Looking forward on the Pac-10, post week 6

If anything, the USC loss has put the Pac-10 into a very interesting position for the second half of the season (with plenty of interesting games to be played):

• Cal is #2 in all polls
• USC is #10 in the AP, but #7 in both the Coaches and Harris polls (which are the two human polls in the BCS equation)
• Oregon is #9 in the AP, #8 in the Coaches and #10 in the Harris
• Arizona State is a wildcard: undefeated but untested and #13 in the Coaches and #14 in both the AP and Harris polls

USC still needs to play all three. It if wins out, then its SOS (strength of schedule) would be #1 –of course, that means playing much better than the past two games.   It would allow them to have an outside chance at contending for the National Championship if there is room for a 1-loss team (although anyone losing to a 41-pt underdog would have to really have the chips fall their way).

From a USC perspective, this is what needs to be seen from here on out: USC gets another supposedly weak team this week with Arizona visiting. If they come out as stale as they did against Washington (or worse), then they’re going to be in for a lot of trouble. However, if they can win decisively against the ‘Cats, then win at Notre Dame the next week, they would have a moment to show themselves October 27th at Autzen. If they can manage to topple the Ducks in that madhouse, then they the later games against Cal and Arizona State look all the more compelling.

Meanwhile, Oregon needs to beat USC, win out and hope USC (or anyone) beats Cal. Cal and Arizona State need to just win, baby.

~ by Bobak on October 8, 2007.