Pac-10 Notebook For 10-07-2006 - College Football News And Picks

Pac-10 Notebook For 10-07-2006
By Jeff Zell
Posted: 3:00 am PDT 2006-10-07

The Cal Train is running smooth now.

After slipping up on the road in Week 1, the Golden Bears have outscored their opponents 44-17 on average on the way to a four-game win streak. QB Nate Longshore has thrown 14 touchdowns in those four games. This past week it was Longshore's four touchdowns that made the difference on the road, handing Oregon State a 41-13 loss.

Don't think it's just the passing game -- Cal still has an ace in the hole. Preseason Heisman dark horse Marshawn Lynch is the Pac-10's leader in all-purpose yards and is ready to explode.

"Offensively we did what we wanted to do in the passing game. I think as the season goes, the run will open up a little more," Longshore said.

This week another quality quarterback visits Longshore and Co. Oregon brings Dennis Dixon, who is the third-most efficient quarterback in the conference and the Pac-10 leader in total yards.

Cal is a 5-point favorite on WagerWeb.com

Recap: There were five conference games last week involving all 10 teams, the biggest shock coming from Washington's 21-10 victory at Arizona. USC used a late interception to hold off Washington State. The Cougars had a shot to go 77 yards in 64 seconds to win but could not do it. Oregon thwarted Arizona State on the road 48-13, and UCLA shut out a very bad Stanford team.

The New Huskies: In the past two seasons, Washington went 3-19. This season, Tyrone Willingham's squad is 4-1 and 2-0 in conference play. There isn't one thing you can put your finger on for why this team has had success. The Huskies' highest ranking in a statistical category is 36^th in the nation in rushing defense. "We're kind of like the new kid on the block. We are 4-1, and people might not have expected you to be in this position," Willingham told the Sporting News. "So you are getting some attention, just because of that. But we haven't done enough yet." This week Washington plays No. 3 USC. Willingham coached Stanford to a win at USC back in 2001. Since then, USC hasn't lost at the Coliseum.

A Look Ahead: A matchup between ranked Cal and Oregon highlights play in the Pac-10. Both are 2-0 in conference play. Another 2-0 conference matchup ensues with USC and Washington. USC, a 19-point favorite at WagerWeb.com, likely will be without WR Dwayne Jarrett again. Arizona goes to UCLA, Washington State goes to Oregon State, and Stanford has a non-conference matchup with Notre Dame.

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