PAC-10 week four: Preview
The PAC-10 will feature some exciting conference play in week four, while a couple teams welcome powerhouses from around the nation in inter-conference play.
Preview
#20 USC vs. Washington State
USC is currently at 3-0, but has fallen in the rankings because of their weak schedule. However, the Trojans now enter into conference play and should be getting some much needed competition over the coming
weeks.
Washington State will have their hands full with a strong Trojans side this weekend. State has struggled against non-conference opponents and started the year 1-2. Their poor start will only be magnified
as they enter play in a tough PAC-10.
#16 Stanford vs. Notre Dame
Stanford has slowly worked their way up the rankings, but will be facing their first real challenge of the season when they play Notre Dame on Saturday. Expect the Cardinals to run the ball behind the
nation 14th best ground game.
Notre Dame will be eager for a high profile win after suffering losses to #21 Michigan and #25 Michigan State. If the Fighting Irish are not able to rebound against Stanford they are unlikely to achieve
a ranking this season.
UCLA vs. #7 Texas
After an upset over Houston last week there are rumblings that UCLA may in fact be better than most experts thought. Nevertheless, with a very difficult schedule it will be tough for the Bruins to rebound
from a 1-2 start.
Texas rolled through their first three match-ups of the season, but has yet to face a real challenge. Nevertheless, the Longhorns should not struggle at home to the Bruins this weekend and will look to
press up the rankings with another win.
#24 Oregon State vs. #3 Boise State
Oregon State suffered a season-opening loss to TCU and rebounded with a win over Louisville in week three. However, the Beavers are likely to struggle against a highly skilled Boise State side. A loss
would certainly see Oregon State dropped out of the rankings.
Boise State is expected to continue to roll early in the season. With wins over Virginia Tech and Wyoming the Broncos are still out to prove they deserve a third place ranking.
California vs. #14 Arizona
California opened the season with a bang, as they were able to register victories over UC Davis and Colorado. However, their loss to Nevada last week raised several eyebrows around the country. Cal now
moves into a difficult part of their schedule and is likely to get a rough ride from Arizona.
Arizona is coming off an impressive seven point win over a previously ninth ranked Iowa side. The win helped push the Wildcats into 14th spot. Arizona will be interested in starting off their
conference play well with a win over Cal next week.
#5 Oregon vs. Arizona State
Oregon absolutely breezed through the opening three games of their season, posting 72, 48 and 69 point performances. The Ducks hold the number one offence and defence in the country along with the second
best rushing game. Although they have not faced a real challenge they should be more than ready for Arizona State on Saturday.
Arizona State took Wisconsin down to the wire in a one point loss in week three and will have an even tougher task against the high-flying Ducks on Saturday. The Sun Devils have strong numbers across the
board, but may have to wait until Oregon State in week five before they take down a ranked team.
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