College Football Nation: Nic Grigsby
Arizona kicks off the Pac-10 bowl season on Wednesday with a big test against Oklahoma State in the Valero Alamo Bowl.
The Wildcats are underdogs against a Cowboys team that was hoping for a BCS bowl berth until it lost its season finale against rival Oklahoma 47-41. The Cowboys own one of the most potent offenses in the nation. They have really only been slowed down once this year: during a visit to Kansas State when the Cowboys played was without the services of Justin Blackmon, who is only the nation's best receiver.
But let's ask this question: Who might dramatically change this game if he -- or they -- stepped up with a marquee performance?
Running backs Keola Antolin, Nic Grigsby and Greg Nwoko: This is fairly simple. What if Arizona can consistently run the ball against the Cowboys? Well, that would be a game-changer for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that it would shorten the game and help play keep-away from the potent Oklahoma State offense. Further, if the Cowboys are forced to commit more bodies to stopping the run, it also would open things up downfield for quarterback Nick Foles. The reason three guys are listed here is all three will get carries, and each brings something different to the attack. Antolin is the starter and the most consistent. Nwoko brings a power element. Grigsby is a home run threat who's struggled with injuries. Of course, these guys need the Wildcats to win battles on the line of scrimmage, but it's up to the backs to turn those creases into big plays. If this troika manages to combine for around 180 or 200 yards -- significantly more than the season average of of 135 -- then expect Arizona to be in pretty darn good shape.
The Wildcats are underdogs against a Cowboys team that was hoping for a BCS bowl berth until it lost its season finale against rival Oklahoma 47-41. The Cowboys own one of the most potent offenses in the nation. They have really only been slowed down once this year: during a visit to Kansas State when the Cowboys played was without the services of Justin Blackmon, who is only the nation's best receiver.
But let's ask this question: Who might dramatically change this game if he -- or they -- stepped up with a marquee performance?
Running backs Keola Antolin, Nic Grigsby and Greg Nwoko: This is fairly simple. What if Arizona can consistently run the ball against the Cowboys? Well, that would be a game-changer for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that it would shorten the game and help play keep-away from the potent Oklahoma State offense. Further, if the Cowboys are forced to commit more bodies to stopping the run, it also would open things up downfield for quarterback Nick Foles. The reason three guys are listed here is all three will get carries, and each brings something different to the attack. Antolin is the starter and the most consistent. Nwoko brings a power element. Grigsby is a home run threat who's struggled with injuries. Of course, these guys need the Wildcats to win battles on the line of scrimmage, but it's up to the backs to turn those creases into big plays. If this troika manages to combine for around 180 or 200 yards -- significantly more than the season average of of 135 -- then expect Arizona to be in pretty darn good shape.
It's a new year, scene for Arizona-Iowa
September, 18, 2010
9/18/10
9:41
PM ET
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
TUCSON, Ariz. -- The prevailing wisdom among the punditry is that Arizona won't be able to handle a big, physical Iowa squad, particularly the Hawkeyes' outstanding defensive line.
Maybe. Perfectly reasonable.
But they also said that about Arizona State before it visited Wisconsin, and the Sun Devils played the Badgers to a physical stalemate before losing 20-19.
Apples and oranges? Perhaps (And beware of mixing Wildcats and Sun Devils in supporting roles with each other). But it's also possible that the faster Wildcats will be another step quicker at home, and that could be trouble for the Hawkeyes.
Quick-hit passes on the perimeter from Nick Foles, one of the nation's most accurate passers (83 percent), could turn into big plays. And those big plays outside, could create inside creases for Nic Grigsby.
On the other side of the ball, Iowa's offensive line is uncertain. The Hawkeyes ranked 99th in rushing last year, and quarterback Ricky Stanzi isn't the same player on the road as he is at home.
Stop the run, make Stanzi throw into a better secondary than he's used to seeing.
Moreover, the Pac-10 likes playing the Big Ten at home. Since 1990, Pac-10 teams are 25-6-1 at home against Big Ten teams. Both teams were ranked in seven of those 32 games, and the Pac-10 team won all seven. Since 2004, the Pac-10 is 15-8 against the Big Ten (including bowls).
On the downside, three of those Pac-10 losses have been by Arizona. The Wildcats have lost seven straight against Big Ten teams, last winning in 1998 against Iowa.
It's going to be hot. It was about 106 today, and it will still be in the 90s much of the game. That could be a factor in the fourth quarter of a close game.
Iowa won last year's meeting 27-17, and it wasn't as close as that final score indicated. The Hawkeyes seemed physically superior.
But that doesn't mean we're in for a repeat. That game was pre-Foles. And it was not in front of the 'Zona Zoo on a hot night in the desert.
Maybe. Perfectly reasonable.
But they also said that about Arizona State before it visited Wisconsin, and the Sun Devils played the Badgers to a physical stalemate before losing 20-19.
Apples and oranges? Perhaps (And beware of mixing Wildcats and Sun Devils in supporting roles with each other). But it's also possible that the faster Wildcats will be another step quicker at home, and that could be trouble for the Hawkeyes.
Quick-hit passes on the perimeter from Nick Foles, one of the nation's most accurate passers (83 percent), could turn into big plays. And those big plays outside, could create inside creases for Nic Grigsby.
On the other side of the ball, Iowa's offensive line is uncertain. The Hawkeyes ranked 99th in rushing last year, and quarterback Ricky Stanzi isn't the same player on the road as he is at home.
Stop the run, make Stanzi throw into a better secondary than he's used to seeing.
Moreover, the Pac-10 likes playing the Big Ten at home. Since 1990, Pac-10 teams are 25-6-1 at home against Big Ten teams. Both teams were ranked in seven of those 32 games, and the Pac-10 team won all seven. Since 2004, the Pac-10 is 15-8 against the Big Ten (including bowls).
On the downside, three of those Pac-10 losses have been by Arizona. The Wildcats have lost seven straight against Big Ten teams, last winning in 1998 against Iowa.
It's going to be hot. It was about 106 today, and it will still be in the 90s much of the game. That could be a factor in the fourth quarter of a close game.
Iowa won last year's meeting 27-17, and it wasn't as close as that final score indicated. The Hawkeyes seemed physically superior.
But that doesn't mean we're in for a repeat. That game was pre-Foles. And it was not in front of the 'Zona Zoo on a hot night in the desert.
Blogger debate: Pac-10 vs. Big Ten
September, 16, 2010
9/16/10
2:10
PM ET
By
Ted Miller and
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
A new Rose Bowl access rule could prevent the traditional Big Ten-Pac-10 matchup Jan. 1 in Pasadena, but at least the two leagues will get to know one another very well on Saturday. Three Big Ten-Pac-10 games are on the slate, as No. 18 USC visits Minnesota (ESPN, 3:30 p.m. ET), Arizona State visits Wisconsin (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET) and No. 9 Iowa visits No. 24 Arizona (ESPN, 10:30 p.m. ET).
Bloggers Ted Miller (Pac-10) and Adam Rittenberg (Big Ten) break down the three matchups.
Adam Rittenberg: Ted, it's been too long, my friend. The Rose Bowl seems like decades ago, although they're still celebrating in Columbus. Given the likelihood of Boise State or TCU crashing the party in Pasadena this year, it's nice to have some Pac-10-Big Ten flavor this Saturday. Let's start off with Arizona State-Wisconsin. The name Steven Threet still makes people shudder in Madison after he led Michigan to a historic comeback against Wisconsin in 2008, triggering the beginning of the end for the Badgers that year. It also turned out to be the beginning of the end for Threet in a winged helmet. He seems to be settling in very nicely so far in Tempe. What should Wisconsin expect from Threet and the Sun Devils on Saturday?
Ted Miller: An offense with extraordinary firepower! See an average of more than 500 yards and 47.5 ppg. Oh, wait. The Sun Devils played not one but two FCS foes. Hmm. And according to this box score, they rushed for just 56 yards on 29 carries against the hearty Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona. Double-hmm. Still, the early returns are fairly positive on Threet and new offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone's spread attack. The Sun Devils' offense was so bad last year that merely being mediocre would be a huge improvement. A bigger issue than Threet: the offensive line. It wasn't consistent against FCS foes, so you'd think the Badgers front-seven might pose a problem. But, to me, the more interesting matchup is a fast Sun Devils defense versus an experienced, physical Badgers offense. What's your take?
Rittenberg: Totally agree that the game likely will come down to Arizona State's dynamic defense and Wisconsin's power run game, led by John Clay. He's the Big Ten's version of Toby Gerhart, except bigger. Clay has looked great this year, but Wisconsin needs to clean up some sloppy play on offense against the Sun Devils. The Badgers already failed on three red-zone scoring chances, matching their total from all of the previous season (53-for-56), and they've committed three turnovers inside the red zone. They have little trouble moving the ball and boast what I believe to be one of the nation's most balanced offenses, but they're not good enough to survive these mistakes much longer. Arizona State will have its hands full with Clay and a mammoth offensive line, but if the Sun Devils can use their speed and force turnovers, they'll have a shot in this one.
Let's move on to the other afternoon affair, USC at Minnesota. The Trojans haven't exactly been dominant this year, but at least they haven't lost to South Dakota. At home. Giving up 41 points and 444 yards. Yeesh. Your thoughts?
Miller: Here are two teams that are muddling along, though the Trojans surely feel better about 2-0 -- no matter the way they got there -- than the Gophers do with 1-1, including the loss to a team from the Dakotas. Adam, I have no idea about the Trojans. They still look great getting off the bus. They still have NFL prospects at every position. In Week 1 at Hawaii, the offense looked great, the defense terrible. In Week 2 at home versus Virginia, it was mostly the opposite. Is it a question of fire and focus in the face of NCAA sanctions? I think we won't really be able to answer that question until the Pac-10 schedule starts. As for this one, I think the Trojans are going to roll. But I wrote that the previous two weeks and ended up being wrong. So what do I know?
What's your take?
Rittenberg: This is an odd matchup. In some ways, USC is just asking to get beat. But how can Minnesota take down Troy if it can't keep South Dakota to fewer than 40 points? The Gophers defense obviously is a major question mark, and I fully expect Matt Barkley to attack downfield a lot on Saturday. Minnesota gets a boost as safety Kyle Theret returns from suspension, giving the defense one returning starter from 2009. The other thing here is if things go back for Minnesota at the start, any sort of home-field edge will disappear. They're not too pleased with coach Tim Brewster right now in the Twin Cities. Minnesota's only chance is to control the clock with Duane Bennett and its power run game, and keep Barkley and Dillon Baxter off the field. A huge challenge.
OK, we've saved the best for last: Iowa at Arizona. Both teams look great so far. Iowa won last year's game, but trips out West haven't been kind to the Hawkeyes lately. What happens in Tucson?
Miller: First off, it's a great offense-defense matchup, with Nick Foles and an experienced UA offense taking on one of the best defenses in the nation. The cautionary tale for Wildcats fans is that also seemed like the case heading into the Holiday Bowl versus Nebraska, which became a complete disaster. Foles has a good offensive line, but the Hawkeyes have an NFL defensive front. If the Wildcats can get any sort of running game -- and Nic Grigsby is an explosive guy who can make a big play out of a small crack -- then things will be far easier for Foles and a quick-hit passing game. Foles is extremely accurate and he has a deep receiving corps. Yet to me the game turns on the Wildcats' rebuilt front seven. The unit replaced both tackles and all three linebackers and has played better than expected, but Iowa is a different sort of beast. If the Hawkeyes can run power effectively, then the Wildcats will be in trouble. If Iowa has to throw, I like the Wildcats secondary's chances versus Ricky Stanzi, who as you well know, Adam, hasn't always been the manzi.
What do you see from this one?
Rittenberg: Should be a great one in the desert. Iowa knows Arizona has come a long way since last year's meeting in Iowa City, when Foles hadn't yet emerged as the starter. The game could come down to whether Arizona can get Grigsby going and protect Foles against the Hawkeyes, who boast arguably the nation's best defensive line. Star defensive end Adrian Clayborn has been a bit quiet so far this season, but he usually plays his best in big games. Arizona typically has some outstanding defensive backs, but don't underestimate The Manzi, who has yet to throw an interception this year. So love it or leave it, pal! Iowa can stretch the field with receivers Marvin McNutt and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, and the run game has looked good so far with Adam Robinson and Jewel Hampton. The Hawkeyes won in State College, Madison and East Lansing last year, but they haven't fared well historically in these trips out West. Arizona definitely has some built-in advantages.
OK, prediction time. Who wins in the three Pac-10-Big Ten matchups?
Miller: Somehow I knew you were going to ask that.
I think USC will handle Minnesota fairly easily: Trojans 41, Gophers 20.
I think Arizona State will be competitive at Wisconsin but the Sun Devils will struggle to score -- and possess the ball -- and the defense will wear down: Wisconsin 27, Arizona State 17.
As for Arizona-Iowa: I go back and forth, but I'm going to risk the ire of the Wildcats faithful and pick Iowa 28, Arizona 24. I just don't think the Arizona defense will be able to hold up all night, and that will allow the Hawkeyes to take a lead at some point in the second half and then play keep-away with the run game.
So, for what REALLY is going to happen... Ladies and gentlemen, Adam Rittenberg.
Rittenberg: Why thank you, good sir.
The Gophers save face a bit against USC and hang around for a while before Barkley and his receivers prove too much for a young defense. Trojans win 35-23.
Wisconsin controls the clock as always and cleans up some of its mistakes in the red zone. Threet leads two first-half scoring drives before the Badgers take control and win 30-20.
Iowa-Arizona should be a great one. The elements will be tough for the Hawkeyes, and they'll fall behind early. But I've got to go with the better defense and the more battle-tested team. Iowa wins 26-21.
So we agree. We'll have to fight over the Rose Bowl pick this year. I've got Boise State!
Bloggers Ted Miller (Pac-10) and Adam Rittenberg (Big Ten) break down the three matchups.
[+] Enlarge
Jeff Hanisch/US PresswireCan Arizona State's defense stand up to Wisconsin running back John Clay?
Jeff Hanisch/US PresswireCan Arizona State's defense stand up to Wisconsin running back John Clay?
Ted Miller: An offense with extraordinary firepower! See an average of more than 500 yards and 47.5 ppg. Oh, wait. The Sun Devils played not one but two FCS foes. Hmm. And according to this box score, they rushed for just 56 yards on 29 carries against the hearty Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona. Double-hmm. Still, the early returns are fairly positive on Threet and new offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone's spread attack. The Sun Devils' offense was so bad last year that merely being mediocre would be a huge improvement. A bigger issue than Threet: the offensive line. It wasn't consistent against FCS foes, so you'd think the Badgers front-seven might pose a problem. But, to me, the more interesting matchup is a fast Sun Devils defense versus an experienced, physical Badgers offense. What's your take?
Rittenberg: Totally agree that the game likely will come down to Arizona State's dynamic defense and Wisconsin's power run game, led by John Clay. He's the Big Ten's version of Toby Gerhart, except bigger. Clay has looked great this year, but Wisconsin needs to clean up some sloppy play on offense against the Sun Devils. The Badgers already failed on three red-zone scoring chances, matching their total from all of the previous season (53-for-56), and they've committed three turnovers inside the red zone. They have little trouble moving the ball and boast what I believe to be one of the nation's most balanced offenses, but they're not good enough to survive these mistakes much longer. Arizona State will have its hands full with Clay and a mammoth offensive line, but if the Sun Devils can use their speed and force turnovers, they'll have a shot in this one.
Let's move on to the other afternoon affair, USC at Minnesota. The Trojans haven't exactly been dominant this year, but at least they haven't lost to South Dakota. At home. Giving up 41 points and 444 yards. Yeesh. Your thoughts?
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Eugene TannerMatt Barkley will try to exploit a Minnesota defense that gave up 258 yards to South Dakota
AP Photo/Eugene TannerMatt Barkley will try to exploit a Minnesota defense that gave up 258 yards to South DakotaWhat's your take?
Rittenberg: This is an odd matchup. In some ways, USC is just asking to get beat. But how can Minnesota take down Troy if it can't keep South Dakota to fewer than 40 points? The Gophers defense obviously is a major question mark, and I fully expect Matt Barkley to attack downfield a lot on Saturday. Minnesota gets a boost as safety Kyle Theret returns from suspension, giving the defense one returning starter from 2009. The other thing here is if things go back for Minnesota at the start, any sort of home-field edge will disappear. They're not too pleased with coach Tim Brewster right now in the Twin Cities. Minnesota's only chance is to control the clock with Duane Bennett and its power run game, and keep Barkley and Dillon Baxter off the field. A huge challenge.
OK, we've saved the best for last: Iowa at Arizona. Both teams look great so far. Iowa won last year's game, but trips out West haven't been kind to the Hawkeyes lately. What happens in Tucson?
Miller: First off, it's a great offense-defense matchup, with Nick Foles and an experienced UA offense taking on one of the best defenses in the nation. The cautionary tale for Wildcats fans is that also seemed like the case heading into the Holiday Bowl versus Nebraska, which became a complete disaster. Foles has a good offensive line, but the Hawkeyes have an NFL defensive front. If the Wildcats can get any sort of running game -- and Nic Grigsby is an explosive guy who can make a big play out of a small crack -- then things will be far easier for Foles and a quick-hit passing game. Foles is extremely accurate and he has a deep receiving corps. Yet to me the game turns on the Wildcats' rebuilt front seven. The unit replaced both tackles and all three linebackers and has played better than expected, but Iowa is a different sort of beast. If the Hawkeyes can run power effectively, then the Wildcats will be in trouble. If Iowa has to throw, I like the Wildcats secondary's chances versus Ricky Stanzi, who as you well know, Adam, hasn't always been the manzi.
What do you see from this one?
[+] Enlarge
Icon SMICan Arizona's offensive line contain Adrian Clayborn?
Icon SMICan Arizona's offensive line contain Adrian Clayborn?OK, prediction time. Who wins in the three Pac-10-Big Ten matchups?
Miller: Somehow I knew you were going to ask that.
I think USC will handle Minnesota fairly easily: Trojans 41, Gophers 20.
I think Arizona State will be competitive at Wisconsin but the Sun Devils will struggle to score -- and possess the ball -- and the defense will wear down: Wisconsin 27, Arizona State 17.
As for Arizona-Iowa: I go back and forth, but I'm going to risk the ire of the Wildcats faithful and pick Iowa 28, Arizona 24. I just don't think the Arizona defense will be able to hold up all night, and that will allow the Hawkeyes to take a lead at some point in the second half and then play keep-away with the run game.
So, for what REALLY is going to happen... Ladies and gentlemen, Adam Rittenberg.
Rittenberg: Why thank you, good sir.
The Gophers save face a bit against USC and hang around for a while before Barkley and his receivers prove too much for a young defense. Trojans win 35-23.
Wisconsin controls the clock as always and cleans up some of its mistakes in the red zone. Threet leads two first-half scoring drives before the Badgers take control and win 30-20.
Iowa-Arizona should be a great one. The elements will be tough for the Hawkeyes, and they'll fall behind early. But I've got to go with the better defense and the more battle-tested team. Iowa wins 26-21.
So we agree. We'll have to fight over the Rose Bowl pick this year. I've got Boise State!
What to watch in the Pac-10: Week 3
September, 16, 2010
9/16/10
10:18
AM ET
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
Ten issues to consider heading into the third week of games.
1. Cal's defense will be tested at Nevada: California presently ranks No. 1 in the nation in total defense, giving up a scant 160 yards per game. So kudos to new coordinator Clancy Pendergast. But Nevada ranks No. 1 in total offense, rolling up a monstrous 592 yards per game. So who wins: The irresistible force or the immovable object?
2. Arizona's O-line vs. Iowa's D-line: The Wildcats have a good offensive line, probably among the top three or four units in the Pac-10. But Iowa probably has the best defensive line in the country, led by end Adrian Clayborn. All four starters are back from 2009's stingy unit that combined for 27 sacks and allowed just 3.5 yards per rush. The first question is can the Wildcats line do enough to create any sort of run threat or occasional creases for Nic Grigsby? The second is, failing that, will the line give QB Nick Foles enough time to throw the ball?
3. Locker on the big stage: There is a bizarre crew that haunts the Pac-10 blog and constantly calls Washington QB Jake Locker "overrated," meaning they disagree with Mike Bellotti, Pete Carroll, every Pac-10 coach, every NFL scout, LSU's players (who called Locker the best player they saw in 2009) and just about everyone who makes a living around football. Of course, they have the right to call the world flat. But guess what? If Locker doesn't turn in an impressive performance vs. Nebraska, his Heisman Trophy candidacy will end before it gets started. So this is his big moment to either lead an upset or take a step back in national stature.
4. Vontaze Burfict vs. John Clay: Arizona State's 245-pound linebacker Vontaze Burfict is one of the most talented and aggressive LBs in the country. Wisconsin's 248-pound running back John Clay is one of the best power runners in the country. When these two meet, the violence of the impact should be dynamic. But who knocks the other backwards? Burfict and the ASU defense is looking to make a national statement. To do so, it needs to contain Clay.
5. Can USC put it together? USC's offense looked great in the opener at Hawaii. The defense looked terrible. The offense looked terrible vs. Virginia. The defense looked pretty good. The cumulative affect is we really don't know who these Trojans are. Will they put it all together at Minnesota's expense? Or will it be another piddling effort?
6. Luck through the air: Stanford QB Andrew Luck looked great running, but, despite two TD passes, didn't throw terribly well at UCLA. He completed just 11 of 24 passes for 151 yards. Wake Forest's secondary didn't look great while giving up 358 passing yards and four touchdowns to Duke in a wild 54-48 victory. You'd think Luck would feast on that at home and revert back to his accurate, playmaking self.
7. How will UCLA's offense bounce back? Stanford shut out the Bruins and held them to 233 total yards last weekend. That had many screaming for QB Kevin Prince's head. But Prince's biggest problem is he's barely seen practice time due to a back injury and then a shoulder injury. He's practiced all this week. Moreover, Houston's defense isn't anything like its offense. The Cougars are surrendering 26 points and 393 yards per game. Expect the Bruins to be much better on offense Saturday.
8. Jacquizz should break out vs. Louisville: Dating back to last season, Oregon State RB Jacquizz Rodgers hasn't eclipsed 100 yards rushing in three games. That's a mini-slump for him. Louisville gave up 230 yards rushing to a mediocre Kentucky team in week one. So expect for Rodgers to get his 100 yards. And also expect him to get some touches in the passing game, which he didn't vs. TCU.
9. Cougs stepping forward? Does the comeback win vs. Montana State turn a page for Washington State? Sure, it was just an FCS opponent, but showing some backbone feels meaningful. SMU has a high-powered, balanced offense and is one of the favorites in Conference USA. Moreover, the Mustangs will be plenty motivated after losing at Washington State last year. But if the Cougars pull the upset, the entire tenor of their season could change.
10. How did the Pac-10 measure up? It wasn't the most creative name or anything, but "Measuring Stick Saturday" is real. The Pac-10's place in the pecking order among BCS conferences largely will be based -- at least during the regular season -- on what happens Saturday. A winning weekend will earn it consideration with the Big Ten, SEC and Big 12. A losing one? It falls to the bottom half of the six. Considering the Pac-10 is an underdog in five of the nine games, the conference needs for all its favorites to prevail and at least one underdog to come through with an upset.
1. Cal's defense will be tested at Nevada: California presently ranks No. 1 in the nation in total defense, giving up a scant 160 yards per game. So kudos to new coordinator Clancy Pendergast. But Nevada ranks No. 1 in total offense, rolling up a monstrous 592 yards per game. So who wins: The irresistible force or the immovable object?
2. Arizona's O-line vs. Iowa's D-line: The Wildcats have a good offensive line, probably among the top three or four units in the Pac-10. But Iowa probably has the best defensive line in the country, led by end Adrian Clayborn. All four starters are back from 2009's stingy unit that combined for 27 sacks and allowed just 3.5 yards per rush. The first question is can the Wildcats line do enough to create any sort of run threat or occasional creases for Nic Grigsby? The second is, failing that, will the line give QB Nick Foles enough time to throw the ball?
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Ben MargotCal has the nation's No. 1 defense through two games, allowing just 160 yards per game.
AP Photo/Ben MargotCal has the nation's No. 1 defense through two games, allowing just 160 yards per game.4. Vontaze Burfict vs. John Clay: Arizona State's 245-pound linebacker Vontaze Burfict is one of the most talented and aggressive LBs in the country. Wisconsin's 248-pound running back John Clay is one of the best power runners in the country. When these two meet, the violence of the impact should be dynamic. But who knocks the other backwards? Burfict and the ASU defense is looking to make a national statement. To do so, it needs to contain Clay.
5. Can USC put it together? USC's offense looked great in the opener at Hawaii. The defense looked terrible. The offense looked terrible vs. Virginia. The defense looked pretty good. The cumulative affect is we really don't know who these Trojans are. Will they put it all together at Minnesota's expense? Or will it be another piddling effort?
6. Luck through the air: Stanford QB Andrew Luck looked great running, but, despite two TD passes, didn't throw terribly well at UCLA. He completed just 11 of 24 passes for 151 yards. Wake Forest's secondary didn't look great while giving up 358 passing yards and four touchdowns to Duke in a wild 54-48 victory. You'd think Luck would feast on that at home and revert back to his accurate, playmaking self.
7. How will UCLA's offense bounce back? Stanford shut out the Bruins and held them to 233 total yards last weekend. That had many screaming for QB Kevin Prince's head. But Prince's biggest problem is he's barely seen practice time due to a back injury and then a shoulder injury. He's practiced all this week. Moreover, Houston's defense isn't anything like its offense. The Cougars are surrendering 26 points and 393 yards per game. Expect the Bruins to be much better on offense Saturday.
8. Jacquizz should break out vs. Louisville: Dating back to last season, Oregon State RB Jacquizz Rodgers hasn't eclipsed 100 yards rushing in three games. That's a mini-slump for him. Louisville gave up 230 yards rushing to a mediocre Kentucky team in week one. So expect for Rodgers to get his 100 yards. And also expect him to get some touches in the passing game, which he didn't vs. TCU.
9. Cougs stepping forward? Does the comeback win vs. Montana State turn a page for Washington State? Sure, it was just an FCS opponent, but showing some backbone feels meaningful. SMU has a high-powered, balanced offense and is one of the favorites in Conference USA. Moreover, the Mustangs will be plenty motivated after losing at Washington State last year. But if the Cougars pull the upset, the entire tenor of their season could change.
10. How did the Pac-10 measure up? It wasn't the most creative name or anything, but "Measuring Stick Saturday" is real. The Pac-10's place in the pecking order among BCS conferences largely will be based -- at least during the regular season -- on what happens Saturday. A winning weekend will earn it consideration with the Big Ten, SEC and Big 12. A losing one? It falls to the bottom half of the six. Considering the Pac-10 is an underdog in five of the nine games, the conference needs for all its favorites to prevail and at least one underdog to come through with an upset.
South Dakota ended my quest for perfection (or was it Minnesota?). Either way, I'll try to start a new streak this week.
Michigan 43, Massachusetts 14: Denard Robinson does his thing for two and a half quarters before the real drama begins. Does Devin Gardner get the first call after Shoelace, or will it be Tate Forcier? Both reserve quarterbacks end up playing well as Michigan improves to 3-0.
Ohio State 41, Ohio 6: The Buckeyes receive an efficient performance from Terrelle Pryor, and receiver DeVier Posey beats his big brother Julian for two touchdowns. No special teams meltdowns this week, and the defense keeps the Bobcats out of the end zone.
Penn State 35, Kent State 10: After two quiet weeks, Evan Royster arrives in a big way against Kent State. The senior running back goes for 140 yards and three touchdowns against a good run defense, and quarterback Rob Bolden bounces back nicely from the Alabama loss.
Illinois 26, Northern Illinois 14: I'm buying into Illinois' defensive improvement under Vic Koenning, and the Illini receive another solid performance from Ian Thomas, Tavon Wilson and crew. Northern Illinois seems to be struggling to put it all together, and the Illini need this game more.
Purdue 34, Ball State 17: Receivers Justin Siller and Antavian Edison emerge as Purdue begins life without star wideout Keith Smith. The Boilers start slowly for the second consecutive week but get it going in the second quarter, as Dan Dierking eclipses 100 rushing yards for the second consecutive week.
USC 35, Minnesota 23: I've got a strange feeling about this one. Minnesota isn't as bad as it looked against South Dakota, and USC seems to be just skating by on its talent right now. I can't pick the Gophers to win, not with their issues on defense, but they'll come out energized after the Dakota Debacle. Minnesota takes an early lead, but Matt Barkley and his receivers prove to be too much in the second half.
Wisconsin 30, Arizona State 20: This is my Pick of the Week. Check the blog later as I'll have a video explaining my prediction in greater detail.
Indiana 45, Western Kentucky 21: The Hoosiers' offense shows no rust from the 16-day layoff, as Ben Chappell, Darius Willis and Tandon Doss all have big days against a woeful Western Kentucky defense. Indiana's defense struggles against Bobby Rainey, raising some concerns as Big Ten play beckons.
Northwestern 27, Rice 21: Another tricky road game for Pat Fitzgerald's crew against a Rice team that did some good things against Texas in the opener. The Owls jump ahead early and former Michigan running back Sam McGuffie reaches the end zone, but the Wildcats control play in the second half behind quarterback Dan Persa and receiver Jeremy Ebert.
Michigan State 33, Notre Dame 31: A very tough call here. Expect an entertaining shootout in East Lansing, as both offenses find their groove. I'm not sold on the Spartans' defense, and Notre Dame takes advantage as Michael Floyd has a big night. But Michigan State's balanced attack also steps up as Kirk Cousins rallies the team in the fourth quarter and Dan Conroy kicks a 42-yard field goal as time expires.
Iowa 26, Arizona 21: Arizona feeds off an electric atmosphere and jumps ahead behind Nic Grigsby, but Iowa duplicates what it did all last year and rallies on the road behind quarterback Ricky Stanzi. The senior signal caller overcomes an early interception and leads the game-winning touchdown drive, hitting Derrell Johnson-Koulianos for the decisive touchdown.
Last week: 9-1
Season record: 20-1 (.952)
Michigan 43, Massachusetts 14: Denard Robinson does his thing for two and a half quarters before the real drama begins. Does Devin Gardner get the first call after Shoelace, or will it be Tate Forcier? Both reserve quarterbacks end up playing well as Michigan improves to 3-0.
Ohio State 41, Ohio 6: The Buckeyes receive an efficient performance from Terrelle Pryor, and receiver DeVier Posey beats his big brother Julian for two touchdowns. No special teams meltdowns this week, and the defense keeps the Bobcats out of the end zone.
Penn State 35, Kent State 10: After two quiet weeks, Evan Royster arrives in a big way against Kent State. The senior running back goes for 140 yards and three touchdowns against a good run defense, and quarterback Rob Bolden bounces back nicely from the Alabama loss.
Illinois 26, Northern Illinois 14: I'm buying into Illinois' defensive improvement under Vic Koenning, and the Illini receive another solid performance from Ian Thomas, Tavon Wilson and crew. Northern Illinois seems to be struggling to put it all together, and the Illini need this game more.
Purdue 34, Ball State 17: Receivers Justin Siller and Antavian Edison emerge as Purdue begins life without star wideout Keith Smith. The Boilers start slowly for the second consecutive week but get it going in the second quarter, as Dan Dierking eclipses 100 rushing yards for the second consecutive week.
USC 35, Minnesota 23: I've got a strange feeling about this one. Minnesota isn't as bad as it looked against South Dakota, and USC seems to be just skating by on its talent right now. I can't pick the Gophers to win, not with their issues on defense, but they'll come out energized after the Dakota Debacle. Minnesota takes an early lead, but Matt Barkley and his receivers prove to be too much in the second half.
Wisconsin 30, Arizona State 20: This is my Pick of the Week. Check the blog later as I'll have a video explaining my prediction in greater detail.
Indiana 45, Western Kentucky 21: The Hoosiers' offense shows no rust from the 16-day layoff, as Ben Chappell, Darius Willis and Tandon Doss all have big days against a woeful Western Kentucky defense. Indiana's defense struggles against Bobby Rainey, raising some concerns as Big Ten play beckons.
Northwestern 27, Rice 21: Another tricky road game for Pat Fitzgerald's crew against a Rice team that did some good things against Texas in the opener. The Owls jump ahead early and former Michigan running back Sam McGuffie reaches the end zone, but the Wildcats control play in the second half behind quarterback Dan Persa and receiver Jeremy Ebert.
Michigan State 33, Notre Dame 31: A very tough call here. Expect an entertaining shootout in East Lansing, as both offenses find their groove. I'm not sold on the Spartans' defense, and Notre Dame takes advantage as Michael Floyd has a big night. But Michigan State's balanced attack also steps up as Kirk Cousins rallies the team in the fourth quarter and Dan Conroy kicks a 42-yard field goal as time expires.
Iowa 26, Arizona 21: Arizona feeds off an electric atmosphere and jumps ahead behind Nic Grigsby, but Iowa duplicates what it did all last year and rallies on the road behind quarterback Ricky Stanzi. The senior signal caller overcomes an early interception and leads the game-winning touchdown drive, hitting Derrell Johnson-Koulianos for the decisive touchdown.
Last week: 9-1
Season record: 20-1 (.952)
Foles, Arizona want to take the next step
September, 15, 2010
9/15/10
10:43
AM ET
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
It's easy to imagine a Hollywood version of Arizona's Nick Foles coming off the bench against Iowa last year. Mike Stoops, played by Russell Crowe, would toss his headset to the ground in frustration over the Wildcats' offensive ineptitude. And as he picked it up, amid the din of Kinnick Stadium, he'd catch sight of Foles, played by Kip Pardue, looking chill but also engaged.
"Foles!" Stoops/Crowe would bellow. "Son, the Wildcat nation is depending on you!"
Cue inspirational music.
And, of course, Foles would lead the Wildcats to a comeback win, all the while looking chill but also engaged.
Not what happened. The unsentimental reality: A coach -- Foles doesn't remember who -- told him to warm up after Iowa took a 20-10 lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
"And as I was warming up, they said, 'you're going in'," Foles recalled.
He led the Wildcats to a first down. And then they punted. After an 8 1/2-minute touchdown drive from Iowa made it 27-10, Foles led the Wildcats 62 yards for a TD that made the score more respectable. That was it.
Foles would arrive at the football offices early the next day, a Sunday. He watched film. After that, he went out to throw into a net on the practice field. Then he was summoned by then-offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes, who told him he would make his first start at Oregon State. Against the Beavers, Foles completed 25 of 34 passes for 254 yards with three TDs and no interceptions in a 37-22 victory.
And away he went. Nothing Hollywood about it, really. But by remaining chill and engaged and not letting the frustration of initially losing out a close quarterback competition to Matt Scott drive him to distraction, Foles set himself up to be ready when called.
"I was just continuing to work hard, preparing like I was a starter," Foles said. "I knew at any moment I could get an opportunity to play. My big thing was just staying focused, staying ready. I didn't get frustrated because I knew I might eventually get a chance."
Now Foles is something of an X factor in the rematch with Iowa on Saturday in Arizona Stadium. A lot of the same players will be on the field for both teams, but Foles went on to become one of the nation's best quarterbacks after the Iowa game.
Of course, the Iowa defense, which welcomes back eight starters, including all four members of what is probably the nation's best defensive line, is a year older and a year scarier.
"They are very disruptive," Stoops said. "They took away a lot of stuff we thought we would be able to do [last year]. We've got to come up with a better game plan. But they do that to a lot of people. They are so good inside and up front they limit what you can do."
Stoops even specified what Iowa does: While most defenses need seven (or eight) guys to stop the run, Iowa can do it with six, which is not unlike what Nebraska did in the Holiday Bowl -- sorry for bringing that up, Wildcats fans. More guys playing in space makes it harder to throw the ball.
"[Foles] is going to have to play much faster," Stoops said. "Things have to happen a lot faster this week. The windows are going to be a lot tighter to throw in. So we're going to need his accuracy and our players are going to have to make a lot of tough, competitive catches."
Accuracy? Foles is completing 83 percent of his passes.
But Foles is going to need plenty of help. He's going to need his receivers to be aggressive with the ball in the air, his line to stand up to the Hawkeyes' front and he needs running back Nic Grigsby to be a threat on the ground. Also, he needs his guys to remain chill but engaged, because Iowa is going to make big plays on defense. The unit, led by future NFL first-round draft pick Adrian Clayborn at end, is too talented not to.
Foles is the right guy to role model that state of mind.
"I just try to keep it level. I think that's the key to being successful," he said. "You are going to have highs and you are going to have lows but you've got to keep steady. I tell the guys all the time during a game you can have some bad plays and you have some great plays, but the key is to stay steady, to stay mentally focused. That's how I go about it every day. Just have fun. That's a key. Play the game. Just let it come to you."
Arizona defensive end Brooks Reed let the Iowa game come to him last year. It gave him a high ankle sprain early in the second half that pretty much ruined his season. Remember that long, back-breaking Iowa drive at the beginning of the fourth quarter that made it 27-10? Reed tried to come back and play during it. Bad idea.
"I think they noticed I was limping around, and they started running power to my side," Reed said. "Got a few yards, and I got taken out."
Reed and fellow end Ricky Elmore are the best DE-tandem in the Pac-10, and the Wildcats' secondary is good enough to mute Hawkeyes quarterback Ricky Stanzi and his solid crew of receivers. But the big question is how the two new tackles and three new linebackers will handle the power running game, which is Iowa's primary mode of travel.
"They like to run guys over -- that's their deal," Reed said. "This is our first real test as a defense. The first two games kind of got us warmed up."
Reed has seen encouraging signs in the first two games, in which Arizona gave up eight points (two came on a safety) and just 177 yards per game. It reminds him of his first year as a starter in 2008 when the Wildcats had to replace eight starters on defense and ended up ranked 24th in the nation in total defense.
But this is a major step up in competition. And opportunity. The Wildcats have become a top-25 program under Stoops. The next step means entering a rarefied atmosphere.
"That's a hard place to get, but we're fighting like mad to get there," Stoops said. "This is another opportunity. Hopefully, we take advantage of it."
[+] Enlarge
Rick Osentoski/US PresswireNick Foles' key to success: "I just try to keep it level."
Rick Osentoski/US PresswireNick Foles' key to success: "I just try to keep it level."Cue inspirational music.
And, of course, Foles would lead the Wildcats to a comeback win, all the while looking chill but also engaged.
Not what happened. The unsentimental reality: A coach -- Foles doesn't remember who -- told him to warm up after Iowa took a 20-10 lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
"And as I was warming up, they said, 'you're going in'," Foles recalled.
He led the Wildcats to a first down. And then they punted. After an 8 1/2-minute touchdown drive from Iowa made it 27-10, Foles led the Wildcats 62 yards for a TD that made the score more respectable. That was it.
Foles would arrive at the football offices early the next day, a Sunday. He watched film. After that, he went out to throw into a net on the practice field. Then he was summoned by then-offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes, who told him he would make his first start at Oregon State. Against the Beavers, Foles completed 25 of 34 passes for 254 yards with three TDs and no interceptions in a 37-22 victory.
And away he went. Nothing Hollywood about it, really. But by remaining chill and engaged and not letting the frustration of initially losing out a close quarterback competition to Matt Scott drive him to distraction, Foles set himself up to be ready when called.
"I was just continuing to work hard, preparing like I was a starter," Foles said. "I knew at any moment I could get an opportunity to play. My big thing was just staying focused, staying ready. I didn't get frustrated because I knew I might eventually get a chance."
Now Foles is something of an X factor in the rematch with Iowa on Saturday in Arizona Stadium. A lot of the same players will be on the field for both teams, but Foles went on to become one of the nation's best quarterbacks after the Iowa game.
Of course, the Iowa defense, which welcomes back eight starters, including all four members of what is probably the nation's best defensive line, is a year older and a year scarier.
"They are very disruptive," Stoops said. "They took away a lot of stuff we thought we would be able to do [last year]. We've got to come up with a better game plan. But they do that to a lot of people. They are so good inside and up front they limit what you can do."
Stoops even specified what Iowa does: While most defenses need seven (or eight) guys to stop the run, Iowa can do it with six, which is not unlike what Nebraska did in the Holiday Bowl -- sorry for bringing that up, Wildcats fans. More guys playing in space makes it harder to throw the ball.
"[Foles] is going to have to play much faster," Stoops said. "Things have to happen a lot faster this week. The windows are going to be a lot tighter to throw in. So we're going to need his accuracy and our players are going to have to make a lot of tough, competitive catches."
Accuracy? Foles is completing 83 percent of his passes.
But Foles is going to need plenty of help. He's going to need his receivers to be aggressive with the ball in the air, his line to stand up to the Hawkeyes' front and he needs running back Nic Grigsby to be a threat on the ground. Also, he needs his guys to remain chill but engaged, because Iowa is going to make big plays on defense. The unit, led by future NFL first-round draft pick Adrian Clayborn at end, is too talented not to.
Foles is the right guy to role model that state of mind.
"I just try to keep it level. I think that's the key to being successful," he said. "You are going to have highs and you are going to have lows but you've got to keep steady. I tell the guys all the time during a game you can have some bad plays and you have some great plays, but the key is to stay steady, to stay mentally focused. That's how I go about it every day. Just have fun. That's a key. Play the game. Just let it come to you."
Arizona defensive end Brooks Reed let the Iowa game come to him last year. It gave him a high ankle sprain early in the second half that pretty much ruined his season. Remember that long, back-breaking Iowa drive at the beginning of the fourth quarter that made it 27-10? Reed tried to come back and play during it. Bad idea.
"I think they noticed I was limping around, and they started running power to my side," Reed said. "Got a few yards, and I got taken out."
Reed and fellow end Ricky Elmore are the best DE-tandem in the Pac-10, and the Wildcats' secondary is good enough to mute Hawkeyes quarterback Ricky Stanzi and his solid crew of receivers. But the big question is how the two new tackles and three new linebackers will handle the power running game, which is Iowa's primary mode of travel.
"They like to run guys over -- that's their deal," Reed said. "This is our first real test as a defense. The first two games kind of got us warmed up."
Reed has seen encouraging signs in the first two games, in which Arizona gave up eight points (two came on a safety) and just 177 yards per game. It reminds him of his first year as a starter in 2008 when the Wildcats had to replace eight starters on defense and ended up ranked 24th in the nation in total defense.
But this is a major step up in competition. And opportunity. The Wildcats have become a top-25 program under Stoops. The next step means entering a rarefied atmosphere.
"That's a hard place to get, but we're fighting like mad to get there," Stoops said. "This is another opportunity. Hopefully, we take advantage of it."
You could argue the Pac-10 not only has the best quarterbacks in the country, it also has the best running backs.
Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers and Oregon's LaMichael James both ranked in the top-20 in the nation in rushing last season and have been put on various preseason All-America teams. Two other returning running backs -- Washington's Chris Polk and California's Shane Vereen -- rushed for more than 950 yards. Arizona's Nic Grigsby eclipsed 1,000 yards in 2008.
If you were to have that argument, you might want to start with the Doak Walker Award, which is given annually to the nation's best running back and includes only Rodgers on its initial watch list.
Feel free to be stunned.
There are 49 players on that watch list. James rushed for 1,546 yards last season as a redshirt freshman. Only four players on the watch list rushed for more.
This doesn't seem to be a case of "East Coast bias" -- Stanford's Toby Gerhart won the award last season. It does seem to be a case of not knowing what's happening on the West Coast.
I called the Doak Walker Award's home office and left a message looking for a bit of clarity on the oversights. Will let you know when I get a call back.
Obviously, once the Doak Walker folks are clued in that they missed a candidate -- James -- who's without question among the top four or five best running backs in the country, as well as three other backs who have better resumes than 20 or so of their selected players, they will adjust their list.
Semifinalists will be selected Nov. 10, and finalists will be announced on Nov. 22. The 2010 recipient will be announced live on ESPN on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards on Dec. 9.
Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers and Oregon's LaMichael James both ranked in the top-20 in the nation in rushing last season and have been put on various preseason All-America teams. Two other returning running backs -- Washington's Chris Polk and California's Shane Vereen -- rushed for more than 950 yards. Arizona's Nic Grigsby eclipsed 1,000 yards in 2008.
If you were to have that argument, you might want to start with the Doak Walker Award, which is given annually to the nation's best running back and includes only Rodgers on its initial watch list.
Feel free to be stunned.
There are 49 players on that watch list. James rushed for 1,546 yards last season as a redshirt freshman. Only four players on the watch list rushed for more.
This doesn't seem to be a case of "East Coast bias" -- Stanford's Toby Gerhart won the award last season. It does seem to be a case of not knowing what's happening on the West Coast.
I called the Doak Walker Award's home office and left a message looking for a bit of clarity on the oversights. Will let you know when I get a call back.
Obviously, once the Doak Walker folks are clued in that they missed a candidate -- James -- who's without question among the top four or five best running backs in the country, as well as three other backs who have better resumes than 20 or so of their selected players, they will adjust their list.
Semifinalists will be selected Nov. 10, and finalists will be announced on Nov. 22. The 2010 recipient will be announced live on ESPN on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards on Dec. 9.
Another year, another strong collection of running backs, even with the departures of Toby Gerhart and Jahvid Best.
While Pac-10 quarterbacks will grab most of the preseason headlines -- that's what happens when the two best NFL prospects at the position play in the same conference -- the class of running backs is nearly as strong.
Three 1,00o-yard rushers are back, and that doesn't include California's Shane Vereen, who piled up 952 yards as a backup, nor does it including Arizona's Nic Grigsby, who rushed for 1,153 yards in 2008. Six of the top-nine running backs will return this fall, and more than a few teams are decidedly deep at the position.
By the way, you might note there is more mention of incoming freshman at this position than others. Two reasons: 1. The Pac-1o had a strong haul of RBs in recruiting; and, 2. RB is often the easiest place for a young player to break into the lineup.
Great shape
While Pac-10 quarterbacks will grab most of the preseason headlines -- that's what happens when the two best NFL prospects at the position play in the same conference -- the class of running backs is nearly as strong.
Three 1,00o-yard rushers are back, and that doesn't include California's Shane Vereen, who piled up 952 yards as a backup, nor does it including Arizona's Nic Grigsby, who rushed for 1,153 yards in 2008. Six of the top-nine running backs will return this fall, and more than a few teams are decidedly deep at the position.
By the way, you might note there is more mention of incoming freshman at this position than others. Two reasons: 1. The Pac-1o had a strong haul of RBs in recruiting; and, 2. RB is often the easiest place for a young player to break into the lineup.
Great shape
- Oregon: While the Pac-10 blog rates Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers ahead of LaMichael James as an individual player, the Ducks have a decided edge in depth, and not only because James' backup, Kenjon Barner, is one of the conference's most explosive players. The incoming recruiting class also features Lache Seastrunk and Dontae Williams, the No. 6 and No. 13 prep running backs in the nation in 2009.
- Oregon State: Jacquizz Rodgers is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate as the most complete back in the conference. Depth behind him is a little iffy, though Ryan McCants turned in some of his best work during spring practices.
- Washington: Washington fans often note that Chris Polk gained most of his 1,113 yards last year after contact because he was running behind a young offensive line. That line, with four starters back, should be better in 2010. Good depth with Johri Fogerson and freshmen Deontae Cooper and Jesse Callier, who both participated in spring drills.
- California: As noted above, Vereen put up impressive numbers as a backup and then starter over the final four games after Best got hurt. 12 TDs on 183 carries shows he has a nose for the endzone. Depth behind him is uncertain. Trajuan Briggs, Covaughn DeBoskie-Johnson, Isi Sofele and Dasarte Yarnway are competing for backup touches.
- USC: Allen Bradford, a neglected talent under Pete Carroll, who was oddly in love with the mercurial Joe McKnight, could end up being a first-team All-Pac-10 back. C.J. Gable also will have a chance to emerge from Carroll's doghouse. True freshman Dillon Baxter was the star of spring practices, while Curtis McNeal and Marc Tyler are major talents who just need to stay healthy.
- Arizona: The Wildcats welcome back their top three running backs: Grigsby, Keola Antolin and Greg Nwoko. But Grigsby, who averaged 7.2 yards per carry last year when he wasn't hurt, needs to find a way to stay healthy.
[+] Enlarge
Rick Scuteri/US PresswireJacquizz Rodgers may be the most talented individual running back in the Pac-10 this year, but Oregon has the best group.
Rick Scuteri/US PresswireJacquizz Rodgers may be the most talented individual running back in the Pac-10 this year, but Oregon has the best group.- UCLA: It's possible that Johnathan Franklin, Derrick Coleman and Damien Thigpen are first-rate running backs trapped playing behind a struggling offensive line. But the biggest reason that Bruins fans aren't likely fretting this position is the arrival of freshmen Jordon James and Malcolm Jones, the Nos. 5 and 8 running backs in the nation last year.
- Stanford: The Cardinal doesn't have one guy who can replace Gerhart. But who does? The good news for a backfield-by-committee approach with Jeremy Stewart, Tyler Gaffney, Stepfan Taylor and freshman Usua Amanam in the mix is the offensive line in front of them should be outstanding.
- Arizona State: The Sun Devils must replace leading rusher Dimitri Nance, who didn't exactly scare opposing defenses in 2009. Cameron Marshall is the leading returning rusher with 280 yards. James Morrison and Jamal Miles will provide depth, though an incoming freshman might get into the mix. As has been the case for a while with the Sun Devils, the first order is improving the offensive line.
- Washington State: Leading 2009 rusher Dwight Tardy is gone. If James Montgomery is healthy -- and stays that way -- he gives the Cougars a quality runner. He was clearly the best guy last preseason before he got hurt. Logwone Mitz, Chantz Staden, Carl Winston and Marcus Richmond will compete for touches during fall camp. Whatever the pecking order, the offensive line is the biggest issue.
A month ago Rivals looked at the nation's top offensive triplets -- elite combinations of quarterback, running back and receiver.
Two Pac-10 teams -- Arizona and Washington -- made the list.
Hey, we're never afraid to copy a good idea. So let's rate the top five offensive troikas in the conference (tomorrow morning we'll look at the top-five on defense).
The challenge here is priority and value. What if a team is outstanding at running back and receiver but inexperienced at quarterback? How does that measure up with a team that is merely good but also experienced at all three positions?
Tough distinctions but "Tough Distinctions" is our middle name. Er, names.
5. Stanford: QB Andrew Luck, RB Tyler Gaffney, WR Ryan Whalen
The skinny: Stanford nips Oregon for the final spot mostly because of experience and elite talent at quarterback and better numbers at receiver. Luck led the conference in passing efficiency as a redshirt freshman. Gaffney seems like he'll be first among the candidates to replace Toby Gerhart. Whalen ranked fifth in the conference in receiving yards per game. (And, yes, the presence of speedy Chris Owusu on the opposite side flashed through our minds.)
4. USC: QB Matt Barkley, RB Allen Bradford, WR Ronald Johnson
The skinny: Barkley is a major talent who ranked third in the conference in passing efficiency in 2009 as a true freshman. The bruising Bradford rushed for 668 yards and eight touchdowns with a 5.8 yards per carry average. Johnson was hurt much of last year but he's caught 12 career TD passes and is one of the conference's most dangerous deep threats.
3. Oregon State: QB Ryan Katz, RB Jacquizz Rodgers, WR James Rodgers
The skinny: Sure, Katz has yet to throw a meaningful college pass, but he's an impressive talent with a great arm and running ability. Still, the Beavers rank third here for one reason: The Rodgers brothers are the best players at their positions in the conference. Both are proven All-America candidates.
2. Arizona: QB Nick Foles, RB Nic Grigsby, WR Juron Criner
The skinny: After becoming the starter following the third game of 2009, Foles passed for 2,486 yards and 19 TDs. Grigsby was in and out of the lineup with injuries, but he averaged 7.2 yards per carry when he got the ball (and it doesn't hurt that his backup, Keola Antolin, has been productive over the past two seasons). The 6-foot-4 Criner tied for the conference lead with nine TD receptions.
1. Washington: QB Jake Locker, RB Chris Polk, WR Jermaine Kearse
The skinny: Rivals tapped this threesome No. 1 in the nation. Locker ranked No. 2 on our list of the conference's top 25 players and he may go No. 1 in the 2011 NFL draft. Polk ranked fourth in the conference with 1,113 yards rushing in 2009. Kearse earned second-team All-Pac-10 honors after hauling in eight TD passes and leading the conference with a 17.3 yards per reception average.
Two Pac-10 teams -- Arizona and Washington -- made the list.
Hey, we're never afraid to copy a good idea. So let's rate the top five offensive troikas in the conference (tomorrow morning we'll look at the top-five on defense).
The challenge here is priority and value. What if a team is outstanding at running back and receiver but inexperienced at quarterback? How does that measure up with a team that is merely good but also experienced at all three positions?
Tough distinctions but "Tough Distinctions" is our middle name. Er, names.
5. Stanford: QB Andrew Luck, RB Tyler Gaffney, WR Ryan Whalen
The skinny: Stanford nips Oregon for the final spot mostly because of experience and elite talent at quarterback and better numbers at receiver. Luck led the conference in passing efficiency as a redshirt freshman. Gaffney seems like he'll be first among the candidates to replace Toby Gerhart. Whalen ranked fifth in the conference in receiving yards per game. (And, yes, the presence of speedy Chris Owusu on the opposite side flashed through our minds.)
4. USC: QB Matt Barkley, RB Allen Bradford, WR Ronald Johnson
The skinny: Barkley is a major talent who ranked third in the conference in passing efficiency in 2009 as a true freshman. The bruising Bradford rushed for 668 yards and eight touchdowns with a 5.8 yards per carry average. Johnson was hurt much of last year but he's caught 12 career TD passes and is one of the conference's most dangerous deep threats.
3. Oregon State: QB Ryan Katz, RB Jacquizz Rodgers, WR James Rodgers
The skinny: Sure, Katz has yet to throw a meaningful college pass, but he's an impressive talent with a great arm and running ability. Still, the Beavers rank third here for one reason: The Rodgers brothers are the best players at their positions in the conference. Both are proven All-America candidates.
2. Arizona: QB Nick Foles, RB Nic Grigsby, WR Juron Criner
The skinny: After becoming the starter following the third game of 2009, Foles passed for 2,486 yards and 19 TDs. Grigsby was in and out of the lineup with injuries, but he averaged 7.2 yards per carry when he got the ball (and it doesn't hurt that his backup, Keola Antolin, has been productive over the past two seasons). The 6-foot-4 Criner tied for the conference lead with nine TD receptions.
1. Washington: QB Jake Locker, RB Chris Polk, WR Jermaine Kearse
The skinny: Rivals tapped this threesome No. 1 in the nation. Locker ranked No. 2 on our list of the conference's top 25 players and he may go No. 1 in the 2011 NFL draft. Polk ranked fourth in the conference with 1,113 yards rushing in 2009. Kearse earned second-team All-Pac-10 honors after hauling in eight TD passes and leading the conference with a 17.3 yards per reception average.
Pac-10 deep & thin: Stocked and depleted positions
June, 2, 2010
6/02/10
6:07
PM ET
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
At what position is the Pac-10 deep? At what position in the Pac-10 thin? Here's the second of three parts taking a look at just that.
(By the way, some of you wondered about QB. The Pac-10 is, without question, the nation's deepest conference in terms of quarterbacks -- and it would have been deeper if not for a certain Duck making a very, very poor decision. But that's so obvious and been written about so much that we're not including it in this three-part package).
Deep: Running back
Why is it deep? Six of the top-10 running backs from 2009 are back, and four of them rushed for more than 950 yards. Eight teams welcome back a player who qualifies as a starter or at least an experienced veteran. Only Arizona State and Stanford, which is replacing Heisman Trophy runnerup Toby Gerhart, are uncertain at the position. But it's not just about starters. There's depth. Most teams can point to one or more solid backups, not to mention there are a number of elite incoming freshmen recruits expected to immediately contribute.
The big names: Start with Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers, the conference's top Heisman Trophy candidate, and Oregon's LaMichael James, who has All-American potential. They combined for just under 3,000 yards and 35 TDs in 2009. Then there's Washington's Chris Polk (1,113 yards rushing), California's Shane Vereen (952 yards, 12 TDs) and Arizona's Nic Grigsby, who rushed for 1,153 yards in 2008. The Wildcats, in fact, have their top four rushers back, including Keola Antolin, who's rushed for over 1,100 yards and 14 TDs over the past two seasons. USC and UCLA are both experienced in the backfield and have highly rated freshmen recruits who figure to be in the mix, particularly USC's Dillon Baxter, who was spectacular this spring. Washington State has three of its top four rushers back.
Thin: Cornerback
Why is it thin? Three of the four All-Pac-10 cornerbacks are gone: UCLA's Alterraun Verner, California's Syd'Quan Thompson and USC's Kevin Thomas. Each of them were NFL draft picks. Only second-teamer Trevin Wade of Arizona returns. In fact, only one returning CB even earned honorable mention all-conference recognition (Washington's Desmond Trufant). Only Oregon, Stanford and Washington welcome back both starting CBs from 2009, and each of them is hardly settled at the position after spring practices. Arizona State and USC are replacing both corners, though the return of Omar Bolden from injury and Shareece Wright from academic ineligibility should bolster the Sun Devils and Trojans, respectively.
Fill the void? Wright might turn out to be the conference's best cover corner and a top NFL draft pick. Wade had five interceptions last year and could earn national attention. Bolden had a great spring after missing last season with an injury and suffering through a disappointing sophomore year. Trufant, UCLA's Sheldon Price, USC's Torin Harris and Oregon's Cliff Harris are youngsters who might break through. Oregon's Talmadge Jackson and Oregon State's James Dockery are veterans who could take the next step.
(By the way, some of you wondered about QB. The Pac-10 is, without question, the nation's deepest conference in terms of quarterbacks -- and it would have been deeper if not for a certain Duck making a very, very poor decision. But that's so obvious and been written about so much that we're not including it in this three-part package).
Deep: Running back
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Rick Scuteri/US PresswireJacquizz Rodgers is one of several talented running backs returning to the Pac-10 this season.
Rick Scuteri/US PresswireJacquizz Rodgers is one of several talented running backs returning to the Pac-10 this season.The big names: Start with Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers, the conference's top Heisman Trophy candidate, and Oregon's LaMichael James, who has All-American potential. They combined for just under 3,000 yards and 35 TDs in 2009. Then there's Washington's Chris Polk (1,113 yards rushing), California's Shane Vereen (952 yards, 12 TDs) and Arizona's Nic Grigsby, who rushed for 1,153 yards in 2008. The Wildcats, in fact, have their top four rushers back, including Keola Antolin, who's rushed for over 1,100 yards and 14 TDs over the past two seasons. USC and UCLA are both experienced in the backfield and have highly rated freshmen recruits who figure to be in the mix, particularly USC's Dillon Baxter, who was spectacular this spring. Washington State has three of its top four rushers back.
Thin: Cornerback
Why is it thin? Three of the four All-Pac-10 cornerbacks are gone: UCLA's Alterraun Verner, California's Syd'Quan Thompson and USC's Kevin Thomas. Each of them were NFL draft picks. Only second-teamer Trevin Wade of Arizona returns. In fact, only one returning CB even earned honorable mention all-conference recognition (Washington's Desmond Trufant). Only Oregon, Stanford and Washington welcome back both starting CBs from 2009, and each of them is hardly settled at the position after spring practices. Arizona State and USC are replacing both corners, though the return of Omar Bolden from injury and Shareece Wright from academic ineligibility should bolster the Sun Devils and Trojans, respectively.
Fill the void? Wright might turn out to be the conference's best cover corner and a top NFL draft pick. Wade had five interceptions last year and could earn national attention. Bolden had a great spring after missing last season with an injury and suffering through a disappointing sophomore year. Trufant, UCLA's Sheldon Price, USC's Torin Harris and Oregon's Cliff Harris are youngsters who might break through. Oregon's Talmadge Jackson and Oregon State's James Dockery are veterans who could take the next step.
Breaking down the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl between No. 20 Arizona (8-4) and No. 22 Nebraska (9-4).
WHO TO WATCH: Arizona quarterback Nick Foles doesn't have great mobility -- though his supposed lack of mobility is overplayed -- but the reason he wasn't sacked many times this year is his quick release in the Wildcats' short passing game that emphasizes spreading the field with four or five receivers, hitting screens and quick hitches and trying to beat one-on-one matchups. The key to slowing down one of the best defenses in the country -- the Cornhuskers rank second in the nation in scoring defense (11.23 ppg) and ninth in total defense (284.5 yards per game) -- is to distribute the ball before the pressure arrives. That's Foles' job and he's done it well most of the year. But can he do it against Nebraska?
WHAT TO WATCH: Can the Arizona offensive line handle the Nebraska defensive front? Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh is the best defensive tackle in the country -- he might be the best overall player in the country after rolling up 19.5 tackles for a loss and 12 sacks despite near-constant double teams. And the guy beside him, Jared Crick, isn't chopped liver, either. Few teams have had any success rushing against the Cornhuskers, particularly between the tackles. The interior of the Wildcats' offensive line -- center Colin Baxter and guards Conan Amituanai, Herman Hall and Vaughn Dotsy -- will face its biggest challenge of the year. Of course, the return of slashing running back Nic Grigsby from a shoulder injury means the Wildcats' running game may seek the perimeter and use cutbacks to keep the aggressive Cornhuskers at bay.
WHY TO WATCH: It's a showdown between ranked teams from BCS conferences, and both programs are trying to maintain upward momentum heading into the offseason. It's also fair to say both teams should be happy to be in the Holiday Bowl, even though both were close to bigger bowl games. The Cornhuskers were nipped by Texas in the last moments of the Big 12 title game, while Arizona was only a play or two away from the Rose Bowl. Further, Suh will be playing his last college before heading off to the NFL, where he could be the No. 1 overall pick this spring.
PREDICTION: Don't expect a lot of points. Nebraska's great defense should be able to slow Arizona's good offense, while the Wildcats' solid defense should be able to contain Nebraska's struggling offense. The key for Arizona is Foles' quick release and the defense stopping the run and putting pressure on Nebraska quarterback Zac Lee to make plays passing. And turnovers. Never forget those. The game hints at being tight throughout, but it seems that Arizona's balance on both sides of the ball should help it prevail 23-20.
WHO TO WATCH: Arizona quarterback Nick Foles doesn't have great mobility -- though his supposed lack of mobility is overplayed -- but the reason he wasn't sacked many times this year is his quick release in the Wildcats' short passing game that emphasizes spreading the field with four or five receivers, hitting screens and quick hitches and trying to beat one-on-one matchups. The key to slowing down one of the best defenses in the country -- the Cornhuskers rank second in the nation in scoring defense (11.23 ppg) and ninth in total defense (284.5 yards per game) -- is to distribute the ball before the pressure arrives. That's Foles' job and he's done it well most of the year. But can he do it against Nebraska?
WHAT TO WATCH: Can the Arizona offensive line handle the Nebraska defensive front? Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh is the best defensive tackle in the country -- he might be the best overall player in the country after rolling up 19.5 tackles for a loss and 12 sacks despite near-constant double teams. And the guy beside him, Jared Crick, isn't chopped liver, either. Few teams have had any success rushing against the Cornhuskers, particularly between the tackles. The interior of the Wildcats' offensive line -- center Colin Baxter and guards Conan Amituanai, Herman Hall and Vaughn Dotsy -- will face its biggest challenge of the year. Of course, the return of slashing running back Nic Grigsby from a shoulder injury means the Wildcats' running game may seek the perimeter and use cutbacks to keep the aggressive Cornhuskers at bay.
WHY TO WATCH: It's a showdown between ranked teams from BCS conferences, and both programs are trying to maintain upward momentum heading into the offseason. It's also fair to say both teams should be happy to be in the Holiday Bowl, even though both were close to bigger bowl games. The Cornhuskers were nipped by Texas in the last moments of the Big 12 title game, while Arizona was only a play or two away from the Rose Bowl. Further, Suh will be playing his last college before heading off to the NFL, where he could be the No. 1 overall pick this spring.
PREDICTION: Don't expect a lot of points. Nebraska's great defense should be able to slow Arizona's good offense, while the Wildcats' solid defense should be able to contain Nebraska's struggling offense. The key for Arizona is Foles' quick release and the defense stopping the run and putting pressure on Nebraska quarterback Zac Lee to make plays passing. And turnovers. Never forget those. The game hints at being tight throughout, but it seems that Arizona's balance on both sides of the ball should help it prevail 23-20.
Arizona (8-4) vs. Nebraska (9-4)
Dec. 30, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Arizona take by Pac-10 blogger Ted Miller: If you watched the Big 12 championship game, you know one huge question hangs over the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl.
Can Arizona’s offensive line handle All-Universe defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh? Suh had 4.5 sacks among his seven tackles for a loss in the narrow defeat to Texas, a performance so stellar he might get invited to the Heisman Trophy ceremony.
Of course, the Wildcats defense probably feels good about its chances vs. the Huskers anemic offense, which ranks 102nd in the nation.
On paper, Arizona is a more balanced team. The Wildcats are good on defense, ranking 21st in the nation (315.8 yards per game), and solid on offense, ranking 40th in the nation (407.5 yards per game). They also should benefit from the expected return of tailback Nic Grigsby from a shoulder injury that’s riddled him this season.
Nebraska, meanwhile, is dominant on defense. Its No. 2 in the nation in scoring defense (11.2 points per game) and is ranked in the top-10 in just about every defensive category. It, however, is ranked 102nd in total offense and 80th in scoring.
Perhaps a low-scoring game?
Nebraska likely will play to its defense and try to win the field position battle. The game may turn on how well the Wildcats can protect quarterback Nick Foles, who can be lethal in the short-passing game.
Nebraska has 42 sacks this year. Arizona had yielded only 11.
If the Wildcats can’t handle Suh, that total will go way up, and it might be a long night for Foles.
Nebraska take by Big 12 blogger Tim Griffin:Look for defense, defense and more defense when Nebraska’s Bo Pelini and Arizona’s Mike Stoops hook up in the Holiday Bowl.
The Cornhuskers are hot -- literally and figuratively -- after a strong finish capped by their near miss in a controversial loss to Texas in the Big 12 title game. The Cornhuskers struggled moving the ball offensively in the Texas game, producing only five first downs, and were repeatedly stoned trying to rush against the Longhorns’ top-ranked rush defense. Running backs Roy Helu Jr. and Rex Burkhead will be challenged by Arizona’s underrated defense.
The Wildcats limited five of their last six opponents to 24 points or less -- including strong performances in road victories at Arizona State and USC to finish the season. The game will feature two of the nation’s top pass rushers in Arizona’s Ricky Elmore and Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh, who cemented his Heisman credentials with a 4.5-sack effort against Texas and has been a beast all season. Nebraska’s kicking game with Alex Henery and Adi Kunalic will be challenged by an Arizona team that ranks fourth in punt returns and 11th in kickoff returns.
It will be the first matchup between these two teams since the 1998 Holiday Bowl, where Arizona punctuated a 12-1 season with a 23-20 victory. The Cornhuskers will need to find some more offensive production to keep from enduring a similar result this time around.
Dec. 30, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Arizona take by Pac-10 blogger Ted Miller: If you watched the Big 12 championship game, you know one huge question hangs over the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl.
Can Arizona’s offensive line handle All-Universe defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh? Suh had 4.5 sacks among his seven tackles for a loss in the narrow defeat to Texas, a performance so stellar he might get invited to the Heisman Trophy ceremony.
Of course, the Wildcats defense probably feels good about its chances vs. the Huskers anemic offense, which ranks 102nd in the nation.
On paper, Arizona is a more balanced team. The Wildcats are good on defense, ranking 21st in the nation (315.8 yards per game), and solid on offense, ranking 40th in the nation (407.5 yards per game). They also should benefit from the expected return of tailback Nic Grigsby from a shoulder injury that’s riddled him this season.
Nebraska, meanwhile, is dominant on defense. Its No. 2 in the nation in scoring defense (11.2 points per game) and is ranked in the top-10 in just about every defensive category. It, however, is ranked 102nd in total offense and 80th in scoring.
Perhaps a low-scoring game?
Nebraska likely will play to its defense and try to win the field position battle. The game may turn on how well the Wildcats can protect quarterback Nick Foles, who can be lethal in the short-passing game.
Nebraska has 42 sacks this year. Arizona had yielded only 11.
If the Wildcats can’t handle Suh, that total will go way up, and it might be a long night for Foles.
Nebraska take by Big 12 blogger Tim Griffin:
Look for defense, defense and more defense when Nebraska’s Bo Pelini and Arizona’s Mike Stoops hook up in the Holiday Bowl.
The Cornhuskers are hot -- literally and figuratively -- after a strong finish capped by their near miss in a controversial loss to Texas in the Big 12 title game. The Cornhuskers struggled moving the ball offensively in the Texas game, producing only five first downs, and were repeatedly stoned trying to rush against the Longhorns’ top-ranked rush defense. Running backs Roy Helu Jr. and Rex Burkhead will be challenged by Arizona’s underrated defense.
The Wildcats limited five of their last six opponents to 24 points or less -- including strong performances in road victories at Arizona State and USC to finish the season. The game will feature two of the nation’s top pass rushers in Arizona’s Ricky Elmore and Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh, who cemented his Heisman credentials with a 4.5-sack effort against Texas and has been a beast all season. Nebraska’s kicking game with Alex Henery and Adi Kunalic will be challenged by an Arizona team that ranks fourth in punt returns and 11th in kickoff returns.
It will be the first matchup between these two teams since the 1998 Holiday Bowl, where Arizona punctuated a 12-1 season with a 23-20 victory. The Cornhuskers will need to find some more offensive production to keep from enduring a similar result this time around.
Three games will consume your attention, starting with the big Thursday night throwdown for the Rose Bowl.
1. Oregon State needs to play sound run defense: Oregon’s spread-option running game does three things to stress a defense. It tries to fool you. Then it tries to block you. Then it tries to make you miss. It will be first things first for the Beavers defenders: Do your job. That means play within the scheme. Defend your gap. Don’t freelance. The rest is just a physical question. Defeat the block. Don’t miss the tackle. Expect your teammate to do the same.
2. The poised team is going to the Rose Bowl: In last year’s Civil War, Oregon swaggered into Reser Stadium and played fast and loose. And dominated. The Beavers were tight, knowing that a win earned them their first Rose Bowl invitation since the 1964 season. For the Ducks, the Civil War was the thing. For the Beavers, the focus was the Rose Bowl. That's a mistake that coach Mike Riley and his players talked about repeatedly this week. While it could sound counterintuitive, it might help the Beavers to be on the road. Autzen Stadium won’t intimidate the Beavers, and it may help them focus. The Ducks, meanwhile, could tighten up at home -- like the Beavers did -- if things don’t start well.
3. Arizona needs to rediscover its running game to beat USC: What has made the Wildcats' offense so tough the past two seasons is balance. Sure, they spread out a defense, but Arizona has been perfectly comfortable going mano-a-mano with the power running game. But with injury issues at tailback -- starter Nic Grigsby won’t play against the Trojans -- the running game has been inconsistent, at best. Quarterback Nick Foles will need some help against the Trojans defense, which probably will be perfectly comfortable if Foles throws 40 times. Moreover, Foles is nursing a broken bone in his non-throwing hand. Being able to hand the ball off and gain 4 yards will be a big boon to him.
4. Is California or Washington more focused and hungry? Surging Cal is coming off a bye week. It should be rested, but sometimes bye weeks hurt teams that are playing well. Washington is coming off the emotions of a big Apple Cup win, but for the Huskies, this should feel like their bowl game, only in front of their home fans. It’s possible one or both teams will be flat. It’s also possible this will be a spirited battle, with Jake Locker trying to keep the Bears from improving their standing in the Pac-10 bowl pecking order.
5. Ducks stars vs. Beavers stars -- or someone else? Either Oregon’s Jeremiah Masoli or Oregon State’s Sean Canfield is going to be the first-team All-Pac-10 quarterback. It’s also possible that either LaMichael James or Jacquizz Rodgers will be first-team tailback (though both seem like locks for a tripartite backfield with Stanford's Toby Gerhart). Toss in Canfield’s favorite target, James Rodgers, and Masoli’s top man, tight end Ed Dickson, and you have a crew of impact offensive stars hoping for their close-up. On the other hand, big games often produce unlikely heroes. Who might that be? Two names to think about: For the Beavers, tight end Joe Halahuni. For the Ducks, receiver Jamere Holland.
1. Oregon State needs to play sound run defense: Oregon’s spread-option running game does three things to stress a defense. It tries to fool you. Then it tries to block you. Then it tries to make you miss. It will be first things first for the Beavers defenders: Do your job. That means play within the scheme. Defend your gap. Don’t freelance. The rest is just a physical question. Defeat the block. Don’t miss the tackle. Expect your teammate to do the same.
2. The poised team is going to the Rose Bowl: In last year’s Civil War, Oregon swaggered into Reser Stadium and played fast and loose. And dominated. The Beavers were tight, knowing that a win earned them their first Rose Bowl invitation since the 1964 season. For the Ducks, the Civil War was the thing. For the Beavers, the focus was the Rose Bowl. That's a mistake that coach Mike Riley and his players talked about repeatedly this week. While it could sound counterintuitive, it might help the Beavers to be on the road. Autzen Stadium won’t intimidate the Beavers, and it may help them focus. The Ducks, meanwhile, could tighten up at home -- like the Beavers did -- if things don’t start well.
3. Arizona needs to rediscover its running game to beat USC: What has made the Wildcats' offense so tough the past two seasons is balance. Sure, they spread out a defense, but Arizona has been perfectly comfortable going mano-a-mano with the power running game. But with injury issues at tailback -- starter Nic Grigsby won’t play against the Trojans -- the running game has been inconsistent, at best. Quarterback Nick Foles will need some help against the Trojans defense, which probably will be perfectly comfortable if Foles throws 40 times. Moreover, Foles is nursing a broken bone in his non-throwing hand. Being able to hand the ball off and gain 4 yards will be a big boon to him.
4. Is California or Washington more focused and hungry? Surging Cal is coming off a bye week. It should be rested, but sometimes bye weeks hurt teams that are playing well. Washington is coming off the emotions of a big Apple Cup win, but for the Huskies, this should feel like their bowl game, only in front of their home fans. It’s possible one or both teams will be flat. It’s also possible this will be a spirited battle, with Jake Locker trying to keep the Bears from improving their standing in the Pac-10 bowl pecking order.
5. Ducks stars vs. Beavers stars -- or someone else? Either Oregon’s Jeremiah Masoli or Oregon State’s Sean Canfield is going to be the first-team All-Pac-10 quarterback. It’s also possible that either LaMichael James or Jacquizz Rodgers will be first-team tailback (though both seem like locks for a tripartite backfield with Stanford's Toby Gerhart). Toss in Canfield’s favorite target, James Rodgers, and Masoli’s top man, tight end Ed Dickson, and you have a crew of impact offensive stars hoping for their close-up. On the other hand, big games often produce unlikely heroes. Who might that be? Two names to think about: For the Beavers, tight end Joe Halahuni. For the Ducks, receiver Jamere Holland.
Holiday Bowl may be the stakes for USC-Arizona
December, 2, 2009
12/02/09
12:36
PM ET
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
Everybody wants to talk about the ending of USC's 28-7 win over UCLA. In fact, 2,000 words of Pete Carroll's news conference Tuesday were about the Trojans' late 48-yard touchdown pass and the general nuances of sportsmanship.
Carroll yielded little under questioning. He believes in two things: 1. competition; 2. fun. He doesn't believe you can ever have too much of either, even if others wonder about when a compounding of them might push a team past the boundaries of decorum.
"We talked about it yesterday in the meetings about what can happen by showing the excitement," Carroll said. "I'll remind you that last year in the Rose Bowl the officials told us at halftime that if we continue to celebrate as much on the sidelines they were going to call a 15-yard penalty on us. I blew it because I wanted to make them call that penalty. I wish we would have done it so they would have called the penalty on us, so we could have gotten penalized for having too much fun. Because I don't understand that."
Oh, by the way, USC plays host to Arizona on Saturday in a game that will play a big role in deciding the Pac-10's bowl pecking order. The winner likely has the inside track to the Holiday Bowl.
Both teams had bigger goals a few weeks ago, but both are coming off of hard-fought victories in rivalry games, so the glass feels half-full, particularly for Arizona (7-4, 5-3).
"I think we seemed like we were in a better place last night [at practice] than we were a week ago," said Arizona coach Mike Stoops, whose team two weeks ago was knocked out of the Rose Bowl race when it lost a double-overtime thriller to Oregon.
USC (8-3, 5-3) didn't look particularly good while beating the Bruins. While the defense played fairly well against one of the Pac-10's worst offenses, the offense was mostly stagnant.
At least until the end, and we're not talking about Matt Barkley's bomb to Damian Williams that nearly ignited a riot.
The best moments for USC came before that. After the Bruins cut the margin to 14-7 in the fourth quarter, Barkley and company drove 73 yards in nine plays for a touchdown. It was the evening's best drive. Barkley completed 4 of 5 passes for 43 yards, and Allen Bradford ran four times for 30 yards.
Then the defense forced a four-and-out, which appeared to end the game's drama until emotions ran high at the end.
Still, Stoops found himself in the unusual position of seeming to have to build up the Trojans as an opponent.
"They look like USC to me when I watch them play," he said. "I think they're starting to get comfortable and get their confidence and their swagger back, so they present some huge problems defensively with their personnel."
Stoops' high-powered offense hit the skids in the second half at Arizona State. Injuries, as they have been all season, are an issue. Starting tailback Nic Grigsby won't play again Saturday because of a lingering shoulder injury, while quarterback Nick Foles is trying to play with a broken non-throwing hand.
USC knows all about injury woes, but it's as healthy as it has been all season. Williams and tight end Anthony McCoy, whose absences substantially hurt the passing game, figure to be closer to 100 percent this week than they were against UCLA, and preseason All-American center Kristofer O'Dowd will be back in the starting lineup after he lost his job for much of the year due to a lingering knee problem.
Still, Arizona typically gives the Trojans problems. USC has won the past two games by a touchdown and it hasn't scored more than 20 points against the Wildcats' defense since 2005.
"We've always struggled with these guys," Carroll said. "They've been a very difficult scheme against us, and we know it's going to be very hard again."
The stakes are still substantial, in large part because the winner continues to feel good in a season when that wasn't always the case.
As Carroll vaguely alluded, "Kind of feeling good feeling about getting back on track after the two weeks, you know, prior."
Carroll yielded little under questioning. He believes in two things: 1. competition; 2. fun. He doesn't believe you can ever have too much of either, even if others wonder about when a compounding of them might push a team past the boundaries of decorum.
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Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesA win against Arizona likely gives Pete Carroll's team the inside track to the Holiday Bowl.
Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesA win against Arizona likely gives Pete Carroll's team the inside track to the Holiday Bowl.Oh, by the way, USC plays host to Arizona on Saturday in a game that will play a big role in deciding the Pac-10's bowl pecking order. The winner likely has the inside track to the Holiday Bowl.
Both teams had bigger goals a few weeks ago, but both are coming off of hard-fought victories in rivalry games, so the glass feels half-full, particularly for Arizona (7-4, 5-3).
"I think we seemed like we were in a better place last night [at practice] than we were a week ago," said Arizona coach Mike Stoops, whose team two weeks ago was knocked out of the Rose Bowl race when it lost a double-overtime thriller to Oregon.
USC (8-3, 5-3) didn't look particularly good while beating the Bruins. While the defense played fairly well against one of the Pac-10's worst offenses, the offense was mostly stagnant.
At least until the end, and we're not talking about Matt Barkley's bomb to Damian Williams that nearly ignited a riot.
The best moments for USC came before that. After the Bruins cut the margin to 14-7 in the fourth quarter, Barkley and company drove 73 yards in nine plays for a touchdown. It was the evening's best drive. Barkley completed 4 of 5 passes for 43 yards, and Allen Bradford ran four times for 30 yards.
Then the defense forced a four-and-out, which appeared to end the game's drama until emotions ran high at the end.
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Chris Morrison/US PresswireQuarterback Nick Foles will try to play Saturday with a broken hand.
Chris Morrison/US PresswireQuarterback Nick Foles will try to play Saturday with a broken hand."They look like USC to me when I watch them play," he said. "I think they're starting to get comfortable and get their confidence and their swagger back, so they present some huge problems defensively with their personnel."
Stoops' high-powered offense hit the skids in the second half at Arizona State. Injuries, as they have been all season, are an issue. Starting tailback Nic Grigsby won't play again Saturday because of a lingering shoulder injury, while quarterback Nick Foles is trying to play with a broken non-throwing hand.
USC knows all about injury woes, but it's as healthy as it has been all season. Williams and tight end Anthony McCoy, whose absences substantially hurt the passing game, figure to be closer to 100 percent this week than they were against UCLA, and preseason All-American center Kristofer O'Dowd will be back in the starting lineup after he lost his job for much of the year due to a lingering knee problem.
Still, Arizona typically gives the Trojans problems. USC has won the past two games by a touchdown and it hasn't scored more than 20 points against the Wildcats' defense since 2005.
"We've always struggled with these guys," Carroll said. "They've been a very difficult scheme against us, and we know it's going to be very hard again."
The stakes are still substantial, in large part because the winner continues to feel good in a season when that wasn't always the case.
As Carroll vaguely alluded, "Kind of feeling good feeling about getting back on track after the two weeks, you know, prior."
TUCSON, Ariz. -- We've seen white-outs and black-outs this year.
This one's going to be a red-out.
Arizona is in all-red. So are their fans in Arizona Stadium.
Before the Wildcats did their pre-game stretch, their Samoan players led them in "haka" dance, a staple of Polynesian rugby teams, particularly the New Zealand All-Blacks.
Oregon is in white jerseys and black pants, the same colors they wore, by the way, here in 2007 when quarterback Dennis Dixon went down with a knee injury. The Ducks national title hopes followed him with an upset defeat.
This place hasn't been kind to Oregon quarterbacks. Kellen Clemens broke his ankle here in 2005, but the Ducks managed to win that one 28-21.
The first thing to look for: How much will Arizona get out of running back Nic Grigsby, who's trying to come back from a shoulder injury?
This one's going to be a red-out.
Arizona is in all-red. So are their fans in Arizona Stadium.
Before the Wildcats did their pre-game stretch, their Samoan players led them in "haka" dance, a staple of Polynesian rugby teams, particularly the New Zealand All-Blacks.
Oregon is in white jerseys and black pants, the same colors they wore, by the way, here in 2007 when quarterback Dennis Dixon went down with a knee injury. The Ducks national title hopes followed him with an upset defeat.
This place hasn't been kind to Oregon quarterbacks. Kellen Clemens broke his ankle here in 2005, but the Ducks managed to win that one 28-21.
The first thing to look for: How much will Arizona get out of running back Nic Grigsby, who's trying to come back from a shoulder injury?
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