2 wasn’t my fault and as such, I find my picks completely passable. This week, coaches be damned, I’m going 5-0.

Oregon @ Washington
The Huskies have been competitive but that doesn’t make them good. Oregon, unfortunately, gets Washington on the road where they have been significantly better. Still, I’d be surprised if the Huskies have enough to win this game. Crowds and passion are great, but in the end, one team’s better than the other and in this case, it’s Oregon by a mile.

The Pick…Oregon with a Jeremiah Masoli caveat. If he doesn’t play, I reserve the right to have this pick annulled.

Washington State @ California
In a league where any team could lose to eight other squads, everyone loves a date with Washington State. Cal’s rehabilitation will look even brighter after Saturday.

The Pick…California with absolutely no caveats whatsoever.

UCLA @ Arizona
Could it be? Are the Mike Stoops-led Wildcats for real? We’ve been promised this for years and I’ll be damned if Arizona doesn’t actually have something brewing finally. This one should be a breeze as UCLA is reeling.

The Pick…Arizona

Oregon State @ USC
Growing up in a Beaver household, I had an atypical upbringing for a Duck fan. I actually find it cool to see OSU in the spotlight like this against USC. Sure, they’ve been winning for 10 years now, but they’ve come a loooooooong way. Still, I have ulterior motives here, so mom, dad, you’ll have to excuse me while I root for the Trojans.

The Pick…USC, but not in a blowout. I don’t think the Trojans really have it in them this year to demolish teams like they have in the past.

Arizona State @ Stanford
I still love you Stanford!! I feel like a jilted lover that can’t let go at this point. We had some good times and I have no idea how it all fell apart. You can still do this guys. You’re back at home where you don’t lose and it’s just Arizona State. Take care of business, dammit.

The Pick…Stanford. Oh, my sweet Stanford.

Why pliable? Well, I should have picked the opposite team in each one of these games, but I let the influence of what I want to happen control my prognostications.

This puts an end to a light week of activity on the blog. Oregon State doesn’t play, so I have a chance of going perfect after missing on the Beavers for four straight weeks.

California @ UCLA
Let me get this straight. The Pac-10s featured game on ABC boasts two teams sitting at 0-2 in conference that have been outscored by a combined 120-32? Uh, Stanford at Arizona, anyone?

I think…UCLA’s defense at home might control the offensively inept Bears and pull out the win.
I’m picking…California because Jahvid Best and the Bears offense has to be better than what they’ve shown in two Pac-10 games. Right?

USC @ Notre Dame
Something’s telling me to pick Notre Dame here. That seems ridiculous but this feels like one of those streak-breaking years where the Fighting Irish could finally beat the Trojans.

I think…Notre Dame is much improved and can beat the Trojans at home
I’m picking…USC because technically, they have more talent, but more so, I just want them to win to set up the Halloween matchup with Oregon.

Stanford @ Arizona
Is it possible that Arizona was looking ahead to Stanford and the Cardinal looked ahead to the Wildcats? Has anything like that ever been said? These two teams had a chance to meet up a combined 6-0 in conference play with rankings to boot. Instead, both lost road games in the Pacific Northwest to take some shine off an unlikely pivotal matchup.

I think…Arizona and Stanford are teams on a similar level and the home team is always the better pick under such circumstances.
I’m picking…Stanford because I hitched my wagon to this horse long ago and I’m not giving up on the Cardinal yet.

Washington @ Arizona State
It’s a road game, and like Stanford, the Huskies are one of those teams on their way up that hasn’t figured out life away from home. But I’m making it 4-4 this week in picking road teams to win which almost assures me of a very bad week.

I think…Washington can’t win on the road even if it is a team they can beat.
I’m picking…the Huskies because I’ve been clamoring for some meaning to the Oregon-Washington rivalry for the past three years.

I just can’t put two weeks of football prognosticating together. I barely got above .500 thanks to some questionable refereeing at Notre Dame (and before Touchdown Jesus no less).

It’s a light week of competition with three teams resting easy.

Oregon @ UCLA
Finally, the Ducks are back on the road. Along with injury problems, it makes for a dicier game than originally anticipated. Still, the Bruins are still rebuilding the program under Rick Neuheisel and aren’t there yet (how did I let a whole week go by without addressing Neuheisel? Must be getting soft).

The Pick: Oregon

Arizona State @ Washington State
Paul Wulff is apparently all butt-hurt over Chip Kelly challenging Washington State’s only touchdown last weekend. He says he’s been collecting “chips” on his shoulder for the future. How quickly can that “chip” could make up for a 115-23 combined two year deficit?

The Pick: Arizona State

Stanford @ Oregon State

Beaver fans rejoice, I am picking against you. I’ve made the wrong pick for three straight weeks and for your sake, I hope the trend continues. Stanford, if it’s a legitimate threat to win the conference, should win this game. But something tells me they won’t. Nonetheless, as a gift to Beaver Nation, go Cardinal!

The Pick: Stanford

Arizona @ Washington
Well Huskies, you want to get rid of that consecutive losing seasons streak, right? If so, this is the kind of game you have to win. I think you will. Home is a lovely place and the Sark-fueled resurgence gets back to .500.

The Pick: Washington

If not for misplaced faith in Oregon State, I could have been perfect last Saturday. Alas, I’ll try again.

UCLA @ Stanford
I just can’t quit the Stanford bandwagon. I probably have more interest in their success than half their fanbase at this point and I’m picking them again this week.

The Pick: Stanford

Washington @ Notre Dame
Two programs who used to be good desperately hoping 2009 is a year of resurgence clash before Touchdown Jesus. While I am rooting for Washington (regardless of rivalry, I always vote Pac-10), I sense it’s too big of a task for the Huskies.

The Pick: Notre Dame

Oregon State @ Arizona State
I should never be surprised by Oregon State struggling early in September, but with 3 of 4 at home, I figured they would perform better this year. Wrong. So once again, we come to that time of year where we doubt the Beavers only to watch them rise up. I’m favoring my doubt this week as Oregon State hasn’t won in Tempe since 1969.

The Pick: Arizona State

USC @ California
Wasn’t this supposed to be the game that determined the Pac-10 champ? Instead, it’s become an elimination game. The stakes are big as the loser will likely be removed from Rose Bowl contention.

The Pick: California

Washington State @ Oregon
Haha, well, good luck Cougs. Good luck.

The Pick: Oregon

I need some redemption. I barely surfaced above .500 last week. There’s only one game on the Pac-10 schedule I’m sure of, so this could be a disaster.

California @ Oregon
Logic be damned, the Ducks are going to win. Well, I think they are. They will, won’t they?

The Pick: Oregon

Washington @ Stanford
The Great White Sark takes his show on the road for the first time. Huskies, you’re not there yet, but you’re getting closer. I know we’re still a month away, but I want to remind you of one simple thing. Beating USC does not mean Oregon won’t still shred you up like cheddar on a cheese grater. We see you, we hear you and we’ll still beat you. Whew, I feel so much better right now.

The Pick: Stanford

Arizona State @ Georgia
It’s fitting the Sun Devils are playing an SEC school because up to this point, their schedule has fit right in with America’s bestest conference ever. I think they’ll be more competitive this time around with the Bulldogs as Georgia has not been too impressive thus far. They may even win, but I doubt it.

The Pick: Georgia

Arizona @ Oregon State
An intriguing game. Before last weekend, you might have thought both teams could go to 3-0 and assert themselves as a conference contender. Now, the loser could be in trouble. I don’t see the Beavers losing two in a row at home.

The Pick: Oregon State

Washington State @ USC
I’m so happy for the Cougars. They have a winning streak. Of course, it’s about to become a nine game losing streak, so hopefully they remember this week fondly. The Trojans again have FOTB’s favorite “Ken doll” Matt Barkley, but they could actually plug Barbie in at quarterback and still win this game.

The Pick: USC

Big weekend for the Pac-10. If ESPN had more than a passing interest in west coast football, they’d come up with a cool nickname for it. Something like “Scintillating Saturday” or “Pac-10 Proving Day.”

Warning: I’m about to homer the hell out of these games, credibility be damned (wait, when did I ever have credibility?).

Last Week: 7-2
Season: 15-3 (1st week was unpublished)

California @ Minnesota
The California “Games That Look Tougher Than They Really Are” Tour continues this week in Minnesota. I guess them being on the road means it’s a bit of a challenge. And oh my God, they have to do it at 9 a.m.! How will they ever cope? No excuses this time, Bears. And no looking ahead either to your loss on Sept. 26 either.

The Pick: California

USC @ Washington
The “Great White Sark” is 1/17th of the way to Tyrone Willingham’s Washington win total. Dare to dream. And, seriously, dream really hard this weekend because no matter what anybody says, you’re not ready for this one. As for USC, I’m not sold yet just because they did what any self-respecting BCS team outside the Big 10 regularly does to Ohio State.

The Pick: USC, of course

Utah @ Oregon
I’m less confident than a mountain climber with a fear of heights on this one. Could be a blowout, but I couldn’t tell you which way. Could be close, too, but I just don’t know. What I am sure of is that when in doubt, be a homer.

The Pick: Oregon

Arizona @ Iowa
Two teams with something to prove. For the Wildcats, it’s been a long time since they were in the top 25 and a win here could get them in. I sense an upset. It’s my first display of blatant Pac-10 homerism.

The Pick: Arizona

SMU @ Washington State
SMU, SMU, SMU. The pick is SMU. Never again will I pick Washington State to win anything. It’s an absurd concept and I won’t be party to it.

The Pick: SMU x 1,000

Cincinnati @ Oregon State
There’s plenty of reason to believe Cincinnati wins this game, especially if “Quizz” can’t play. Whoa, quick side note directed to Mike Riley. You have to stop with this excessive load on one running back. If you insist, then get a running back that’s bigger than my left wrist. You’re killing your guys. Anyway, I don’t know if it’s my unsworn allegiance to those who raised me in an orange and black household or more illicit Pac-10 homerism, but I can’t see the Bearcats winning this game.

The Pick: Oregon State

San Jose St. @ Stanford
Used to be, you’d pick San Jose State in this game and probably be right. Not this year. Stanford has promised no more phantom clipping penalties, almost guaranteeing their touchdowns will count this time.

The Pick: Stanford

Louisiana-Monroe @ Arizona State
Perennial SEC whipping-school Louisiana-Monroe is expanding its paycheck game horizons to the desert Saturday. After this one is over, we’ll be three weeks into the season and still have no idea if Arizona State is worth a damn.

The Pick: Arizona State

Kansas State @ UCLA
Classic game you’d expect the Bruins to tank. But frankly, Kansas State isn’t that good. They just lost to Louisiana-Lafayette and even if Kevin Craft hand-delivers the ball to Wildcat defensive backs in each quarter, UCLA should still win this game. Of course, “should win” is a recipe for disaster with the Bruins so they may just get beat 59-0. Regardless of the outcome, I’m most looking forward to Rick Neuheisel’s constant verbal abuse of Craft.

The Pick: UCLA