Fearless Predictions: WAC

Why to watch: The quarterbacks may be dropping like flies, but that hasn't kept Oregon from opening 3-0 and moving up to No. 17 in the AP poll. Even with starter Justin Roper on the sidelines with a knee injury, the Ducks erased a halftime deficit and beat Purdue for a meaningful road victory. At least for the next few weeks, the offense will be in the hands of first-year players Chris Harper and Jeremiah Masoli. With wins over Idaho State and Bowling Green, Boise State is unbeaten and inching toward in the Top 25. The Broncos will get there with a win in Eugene, their first road game and true test of the season. In a role reversal, they're putting their fate in the hands of the defense as the offense adjusts to a handful of new starters.

Why Boise State might win: How many more hits can the Oregon offense endure? Roper was the backup until Nate Costa was lost for the season and Harper, the likely starter, was in high school last fall. The Bronco defense is playing exceptionally well, yielding a single touchdown in each of the first two games. Ends Mike T. Williams and Ryan Winterswyk form a disruptive bookend up front, and Kyle Wilson is a lockdown corner capable of taking one of the Duck receivers out of the mix.

Why Oregon might win: Boise State's problems on offense, specifically the offensive line, will cost the program this weekend. The Broncos survived their first scoreless second half at home in two decades, but won't be as fortunate against a quality Pac-10 opponent. The Ducks will attack the rebuilt Boise line with ends Nick Reed and Will Tukuafu, forcing rookie QB Kellen Moore to hurry his throws. The Broncos' ample reserves of skill position talent will be neutralized by Jairus Byrd, Patrick Chung, and Walter Thurmond, Oregon's trio of all-league-caliber defensive backs.

Who to watch: While Reed entered the season with more publicity and career sacks, Tukuafu has upstaged him through the first three games. He already has a team-high five tackles for loss and four sacks, and was a beast in the win over Purdue. His continued emergence makes it impossible for teams to double up on either side of the line.

What will happen: Yes, the injuries at quarterback have made the Ducks more vulnerable, but not this Saturday. They'll rally behind the play of the defense and the running of Jeremiah Johnson and LeGarrette Blount to offset a decline in production from the new signal-callers.

Line: Oregon -10.5

Must See Rating: (5 Hole in the Wall - 1 First Blood) ... 3.5

Fearless Prediction: Oregon 31 ... Boise State 17

Why to watch: Even with a new staff and a tough stretch to start the season, Washington State couldn't have imagined things would be this bad in 2008. The Cougars have been blown out in three straight games, the most recent a 45-17 spanking from Baylor. First-year head coach Paul Wulff tried juggling his lineup, including a switch at quarterback, but the results were the same. Clearly the worst program in the Pac-10, Wazzu has to handle Portland State, the only opponent it'll be favored to beat. The Vikings are led by former NFL coach Jerry Glanville, who still favors the run-and-shoot offense. They've split their first two games, beating Western Oregon before dropping a shootout with UC-Davis.

Why Portland State might win: The Vikings like to air it out with QB Drew Hubel and one of the most productive passing attacks in the FCS. Hubel is No. 4 in the country in total offense, and is flanked by a deep collection of receivers. Although the competition has certainly been better, Washington State has shown no ability to play defense or tackle in the open field, allowing 50 points and 475 yards a game. Even Baylor, which is not known for creating fireworks, lit up the Cougar D for 555 yards.

Why Washington State might win: The Wazzu D is bad. Portland State is worse. The Vikings got steamrolled by UC-Davis for 588 yards and 29 first downs. The Cougars finally have a chance to work on the new spread offense versus a team that won't match their size or speed. If a wrist injury doesn't get in the way, Kevin Lopina will get his second start at quarterback. A more mobile option than Gary Rogers, he'll frustrate the Vikings with his arm and legs. If they decide to keep it simple, Washington State will run Dwight Tardy and Chris Ivory without a lot of resistance.

Who to watch: The Cougars need to find ways to get the ball in the hands of WR Jeshua Anderson. An Olympic-caliber sprinter, he was sharp in his first full game back from a hernia injury, catching a career-high five passes for 57 yards. A budding complement to Brandon Gibson, he flashes plenty of potential as a game-changer in the open field.

What will happen: Now this is more your speed, Washington State. The Cougars will get a chance to be the bully for a change, moving the smaller Portland State players off the ball and opening things up for Tardy to have a big day. Don't get used to it. The Pac-10 schedule resumes next week.

Line: No LIne

Must See Rating: (5 Hole in the Wall - 1 First Blood) ... 1

Fearless Prediction: Washington State 35 ... Portland State 24

Why to watch: Army and Florida International would like to throw their names into the hat for consideration, but Idaho and Utah State are each in the running for the honor of being the nation's worst FBS team. Idaho at least has a win as it got by Idaho State 42-27 two weeks ago. However, the Vandals lost to Arizona and Western Michigan by a combined score of 121 to 28. Utah State hasn't even been close so far getting thumped by UNLV, Oregon and Utah, and barring a miraculous upset, this might be the team's best chance at a win until the season ender against New Mexico State. It's the same deal for Idaho. It'll be an underdog to everyone but New Mexico State, who comes to Moscow in mid-October.

Why Idaho might win: The Vandals have far better skill weapons. Deonte Jackson is one of the WAC's best backs and WR Eddie Williams is coming off a huge game. Utah State's run defense has been shoved all over the place allowing 258 yards rushing yards per game. If this gets into any sort of a shootout, Idaho is far better equipped.

Why Utah State might win: Utah State's defensive line is bad. Idaho's is worse. The Aggies should be able to get the running game going for the first time all season long, and there shouldn't be any fear of a pass rush. For the first time all season long, the Aggie skill players should get a little bit of time to operate.

Who to watch: Utah State has spent the first part of the season trying to figure out who the quarterback should be. It's been a rotation of sorts with Sean Setzer and Diondre Borel each seeing time. Neither has done much, but Borel offenses a better rushing option. The team's leading rusher, Borel, a sophomore, will get the start. He has to push the ball down the field a bit to open things up for the ground game.

What will happen: This should be a good game. Idaho has the better talent offensively, but Utah State has the experience. The Aggies will come up with a key late drive to pull off the second win against Idaho in their last five games.

Line: Utah State -5

Must See Rating: (5 Dr. 90210 - 1 Biggest Loser: Families) ... 2

Fearless Prediction: Utah State 28 ... Idaho 20

Why to watch: The entire year and the entire self-worth of Fresno State appeared to be tied in to the battle against Wisconsin. This was FSU's chance to show just how strong it is against the biggest of the big boys, and strange penalties aside, Pat Hill's crew went to-to-toe with the Badgers in a game that could've gone either way. All BCS hope isn't completely lost, but the Bulldogs have to start generating a buzz again by winning a game like this against a dangerous Toledo team. The Rockets are 1-1, but they've been abysmal getting the offense moving. Last among MAC teams in total and scoring offense, Toledo has to be ready to be more productive in what should be a battle of big plays.

Why Fresno State might win: Toledo hasn't shown any sort of pop to the offense so far averaging a mere 142 passing yards in each of the first two games. Aaron Opelt has been efficient, but he hasn't cranked out the yards. Toledo's secondary will give up big plays, and Fresno State should be able to take advantage with its quick strike offense able to take control at any time. If they take a deep breath and relax after last week, FSU's offense should come through with a solid, balanced performance.

Why Toledo might win: Let down, let down, let down. Fresno State had to travel across the country to face Rutgers, and then came back to its own place to face Wisconsin. With UCLA up next, Fresno State will hardly be of sound mind and body. Thee Rockets need the stars to succeed. Toledo wants the same thing.

Who to watch: Opelt has been decent, but he hasn't exactly scared anyone. The junior has thrown four touchdown passes and only one interception, but he hasn't provided too much of a spark. He has the legs to run on occasion, and the arm to bomb away, and he'll need to do both to keep Fresno State on its heels.

What will happen: Toledo will strike early with two key scores, but Fresno State will chip away until it finally comes up with one big game-changing drive that'll change the game around. The Bulldog offensive line, injuries and all, will control the second half.

Line: Fresno State -7

Must See Rating: (5 Dr. 90210 - 1 Biggest Loser: Families) ... 2.5

Fearless Prediction: Fresno State 34 ... Toledo 23

Why to watch: In a matter of two weeks, Stanford has gone from a program on the rise to the same old Cardinal. After opening with a surprising win over Oregon State, Stanford has lost consecutive games to Arizona State and TCU along with all of its momentum. It needs to recapture that mojo this week because the next two games are away from The Farm and the rest of the schedule isn't especially forgiving. San Jose State is playing better with each passing week. Two weeks ago, the Spartans outgained Nebraska in Lincoln before imploding in the fourth quarter. And last Saturday, they destroyed San Diego State in every facet of the game. It's a dangerous and improving team that's going to make a lot of noise in the WAC.

Why San Jose State might win: The Spartan defense has really begun to gel around DE Carl Ihenacho, DT Jarron Gilbert, and CB Coye Francies. It leads the WAC in every major statistical category and went toe-to-toe with Nebraska on the road two weeks ago. Ihenacho has been the chief catalyst, pulling a rare triple crown as the team leader in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. The Spartan pressure will create headaches for a Stanford offensive line that continues to have problems in pass protection.

Why Stanford might win: The weakest link on San Jose State is the offensive line, which is allowing way too many sacks in September. The Cardinal will pounce on the opportunity by bringing pressure from the second and third lines of defense. Linebackers Clinton Snyder and Pat Maynor possess tremendous range and a knack for making plays behind the line of scrimmage. If it comes down to special teams, advantage Stanford. The Spartans have been a mess in this area, getting nothing from P Philip Zavala or PK Jared Strubeck.

Who to watch: Spartan QB Kyle Reed never got a chance to beat Stanford in The Big Game when he was at Cal, which makes this week's matchup a little more special. He's a big part of the reason why San Jose State is trending upward, combining great feet with improving comfort in the pocket. Reed showed signs of peaking last week, rushing for three scores and connecting on 20-of-25 pass attempts.

What will happen: Stanford better be on upset alert because Dick Tomey and his Spartans are arriving on a mission. Although the Cardinal has the slight edge in overall talent, the two schools are heading in opposite directions. San Jose State will jump out to an early lead behind Reed and get a late defensive stand to preserve a pivotal road victory.

Line: Stanford -9

Must See Rating: (5 Hole in the Wall - 1 First Blood) ... 2.5

Fearless Prediction: San Jose State 24 ... Stanford 21

Why to watch: The only certainty when New Mexico State and UTEP get together is that the quarterbacks will take center stage. Both programs like to air it out and don't play much defense, meaning Chase Holbrook and Trevor Vittatoe will pile up the passing yards. The Miners and head coach Mike Price are entering must-win territory after opening the year with ugly losses to Buffalo and Texas. They've done little right in the losses, and the bad vibes around the program just aren't going away. The Aggies got a late start to the season because of bad weather, kicking things off with a 38-7 loss to Nebraska a week ago. Like its host New Mexico State is mired in a bad situation, needing something positive to light a spark. A win in El Paso might qualify.

Why New Mexico State might win: It's all about Holbrook and the prolific Aggie passing game. He struggled in Lincoln, but the UTEP defense will prove to be far more generous. The Miners have allowed 42 points in each the first two games and lack the talent, especially up front, keep Holbrook in check. He'll shine in the Sun Bowl, getting all day to play pitch-and-catch with Chris Williams, A.J. Harris, and Wes Neiman.

Why UTEP might win: While the Miners will have similar success through the air with Vittatoe, they've got the edge in balance. UTEP will soften a weak Aggie defense by running Terrell Jackson behind a solid line that includes all-league candidates Robby Felix and Mike Aguayo. Plus, it's expecting to get back Donald Buckram, a speedster who can get around tackle and spring into the secondary. New Mexico State can't stop the run, which gives the Miners more options than simply ducking and chucking.

Who to watch: Senior TE Jamar Hunt has emerged as a viable option for the UTEP passing game. After learning Jake Sears, he's almost matched last year's dozen grabs after just two games. At 6-7 and 260 pounds, he's built like of the Miner tackles, yet flashes the soft hands and athletic ability to earn Vittatoe's confidence,

What will happen: Neither team plays much defense, so it should be a track meet with both schools putting points on the board. UTEP is consumed by a sense of urgency, and has the more balanced offense and home-field advantage to stave off New Mexico State's upset bid

Line: Stanford -9

Must See Rating: (5 Hole in the Wall - 1 First Blood) ... 2.5

Fearless Prediction: UTEP 34 ... New Mexico State 24