Pac Ten Lessons: Week 2
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by The Beast
1. Oregon, not Cal, is the biggest threat to USC:
While Cal is certainly an excellent football team, the Oregon Ducks pose the biggest threat for USC living up to Jim Harbaugh's prophecy as the "greatest team ever." What has caused USC trouble in the past is their ability to contain a spread offense headed by a dual-threat quarterback. On Saturday, Dennis Dixon showcased his ability to run and pass as he threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns in addition to 76 rushing yards and a touchdown. His ability to get the ball to playmakers on offense was evident as all six receivers recorded at least one reception. The Ducks face both USC and Cal at home so expect the Ducks to be in serious contention for the Pac-10 title.
2. Washington is back on track, watch out Buckeyes
After two games, Washington is 2-0, despite having what Sports Illustrated regards to be the nation's toughest schedule. So far they have been outstanding due to the solid play of their freshman quarterback, Jake Locker. They have played mistake-free and look to be in serious contention for a bowl bid this year. Boise State played as well as they could have but Washington finally has some athletes to compete and even overpower other teams. Ohio State should be on upset alert as they travel to Seattle next weekend.
3. Maybe, Alex Brink isn't too bad after all
Last week I explained how Alex Brink was the conference's most inconsistent quarterback and it would be strange to see him become Washington State's all-time leading passer. On Saturday, Brink showed why I may have been to harsh on the senior quarterback, as he went 38-for-47 for 472 yards and five touchdowns in just over 3 quarters of playing time. His 38 completions set a school record, breaking the previous mark of 37, set by Drew Bledsoe. People, including myself, have created ultra-high expectations for Brink, believing that he would become one of the Pac Ten's greatest quarterbacks of all-time. Clearly those are way too high but it can be expected that Brink should be one of the conference's best quarterbacks in 2007.
4. A Karl Dorrell offense is the master of inconsistency
Last week, the Bruins totaled over 600 yards of total offense against Stanford but had great difficulties in advancing the ball against BYU. Despite the victory, the offense had just fifteen first downs and 236 yards of offense. Bruins quarterback Ben Olson struggled throughout the game, completing just 13 of 28 passes for 126 yards, and also throwing an interception. The offensive difficulties against BYU highlighted the inconsistent playcalling and coaching that has taken place under Karl Dorrell. The Bruins have some offensive talent but for some reason they don't come to play every week, which is truly a reflection of the coaching staff.
5. Arizona State isn't a contender but a giant killer
Much like the Karl Dorrell led UCLA Bruins, Arizona State fields another inconsistent offense. Against Colorado, the Sun Devils struggled to move the ball for much of the first half and it wasn't until the final two quarters that they were able to advance the ball and put some points up on the scoreboard. The turnovers and penalties were also a plentiful which hampered the team throughout the game. Despite the inconsistency, the Sun Devils have the talent to compete with the conference upper-echelon teams, like USC, Cal, and Oregon. Their offense, when clicking, can score on any play due to their star trio of Rudy Carpenter, Ryan Torain, and Rudy Burgess. While, the Sun Devils won't compete for the Pac Ten title this year, they have the offensive firepower to upset and surprise a few teams.
