Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller
A few sentences looking at this week's matchups.
Arizona State (2-3, 1-1) at USC (3-1, 1-1): This might become a battle of backup quarterbacks with Mitch Mustain starting for Mark Sanchez (knee) and Danny Sullivan filling in for Rudy Carpenter (ankle). Considering the supporting casts, that tit-for-tat favors the Trojans.
Arizona (4-1, 2-0) at Stanford (3-3, 2-1): A critical game for both teams' bowl hopes. Arizona could assert itself as a legitimate Pac-10 contender and move within one win of bowl eligibility. Meanwhile, this is the first of three winnable games (at UCLA, Washington State) that could do the same for Stanford.
Washington State (1-5, 0-3) at Oregon State (2-3, 1-1): This looks like an easy romp for the Beavers, but after two massively emotional games -- with far different outcomes -- might they come out flat and give the Cougars hope? Guessing OSU coach Mike Riley will mention that this week during practice.
UCLA (2-3, 1-1) at Oregon (4-2, 2-1): UCLA starts a stretch of four road games over its next six dates, so if the Bruins are going to make any noise this season they're going to have to win on the road, which has been a problem in the past. Autzen Stadium is probably the toughest place to do that in the Pac-10. It looks like the Ducks will get quarterback Justin Roper back, but Jeremiah Masoli might start anyway.
California (4-1, 2-0): Open date. Next game is Oct. 18 at Arizona
Washington (0-5, 0-3): Open date. Next game is Oct. 18 vs. Oregon State
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Ted Miller has been covering college football since 1997, starting with Auburn and then heading West to Washington and the Pac-10. His columns for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer won first place in 2007 APSE Best Writing contest. The Atlanta native and University of Richmond graduate presently lives with his wife in Scottsdale, Ariz.
