PAC-10 week three: Preview
Week three in the PAC-10 features several match-ups against their rivals in the Big 10.
Preview
#18 USC vs. Minnesota
USC should not struggle against a 1-1 Minnesota side. The Golden Gophers do look as though they have fully bought into their game plan and an 18th ranked USC should have no problem earning their third win of the young season.
#8 Nebraska vs. Washington
Washington will have a difficult time against a Nebraska side that loves to pound the football and play tight defence. The Huskies will have to hope that their 41-point output against Syracuse last week was not simply an aberration.
Arizona State vs. #11 Wisconsin
Having not faced a real challenge yet this season, Wisconsin may be surprised by Arizona State on Saturday. State has been able to put up big numbers at the offensive end but also have yet to see a difficult opponent in 2010. However, the Sun Devils will
get a good look at the competition as they play #5 Oregon and #25 Oregon State following Wisconsin.
Washington State vs. SMU
After being crushed by Oklahoma State in week one, Washington pulled off a one-point victory over Montana State in week two. The Cougars have a chance to earn their second win of season against a weak 1-1 South Methodist side on Saturday.
Louisville vs. #25 Oregon State
After suffering a tough defeat to TCU in week one, Oregon State dropped to number 25 in the country and will need to beat Louisville if they hope to be ranked after this weekend. More importantly, Oregon will have to prepare for a tough week three match-up
against Boise State.
Portland State vs. #5 Oregon
Oregon showed their metal with a big win over Tennessee in week two and should not have a problem with Portland State, out of the Big Sky Conference. The Ducks will use the encounter to prepare for Arizona Sate in week four and Stanford in week five.
#9 Iowa vs. #24 Arizona
Arizona has yet to face a difficult opponent, but will have their hands full against Iowa on Saturday. The Hawkeyes' running game should present a real problem, as the Wildcats come off games against Toledo and Citadel.
#23 Houston vs. UCLA
Houston will provide UCLA with another major challenge having already faced Stanford and Kansas State. The 23rd ranked team in the nation made a name for themselves with convincing wins over Texas State and UTEP. The Bruins are not likely to contend
with the Cougars over the weekend.
Wake Forest vs. #19 Stanford
Stanford rolled through their first two weeks, earning victories over Sacramento State and UCLA. However, the Cardinals will be in tough against a surprising Wake Forest side. The Demon Deacons are undefeated so far this season and although they have not
had a difficult opponent their offence has looked potent. However, Wake’s weak defence is likely to have trouble against a talented Stanford offence, which is currently 17th in the nation in points-for.
Tags: