Chad Hartley, Reno Gazette-Journal: Yet more discussion about a Hawaii-Fresno State game in Japan in his look at the WAC.
Andrew Bagnato, Arizona Republic: Who needs a playoff? The Pac-10 has its own version, with a semifinal Saturday between Cal and UCLA.
Jimmy Burch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Mack Brown is trying to downplay the importance of Texas-Oklahoma. Check back late Saturday to see how he feels (registration).
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Washington State (minus 13) -- The man was all over the Cougars last week against Oregon State, and they blew a 30-13 lead, lost the darn game and failed to cover. But he hasn't lost faith. Stanford lost at home last week by 24 points to Oregon and now it has to travel to greater metropolitan Pullman. That in and of itself would strike fear in anybody. But let's get serious. There are 119 teams in Division I, and Stanford's defense ranks 113. Its offense isn't much better at 108. The Cardinal gave up 463 yards passing to Oregon, and Washington State's passing game ranks with Oregon's in the national statistical rankings. Washington State is fifth in offense and 31st in defense. Yes, the Cougs lost their stud linebacker Derting at Corvallis, but the Wizard is confident enough that Stanford is so lousy it won't matter.
Colorado (minus 3) -- The Buffaloes play defense, the Aggies don't. Texas A&M is 101st in passing defense and Colorado is home. We would argue that Colorado has played a more challenging schedule to date and A&M's defense might be worse than advertised. We will lay the points with the home team.
Baylor (plus 9) -- The number has been going down so the Bears are a popular pick. We were impressed with Baylor's spunk last week at Texas A&M. Yes, the Bears have a long road losing streak in conference play, but Guy Morriss is turning it around in Waco and victory is near. Iowa State's problem is it can't run the ball. Baylor is best stopping the run. We will take the Bears and the points against an Iowa State team that lost an emotional game last week at Lincoln.
California (plus 1.5) -- UCLA has trouble stopping the run (91st in nation). Cal is best running the ball (seventh in the nation). If you haven't figured it out, the Wizard likes teams who can run. If you can run, then you can pass. It opens it up. The Bruins are going to have to stack the line, and if Cal can make some plays throwing the ball, it should win. Cal did lose a key member of the offensive line this week, but UCLA lost a key member of its defensive line and doesn't have the depth of the Bears.
Indiana (minus 6) -- This isn't so much about the Hoosiers as it is about Illinois. The Fighting Illini are 111th in total defense. Indiana might not win another game, but it is at home against a defenseless opponent. We will spot the points and go with an improved Hoosier squad.
New Mexico (minus 7.5) -- The Wizard was stunned to see BYU get drilled last week by San Diego State, 31-10, in its first road game. New Mexico returns home after two consecutive losses on the road. The Lobos need this game. A loss here and it's no telling where the season goes.
Missouri (minus 5) -- Oklahoma State might be 3-1, but the one was 0-34 last week to Colorado at Stillwater. The Cowboys got fat against Montana State, Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State. Oklahoma State ranks 102 in offense having played a questionable schedule. Missouri's defense is nothing great, but is 11th in offense and should be able to put up some points. Let's see if the punchless Cowboys can keep pace.
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