Week One is upon us and unlike most years, the majority of the games are going to give us a pretty good idea of what to expect this season. Before we get into the in depth predictions let me throw out the quick patsies.
Stanford is going to win big.
Oregon State is going to win. (Should be big but they are extremely banged up)
USC is going to win. (Not sure what Trojan team will show up but the Gophers aren't ready yet)
Those three teams did themselves favors by scheduling weak teams to ease into the season. I am not saying the rest of the Pac 12 scheduled world beaters but the remaining games will prove more about each team than the one's above. Let's get the Kool Aid predictions started.
UCLA vs. Houston
It wasn't too long ago that Ken Sumlin and Houston were the toast of the NCAA football season. In fact, many thought Sumlin might be the future coach of WSU. The results have been mixed since their huge season. Last year the Bruins put down Houston in more ways than one and in doing so left Houston without Keenum for the season. Unfortunately, for UCLA Keenum has recovered and will be looking for blood against the Bruins this year.
UCLA has had a rough off season with injuries and stupidity. They are installing a new system on offense with the departure of Norm Chow. The starting quarterback will be Prince who has yet to prove he is ready for the lime light. However, I am not sold on the fact that Prince couldn't be a star. The Bruins are going to have to establish the running game with Johnathan Franklin if Prince is going to get into any rhythm at all. This will be the key to the game.
UCLA's defense is going to be fast and somewhat healthy. They should be decent in coverage and apply some pressure on Keenum. If their D-Line can stay injury free, the Bruins could have a shot at putting up some big numbers. I am just not confident they will be able to get the offense going at the pace it needs to be moving in order to keep up with Keenum and the Cougars at home.
Prediction.
UH 34 UCLA 17
Cal vs Fresno State
This game is going to be very telling for Cal. Fresno is always known for giving good games to big opponents. USC in 2004 will attest to that. Cal is also playing a semi home game at AT&T field while their stadium is renovated.
Maynard was named the starting quarterback headed into the fall so that means that they at least have that situation under control. Their running game is always above average so that will also take some pressure off of Maynard. However, with the loss of their star D-Lineman it is hard to imagine it will take a little time to establish some consistency on defense.
Cal 24 Fresno 21 with the Bears scoring late to win.
Oregon vs LSU
There isn't too much to say about this game that hasn't already been said by every pundit in the country. This game is really Oregon vs an SEC defensive line. Unfortunately for Duck fans that doesn't bode well for them. Both teams are dealing with distractions off of the field but LSU has more to lose by a loss than the Ducks do.
Oregon 24 LSU 33 LSU's defensive line will be too much for Oregon.
UW vs Eastern Washington
UW is the only program in the country that can have an unproven signal caller and still be considered a major contender in the Pac 12. However, the practice reports coming out of Montlake keep referencing mistakes made by their offense. Price is an athlete but I am not sure he is the kind of QB that Sark wants to develop. Remember Sark tried to turn the best running QB in the country into a pocket passer and that experiment failed. If it wasn't for Polk I don't think the Huskies would have sniffed a bowl game last year.
However, they are playing Eastern who will be over matched at most positions. This game will be interesting to see if the hype coming out of Husky camp is warranted. The Huskies have everything to lose and very little to gain from this game. Eastern will be chomping at the bit to show everyone why they were the FCS champions last year. If Eastern is close at half the game will be up in the air.
UW 31 Eastern 28 on a late field goal by the Huskies.
The Cougar preview will be up later in the day.
No comments:
Post a Comment