Jeff Lund Asst. Sports Editor

Arizona at California

Most times when a coach resigns, the team responds with a victory. Well, coach John Mackovic didn't resign. In fact, he might just have brought Arizona football to rock bottom. That means there is no place to go but up. We will see how the team responds up at Cal. This game will be very close, or Arizona will get blown out of the water.

Arizona 21 California 20

Arizona State at No. 8 USC

Carson Palmer will single-handedly beat Arizona State. His Heisman hopes will rise after this weekend's game after throwing for huge numbers. ASU will go into the territorial battle with Arizona after three straight losses. Arizona will enter with a 10-game home conference losing streak. Sounds like a great Thanksgiving party. God help us.

USC 45 ASU 18

Washington at No. 23 Oregon

It's nice to see that Washington's fallout happened after it beat Arizona on an 80-yard slant. Wonderful. Oregon needs this game to keep this year from being even more disappointing. A team that cried about not getting into the National Championship last year can't lose four conference games the next season.

Oregon 63 Washington 13

No. 4 Texas at Texas Tech

Texas is always ranked in both basketball and football, but never threatens for the title. This year is the same. Just as Texas was getting itself back in position to be a major player, it will drop to Texas Tech, and Bobby Knight will be the first down on the field tearing down the goalposts.

Texas Tech 28 Texas 24

Shane Dale Opinions Editor

Arizona at California

It's the battle of John Mackovic ÷ the suave, well-dressed capitalist ÷ and the activist, anti-corporate socialists of Berkeley. These are the people who endorsed the Green Party candidate for governor in their paper. Et tu, Bears? Unfortunately for UA, this one's played on Cal's hemp-laced turf. But they'll put points on the board ÷ socialists don't believe in defense.

California 42 Arizona 30

Arizona State at No. 8 USC

Look at the BCS computer rankings for Southern Cal: 9, 10, 8, 8, 9, 9 · 3? Someone has The New York Times (speaking of socialists) in their back pocket. As for ASU, they might as well have Terrell Suggs and 10 midgets on defense. If offense turns you on, keep some tissues nearby for this one.

USC 51 ASU 41

Washington at No. 23 Oregon

Oregon rusher Onterrio Smith calls himself "O-Zone." Scientists just discovered that the "hole" in the ozone layer is shrinking. Which further proves that global warming is the biggest hoax of our generation. Our planet ÷ and our ozone ÷ is stronger than the enviro-hippies think. And it's a strong O-Zone that'll find holes in the Huskies' defense and lead the Ducks to the "W."

Oregon 22 Washington 17

No. 4 Texas at Texas Tech

The only thing worse than a socialist is a communist. And they thrive under the guise of American sports programs. There's the Detroit Red Wings. The St. John's Red Storm. And then there's the Red Raiders of Texas Tech. Here's what will happen: TT will pull off the upset. Then they'll throw themselves in jail for having a post-game celebration that wasn't sponsored by the state.

Texas Tech 17 Texas 13

Christian Dix Paperboy

Arizona at California

Whether or not John Mackovic makes it through this season, and this reporter says he shouldn't, this year has been an all-time low for the kitties. Big John asked for a second chance yesterday, which shouldn't matter because losing isn't tolerated at UA. That said, my girlfriend's roommate got a cat on Tuesday, so I'll give this one to the wild kitties.

Arizona 13 California 10

Arizona State at No. 8 USC

Whatever happened to the ASU bandwagon? It's been left with fewer people than a Spring Break trip to Nogales. Things don't get easier for the Devils, as they face a USC team barely clinging to its Pac-10 hopes. I hope ASU knows what it's getting into, not like me and the girl with the tongue ring I met on my first trip to Nogie.

USC 34 ASU 13

Washington at No. 23 Oregon

This used to be one of the fiercest rivalries in the Pac-10. Too bad UW hired a certain coach to blow it. I'll give this one to Oregon, just because of the guy coaching the other team. UW can't win on the road, and it will be a long night for Slick Rick, especially if his wife doesn't accompany him on the trip.

Oregon 28 Washington 24

No. 4 Texas at Texas Tech

To win the conference, Tech needs to beat Texas and Oklahoma back to back. That will prove more difficult than me writing this column without mentioning Mrs. Neuheisel. I would pick Texas big, but the Horns can't seem to win the big games. Chris Simms is softer than my pillow as my alarm goes off in the morning, but it won't matter here.

Texas 38 Texas Tech 10

Brett Fera Staff Writer

Arizona at California

Many "fans" will look at yesterday's press conference as a debacle. I look at it as an epiphany. Say what you want about Mackovic. Call him a horrible coach, or hot-headed. Call him human. He called himself out, at the risk of never again landing another major recruit during his career at UA. But the players will respond and turns things around, starting in Berkeley.

Arizona 21 California 17

Arizona State at No. 8 USC

Believe it or not, Carson Palmer is a legitimate Heisman candidate, like he was projected to be three years ago. Maybe it has something to do with having three different offensive coordinators during those first three seasons. Now that Norm Chow has been in his ear for more than just one season, Palmer can dominate any game he plays in ÷ and will.

USC 47 ASU 30

Washington at No. 23 Oregon

At the beginning of the season, this was a game to keep your eye on. Now, it's a couple of Pac-10 also-rans fighting for a spot in a middle-tier bowl sponsored by some fledgling dot-com company. Yay! At least it's a preview of next year's conference favorites. Cody Pickett and Jason Fife will be Heisman contenders next season, so let the showdown begin.

Oregon 45 Washington 42

No. 4 Texas at Texas Tech

Texas got manhandled by Oklahoma again this year, and, once again, is poised to make a late championship run. Don't bet on it. Chris Simms will be fine in the NFL, with his pockets full and enough players around him to make him good. But while he's at UT, he can't with a big game. Hook Îem Horns, you're going to the Holiday Bowl.

Texas Tech 40 Texas 34