Week 4: Bear Down and Duck

By Kyle Magin
We venture out west, where up is down, UCLA is relevant again, and USC caught an ass-whooping of epic proportions from the Cardinal. This weekend, Arizona heads into Autzen in what could actually be a pretty entertaining matchup. Everything is better with De'Anthony Thomas.

Side note: F*ck Wisconsin.

Arizona @ Oregon -23
I've heard more than a few people say this line is way to large. It's understandable, as Arizona is 3-0, looks like a contender in the Pac 12 south and is racking up passing yards at a faster clip than almost anyone in the nation. QB Matt Scott appears to be just right for RichRod's offense, and aside from his concerningly-high sack total, he's been effective in the red zone and an efficient passer. The only problem for Arizona is that Oregon's offense is going to be on the other side of the field against the Bearcat defense. Oregon doesn't miss in the red zone, scoring 85 percent of the time its entered the 20 yard line—and every single one of those is a touchdown. Marcus Mariota completes 75 percent of his passes down there, and the Bearcats D has been soft in the red zone this season. 'Zona will have to keep a close eye on Thomas down here, a dangerous prospect given Mariota's knack at finding his secondary targets, notably RB Kenjon Barner. Whatever the over settles in at, take it.

BYU @ Boise State -7
BYU doesn't get a breather after last weekend's bizarre, last-second loss to Utah in the Holy War. You'd better believe after two wins Boise will be buzzing tomorrow night for the nationally televised showdown with a squad that wants what they have: To be the baddest off-brand squad west of the Mississippi. BYU is having difficulties finding rushing yards—they gained just 2.5 yards per carry last week and none of their backs were able to get loose for more than 54 yards despite a combined 42 carries. If they can't take more heat off the passing game—who'll face one of Boise's tougher defensive units in the Bronco DBs—the Cougs are in trouble. Boise's D has held opponents to just one passing touchdown this season, and that's when the big nasties like DL Tyler Horn go in for the kill on opposing quarterbacks. Boise's offense is having some growing pains under Joe Southwick, but the defense has been lights out.


Cal @ USC -16
The exact moment I decide to stop picking SC a game pops up like this. Cal at 1-2 can't seem to get out of its own way, posting wildly inconsistent offensive numbers even in games like last week's close loss to OSU, when the special teams played a great game. The Bears' problem isn't their down-to-down defense or even their red zone defense, it's the fact that they give up big plays like the nanny state football team they are, allowing three scoring plays of 25-plus yards last week alone. Wherever you are on the field against Cal, you're in scoring range. The problem, I suspect, lies mainly with the Bears inability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Matt Barkley is very sackable, but if you don't pressure him, he finds his receivers deep downfield—they average 12.3 yards per catch. USC is having a hard time getting its running game going (they 95th in the nation in rush yardage) but if Silas Redd can bust a big play or two it'll open up things for Barkley and his talented receivers—watch out.

Oregon State @ UCLA -7.5
For all the hype, what do we actual know about Oregon State after its only win of the season vs. Wisconsin? This is still a team with a young o-line and anemic offense. The defense is strong, but Wisconsin had major problems in that opener in Corvallis. In Westwood there are two guys in the backfield who can make you pay dearly with their legs—QB Brett Hundley and RB Jonathan Franklin, who is averaging an impressive 9 yards per touch. The Bruins rushing game is so good that they're nearly guarunteed to win the time of possession battle—a scary prospect for an OSU team not meant to come from behind.