By Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY
Close calls aside, No. 2 Southern California remains the team to beat in the conference until someone actually does it. The next team to try is Arizona State, a team in danger of seeing its season unravel. The Sun Devils must hope their bye week enabled QB Rudy Carpenter to regain his form as he tries to handle the hostile environs of the Coliseum, where the Trojans have won 29 in a row. Another big game from RB Ryan Torain would help. USC WR Dwayne Jarrett (shoulder) is expected to play. He'll be needed to bolster a depleted corps with Steve Smith (ankle) doubtful and Chris McFoy (shoulder) still out. But what QB John David Booty really needs is better red-zone blocking to help the Trojans finish drives on the ground.
No. 11 California, arguably the hottest team in the conference, could be challenged at Washington State. The Bears are putting up offensive numbers resembling USC's gaudy stats of last year. WR-PR DeSean Jackson, averaging 16.5 yards per touch, is the breakaway threat that helps QB Nate Longshore and RB Marshawn Lynch run the machine. But Cougars DE Mkristo Bruce and LB Scott Davis could cause trouble if they get into the Cal backfield. WSU QB Alex Brink has big-game potential but must be sharp. Primary WR Jason Hill, expected to play through a sore shoulder, will get plenty of attention from Bears CB Daymeion Hughes.
After getting steamrolled at Berkeley, No. 18 Oregon comes home to face UCLA. The Bruins could still figure in the conference title hunt, though coming away from thunderous Autzen Stadium with a victory without QB Ben Olson (knee) will be difficult. Patrick Cowan must make sound decisions and get as much help as RB Chris Markey can muster. The good news for UCLA is the vast improvement its defense has shown this season. DEs Justin Hickman and Bruce Davis will lead the effort to contain Ducks agile QB Dennis Dixon. Oregon hopes to get RB Jonathan Stewart rolling quickly.
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